Dharavi Redevelopment Project: Master Plan Approved for asia’s Largest Slum

Introduction: Why is the Dharavi Redevelopment Project a Turning Point in Urban India?

Dharavi, spread over 240 hectares in the heart of Mumbai, has long been recognized as Asia’s largest slum. It’s a dense ecosystem of informal housing, small-scale industries, and a diverse community. With an estimated one million residents, Dharavi is often perceived as a symbol of urban poverty. However, it’s equally a story of resilience, enterprise, and social cohesion. Now, with the Dharavi redevelopment project finally getting the green signal and a master plan officially approved, the landscape of this iconic locality is set to transform.

The Adani Dharavi redevelopment project aims to address not just infrastructure and housing concerns but also issues of livelihood, inclusivity, and sustainable urban growth. Let’s explore the various facets of this ambitious redevelopment.

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What is the Dharavi Redevelopment Project all about?

The Dharavi slum redevelopment project is a comprehensive urban renewal initiative aimed at transforming one of the world’s most densely populated slums into a modern township. The project intends to:

• Provide pucca (permanent) houses to eligible residents.
• Create commercial spaces for the informal and formal sectors.
• develop robust infrastructure (roads, drainage, power supply).
• Upgrade public utilities, education, and healthcare facilities.
• Create integrated urban zones with a focus on sustainability.

This initiative is not new—it was first proposed nearly two decades ago. However, only recently has the Dharavi redevelopment master plan received formal approval and a committed developer in the form of the Adani Group.

Who is behind the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?

The Adani Group Dharavi redevelopment is being spearheaded by the Adani Realty arm of the conglomerate. Adani emerged as the highest bidder in 2022 with a commitment of over ₹5,000 crore for this megaproject. The government of Maharashtra formed a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with Adani Realty to execute this project efficiently and transparently.

In this joint venture:

• The Adani Group holds an 80% stake.
• The Maharashtra government holds the remaining 20%.

The project is expected to be completed in multiple phases and aims to touch the lives of nearly 1 million people.

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What does the Dharavi Redevelopment Master Plan include?

The Dharavi redevelopment master plan is a meticulously designed roadmap structured around the following pillars:

1. Residential rehabilitation:

1. • free housing units of ~350–405 sq. ft. for eligible residents.
   • construction of over 12.5 lakh sq. ft. of residential space.
   • Use of vertical construction to optimize land use.

2. commercial upliftment:

   • over 10 lakh sq. ft. of commercial development.
   • creation of small business hubs for pottery, leather, garments, and recycling industries.
   • Formalization of informal employment sectors.

3. Infrastructure modernization:

   • construction of wide, motorable roads and pavements.
   • Underground drainage and sewage systems.
   • reliable power and water supply.
   • parks, public toilets, community halls, and recreation centers.

4. Sustainability focus:

   • Use of green building technologies.
   • rainwater harvesting and solid waste management systems.
   • emphasis on open green spaces and energy-efficient systems.

What are the Key Challenges of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?

Despite the approval of the Dharavi redevelopment plan, several challenges remain:

• Land ownership disputes: With overlapping land titles and unregistered structures, identifying legitimate claimants is complex.
• Relocation and consent: Some residents fear being relocated to areas far from their source of livelihood.
• Preserving livelihoods: The informal economy of Dharavi generates an estimated $1 billion annually. Ensuring that redevelopment doesn’t dismantle this is a huge challenge.
• funding and execution risks: Timely financing and seamless execution of phases will be key to success.

What is the Timeline and Deadline for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?

The Dharavi redevelopment project deadline has been tentatively set at 7 years, broken into different phases:

• Phase 1: Identification and eligibility verification of residents – year 1.
• Phase 2: start of rehabilitation and infrastructure groundwork – years 2 to 4.
• Phase 3: vertical construction, allocation of homes, commercial establishment setup – years 4 to 7.

If all goes as planned, residents may begin shifting into new homes by 2029. However, considering the scale and complexity, extensions cannot be ruled out.

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What is the Current Status of the Dharavi Redevelopment?

In terms of the Dharavi redevelopment latest news, as of mid-2025:

• The master plan has been approved by the Maharashtra government.
• Land surveys, biometric mapping, and eligibility assessment for residents are ongoing.
• Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has begun setting up field offices.
• Basic infra layout planning (roads, drainage) has started in select sectors.
• Public awareness and stakeholder meetings are being held for smoother implementation.

How will Dharavi’s Economy Benefit from the Project?

The Adani Dharavi redevelopment project is not just about housing. it is designed to revive and scale up Dharavi’s internal economy, especially:

• Leather industry: dedicated clusters with improved facilities.
• recycling sector: formal spaces with environmental compliance.
• Garment manufacturing: small units with access to global buyers.
• Food and services: enhanced hygiene and commercial licenses.

This economic upliftment will attract more business investments, employment opportunities, and long-term economic stability for residents.

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What will happen to Ineligible Residents?

While the government and Adani Group’s Dharavi redevelopment plan aims to ensure maximum inclusion, not everyone may qualify for free housing. those who:

• settled after January 1, 2000, or lacks proper documentation,
• live on land not owned by the state,
• cannot prove residency through legal means,

…may have to relocate to rental housing or pay subsidized prices for new homes. A redressal mechanism is expected to handle appeals and disputes.

Will Dharavi’s Cultural Identity be Preserved?

One of the lesser-discussed but crucial elements of the Dharavi redevelopment plan is the emphasis on cultural preservation. Dharavi is a melting pot of maharashtrian, Tamil, north indian, and other regional cultures. The plan includes:

• dedicated community halls and cultural centers.
• space for festivals, temples, mosques, and churches.
• Pottery village restoration and leather museum ideas are in the pipeline.

The goal is to modernize, not erase, Dharavi’s rich heritage.

What Role does the Government Play in the Dharavi Redevelopment?

Although Adani Group Dharavi redevelopment is primarily a private sector-led initiative, the government retains substantial oversight:

• Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is the supervisory body.
• SPV ensures regulatory transparency and policy alignment.
• The state provides land parcels and some funding support.

All approvals, compliances, and environmental assessments must pass through government filters.

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What can residents expect after completion?

If executed as promised, residents of Dharavi will experience:

• safe, legal, and permanent housing.
• better access to healthcare, education, and sanitation.
• Improved mobility with proper roads and public transport.
• enhanced opportunities for employment and income.
• a complete uplift in living standards and dignity.

Conclusion: Will the Dharavi Redevelopment set a Benchmark for India?

The Dharavi redevelopment project, Adani is more than just urban transformation—it is a test of India’s resolve to uplift millions living in poverty. Done right, it can become a model of inclusive urban renewal that balances development with dignity.

At Housiey, we believe in building homes and futures. While Dharavi’s transformation is a monumental step, your journey towards homeownership can also start today. if you’re exploring housing benefits, don’t miss our blog on pmay online application—a scheme that could make your dream home more affordable than ever.

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