Maharashtra is planning to develop approximately 30 lakh homes over the next 15 to 20 years, alongside major upgrades to urban infrastructure across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at the foundation stone ceremony for the Siddheshwar Nagar and Ramabai Nagar cluster redevelopment projects in Thane, Shinde said the government intends to extend the cluster development model across Mumbai, Thane, Mira-Bhayandar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan-Dombivli and Ulhasnagar.
The two Thane projects will cover nearly 20 hectares, or around 50 acres, and are expected to provide safer housing to approximately 6,000 families. The redevelopment will include wider roads, improved water supply, sewage networks, waste management systems and smart streetlights.
Plans also feature gardens, playgrounds, community halls, gyms, yoga centres, indoor sports facilities, digital libraries, daycare centres, senior citizen amenities, a primary health centre and a women’s empowerment centre.
Housing Alongside Infrastructure Improvements
Shinde stressed that cluster redevelopment should go beyond replacing ageing buildings with high-rise structures. The objective is to create integrated neighbourhoods with essential services, public spaces and employment opportunities through commercial development.
He described the approach as a “city within a city”, where housing is supported by civic infrastructure and social amenities. Amendments to the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR), he said, have helped speed up cluster and Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects.
The programme has taken nearly two decades to reach the implementation stage, highlighting the challenges involved in redeveloping densely populated areas with ageing buildings and inadequate facilities.
Connectivity and Resident Welfare
Shinde cited the Metro network, internal metro projects, the Coastal Road and the Thane-Borivali tunnel as key initiatives expected to improve regional connectivity. He also announced plans to clean and beautify the Siddheshwar Lake area.
The first phase of the Kisan Nagar cluster redevelopment is nearing completion, with residents expected to receive keys to their new homes soon.
The government will consider residents’ demands for a corpus fund, affordable additional space and rehabilitation support for small shopkeepers. Shinde also urged developers to maintain construction standards.
The broader objective is to ensure redevelopment delivers safer homes, stronger infrastructure, better connectivity and improved living conditions across the region.
Source: News 18
