Dharavi Redevelopment Project : Mumbai’s Biggest Urban Transformation

Dharavi Redevelopment: A New Chapter for Mumbai

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is now officially underway, marking one of India’s most ambitious urban transformation initiatives. With a total project cost of ₹95,790 crore and a completion timeline of seven years, the redevelopment aims to reshape Asia’s largest informal settlement into a modern, sustainable, and well-planned township.

Project Overview:

The Maharashtra government has approved the master plan for Dharavi, and work has already begun following the issuance of the first commencement certificate in January 2025. The project is being executed by Navbharat Mega Developers Private Ltd (NMDPL), a joint venture between the Maharashtra government and the Adani Group.

Spanning over 251 hectares, the redevelopment will include rehabilitation, commercial zones, new housing infrastructure, modern transit systems, and large public spaces designed to uplift the lives of residents while transforming the locality’s economic prospects.

Housing & Rehabilitation:

The redevelopment will prioritize providing homes and commercial spaces for eligible residents and businesses. The plan includes:

• 58,532 residential units for rehabilitation

• 13,468 commercial units

• A total of over 72,000 units planned for Dharavi’s residents and enterprises

  
  

The focus is on ensuring safe, sustainable, and well-designed living spaces while preserving Dharavi’s traditional livelihood clusters such as pottery, leather, tailoring, and recycling.

Infrastructure Upgrades:

The project incorporates a new infrastructure ecosystem designed to give Dharavi the urban standards of a modern city. Key features include:

• A Multi-Modal Transit Hub (MMTH) connecting metro, railway, bus and non-motorised transport

• A planned “green spine” with landscaped public areas

• Wider internal roads, better drainage, and improved sanitation

• Social infrastructure such as schools, clinics, community centres and marketplaces

  
  

This redevelopment aims to make Dharavi pedestrian-friendly, environmentally conscious, and economically stronger.

Economic Impact:

The transformation is expected to boost job opportunities, promote local industries, and increase real estate value across surrounding areas. The improved connectivity and infrastructure will position Dharavi as a key node within Mumbai’s growth corridor.

For the residents, the project promises secure housing, upgraded business spaces, and a cleaner, safer neighbourhood. For Mumbai, it marks a major step toward addressing urban density and unlocking new economic potential.

Project Timeline:

The entire redevelopment is scheduled for completion within seven years, with phased construction continuing until January 2032. Surveys and eligibility verification are in the final phases, with thousands of tenements already assessed.

A New Future for Dharavi:

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project stands as a historic initiative aimed at redefining urban living standards for more than half a million people. Once complete, Dharavi will evolve from one of the world’s most densely populated informal settlements into a modern, connected, and thriving urban district.