The redevelopment of Motilal Nagar 1, 2 and 3 in Goregaon West is set to combine large-scale urban renewal with an emphasis on green infrastructure, with MHADA planning more than 15 acres of green and open spaces across the 143-acre project.
The project, being undertaken by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) through the Construction and Development Agency (C&DA) model, covers a large residential cluster along New Link Road. Around 3,700 existing MHADA flat holders are expected to be rehabilitated under the redevelopment, which has been estimated at around Rs 1 lakh crore.
Green Spaces Form a Major Part of the Plan
More than 15 acres of the project area is proposed to be retained or developed as green space. The master plan includes parks and open areas at the podium levels of rehabilitation buildings, along with tree-lined internal roads and pedestrian pathways.
The redevelopment also plans to retain more than 1,500 existing trees, allowing the area’s established greenery to remain part of the future township.
The trees proposed for conservation include species such as bhendi or Indian tulip, neem, banyan, kadamba, jamun, umbar, mango, jackfruit, coconut, saptaparni and desi badam.
The approach is intended to preserve portions of the area’s existing natural character while introducing new buildings and infrastructure.
A Planned Township Instead of Piecemeal Redevelopment
MHADA’s focus on cluster redevelopment is aimed at transforming entire neighbourhoods through integrated planning rather than rebuilding individual structures in isolation.
The Motilal Nagar proposal brings together rehabilitation housing, internal roads, public infrastructure, recreational areas and landscaped spaces, creating a more comprehensive urban layout.
With Goregaon becoming an increasingly important residential and transport hub, improved connectivity and planned development could further enhance the area’s appeal. The proposed integration of housing and green spaces is also expected to provide residents with a more balanced urban environment.
Potential Model for Future Redevelopment
MHADA Vice Chairman and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal said the objective of cluster redevelopment extends beyond replacing old housing.
According to Jaiswal, the Motilal Nagar plan focuses on creating a comprehensive urban settlement by combining modern infrastructure, sustainable planning and around 15 to 17 acres of green space.
The project could therefore serve as a reference for future redevelopment initiatives in Mumbai, particularly in established neighbourhoods where ageing housing stock needs to be replaced without eliminating valuable green assets.
For Goregaon, the redevelopment represents a significant transformation of an established residential cluster. Alongside new homes and upgraded infrastructure, the retention of mature trees and creation of extensive open spaces could give the future development a stronger environmental character.
As Mumbai faces increasing pressure on land and open space, the Motilal Nagar project highlights an approach where large-scale redevelopment and environmental preservation are planned within the same urban framework.
Source: Times Now
