Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 14: In a historic move, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), in collaboration with the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), has launched a large-scale slum redevelopment project covering 31.82 hectares in Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamraj Nagar in North East Mumbai. The initiative will benefit approximately 17,000 slum dwellers, making it one of the most ambitious urban renewal efforts in the city's recent history.
This marks the first time in MMRDA’s 50-year existence that the agency will act as the developer of a slum rehabilitation project, while the SRA takes on the role of Planning Authority.
The foundation stone for the project was laid today by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, signaling the official start of this transformative initiative.
Key Highlights of the Project:
• Project Area: 31.82 hectares
• Beneficiaries: Approx. 17,000 slum dwellers
• Phase I: Rehabilitation of 4,345 slum dwellers
• Estimated Cost (Phase I): Rs 1,299 crore (excluding GST)
• Completion Timeline: 36 months
• Advance Rent Paid (Phase I): Rs 137.5 crore for 2 years
• Contractor Appointed: Construction to begin post-ceremony
According to MMRDA, eligibility of 10,000 households has already been confirmed, with individual development agreements signed for nearly all of them. The remaining 7,000 will be covered in later phases.
Each eligible slum dweller will receive a free 1BHK flat with 300 sq. ft. carpet area, along with access to upgraded infrastructure such as:
• Internal roads, street lighting, water supply, and drainage
• Playgrounds and a primary school
• Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, STP, WTP, and OWC systems
Importantly, the project's vision goes beyond just housing — it aims to transform the area into a commercial and employment hub, creating local job opportunities and promoting women’s empowerment.
Once buildings are granted Occupancy Certificates (O.C.), the contractor will also be responsible for maintenance for the next 10 years, ensuring long-term sustainability.
An integrated infrastructure plan is being developed to offer high-quality urban amenities and environmental sustainability — reflecting a model for future redevelopment projects in the city.
This mega project comes in the backdrop of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and is being viewed as a strategic step to address Mumbai’s long-standing challenges around slum housing, urban poverty, and equitable development.