From the Desk of the CEO

From Vision to Reality:
Pioneering a New Era for Dharavi

Our journey began with a fundamental promise: to listen, to understand, and to ensure every resident is seen and heard. This commitment materialised through the largest-ever survey of its kind in India.

Anil Sardana, Chief Executive Officer, Adani Navbharat Developers Private Limited

It is with immense pride and a profound sense of responsibility that I present this annual update on the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). What we are undertaking goes far beyond a conventional urban development proposition. It is a rare mission: a profound social transformation coupled with a complete rejuvenation of Mumbai’s physical landscape and infrastructure. At its core, our vision is to uplift human dignity and build a sustainable, inclusive future for one of the world’s most vibrant and resilient communities. This past year has been defined by significant milestones, foundational progress, and deepened community engagement, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to a people-first transformation.

A Foundation of Trust and Granular Data

Our journey began with a fundamental promise: to listen, to understand, and to ensure every resident is seen and heard. This commitment materialised through the largest-ever survey of its kind in India. Going door-to-door, our teams mapped out 1,13,315 structures and completed door-to-door surveys of 92,358 of them. Besides this, mapping of nearly 9,780 renewal structures have also been completed. This monumental effort, bolstered by special outreach camps to maximise participation, has provided us with the critical data required to plan equitably. This establishes a transparent foundation for the rehabilitation process and has directly guided our comprehensive Master Plan, which was presented to the Honourable Chief Minister, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Eknath Shinde and senior officials of the Government of Maharashtra on May 28, 2025.

A Year of Decisive Action and Execution

A project of this magnitude requires an immaculate foundation of land availability, legal clarity, and seamless execution. Over the past twelve months, we have moved with unprecedented speed to translate our vision into on-ground reality.

Securing the Framework: We achieved major milestones in land acquisition, successfully taking possession of critical parcels including Kurla Dairy (21 acres), Jamasp-Mulund (42.5 acres), and Malvani (118.4 acres). Crucially, both the Kurla and Jamasp-Mulund parcels have been officially declared as Dharavi Notified Areas, with the Letter of Intent (LOI) secured for the Kurla land.

Furthermore, we have successfully de-risked the project by meticulous legacy legal complexities – including ex-lessee litigations on the Jamasp land and Public Interest Litigations (PILs) regarding the use of salt pan and Kurla lands – clearing the runway for unhindered progress. Long-standing legal issues affecting DNA-designated land parcels at Arthur Jenkins (Bhandup-Kanjur Marg) and Mukteshwar (Aksa) have been successfully resolved. Meanwhile, the Deonar land parcel at Thane Creek is being systematically remediated by MCGM to make it entirely safe and fit for future habitation.

Building Homes, Fostering Communities

I am pleased to report that our execution teams are pursuing their targets. Four towers of our Railway buildings are progressing swiftly, with the RCC framework for the first tower is already reaching the terrace level. Excavation for Mahim Renewals Phase 1 is well underway. In parallel, we are finalising the horticulture and design planning (LOD 300) for the Mother Dairy Kurla site.

Government of Maharashtra’s core mission is to provide "Housing For All", and ANDPL’s progress on all counts is putting government’s mandate into reality.

Government of Maharashtra’s core mission is to provide "Housing For All", and ANDPL’s progress on all counts is putting government’s mandate into reality. We have secured significant land parcels to construct rehabilitation tenements and other key amenities, infrastructure and other developments too. Currently, work is underway across multiple key sites.

Rehabilitation tenements and residential towers by project site
Project Site Residential Type No. of Tenements No. of Residential Towers
Mahim Renewals Buildings Dharavi Renewal Redevelopment 4,150 4
Matunga Rehab Buildings Dharavi Eligible Rehabilitation 11,200 10
Mother Dairy – Kurla Qualified Eligible Rehabilitation 5,000 9
Jamasp – Mulund Qualified Eligible Rehabilitation 11,800 13
Total 32,150 36

This progress represents more than just brick and mortar; it is our pledge to create a holistic living environment complete with modern amenities, public parks, schools, and healthcare. For the first time in the history of such a project, every slum dweller is assured of a home in line with the special scheme of Maharashtra government for Dharavi including rental housing scheme. This is backed by our 10-year commitment to free maintenance of all new infrastructure, ensuring long-term sustainability and quality of life.

Prioritising a Seamless Community Transition

At the heart of the DRP is our commitment to a dignified transition for the people of Dharavi. To ensure the immediate availability of high-quality transit accommodations, we have secured over 1,000 MHADA tenements and approximately 500 tenements from the Shivshahi Punaravasan Prakalp. We facilitated the respectful relocation of dairy development staff to alternate accommodations, allowing us to rapidly advance our construction timelines.

To build trust and share the future of Dharavi directly with the community, construction of our state-of-the-art Experience Centre is advancing rapidly, soon serving as a tangible window into the world-class urban centre we are building. Our goal is a truly collaborative transformation. We will engage closely with all Dharavikars, their families, and local citizens – giving them a firsthand look at what the future holds and actively seeking their feedback to help shape it.

To build trust and share the future of Dharavi directly with the community, construction of our state-of-the-art Experience Centre is advancing rapidly, soon serving as a tangible window into the world-class urban centre we are building. Our goal is a truly collaborative transformation. We will engage closely with all Dharavikars, their families, and local citizens – giving them a firsthand look at what the future holds and actively seeking their feedback to help shape it.

Empowerment Through Partnership and ESG

True redevelopment extends beyond physical infrastructure to social and economic empowerment. We have initiated crucial MoUs with key government bodies – including the Maharashtra State Khadi and Village Industries Board, Department of Labour, and the Industrial Training Institute, Kurla – to create robust skill development and livelihood programmes. On the ground, initiatives like the Dharavi Premier League, Dharavi Kabaddi League, Haldi Kumkum celebrations with over 5,000 women, and self-defence workshops for 1,500 girls are weaving a stronger social fabric. Through innovative street theatre, with over 150 performances to date, we are turning complex information into community understanding and acceptance. Empowering the next generation remains a core priority. To date, we have upskilled over 2,000 youth in Dharavi, successfully transitioning more than 600 into meaningful employment to elevate their standard of living.

This people-first philosophy is deeply intertwined with our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments. We believe true progress is measured by the lasting positive impact we create for people and the planet. Environmentally, we are pioneering a model for sustainable urbanism by integrating climate-resilient design, green infrastructure, and clear roadmaps for decarbonisation and water neutrality. Socially, our robust resettlement programmes and improved access to essential services ensure a just transition. All of this is underpinned by a strict governance framework that demands transparency and ethical conduct in every facet of our operations.

Beyond Redevelopment: Mumbai’s Next-Gen Infrastructure Spine

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) serves as a transformative catalyst for Mumbai, delivering unprecedented infrastructure enhancements that will redefine the city’s urban fabric and fortify its long-term resilience. At the heart of this transformation is the emergence of Dharavi as Mumbai’s new mobility epicentre. Anchored by a state-of-the-art Multi-Modal Transport Hub (MMTH), this initiative champions sustainable urban transit by seamlessly connecting the eastern and western suburbs, airports, high-speed rail, and expansive metro networks.

Beyond mobility, the ambitious Mithi Riverfront development will act as a critical infrastructure spine. This dynamic project integrates vital flood mitigation and environmental restoration with robust blue-green infrastructure. By converting a historically polluted edge into a continuous, vibrant public promenade – featuring world-class sports facilities and diverse culinary experiences – we are creating a thriving open space that significantly elevates Mumbai’s livability and ecological health.

Aerial view of the reimagined Dharavi, with residential towers set among the central park and green spine

Complemented by a sprawling central park and an expansive green spine, the reimagined Dharavi will offer Mumbaikars a globally benchmarked urban experience. As we expand our development footprint across the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), our commitment remains resolute: to innovatively upgrade the city’s infrastructure and tangibly improve the quality of life for all its citizens.

A Vision for a Sustainable and Dignified Future

As we look ahead, our focus remains absolute. We will complete our rehabilitation processes with empathy and transparency. Our construction will proceed with a relentless focus on quality and green building standards. We plan to expand our community outreach to create a truly empowered local community.

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is a testament to what can be achieved when vision, commitment, and community converge. It is a promise of a better, more dignified life, and a global model for inclusive urban renewal. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and partnership as we build this historic new chapter for Dharavi, together.

Sincerely,

Anil Sardana

Chief Executive Officer
Adani Navbharat Developers Private Limited

A Year of Transformative Progress

From large-scale rehabilitation planning to livelihood creation and community empowerment, every milestone reflects our commitment to delivering meaningful change across Dharavi.

Dharavi and its people through a year of change

1.10+ Lakh

Structures digitally mapped

90,000+

Households surveyed to ensure a transparent rehabilitation

180+

Acres of land secured to enable large-scale rehabilitation

30,000+

Homes planned across 36 residential towers to provide safe and dignified housing for residents

5,000+

Women participated in community programmes

2,000+

Youth upskilled leading to 600+ youth securing employment

1,500+

Girls empowered through self-defence training and confidence-building initiatives

150+

Community theatre performances (Nukkad Natak) have helped bring redevelopment information directly to residents

The Transformation has Begun

The Largest Human-centric, Urban Regeneration Project in Asia is underway

Mahim
Matunga
Kurla

The Future is Taking Shape

Rendering of the redeveloped Dharavi Rendering of the redeveloped Dharavi Rendering of the redeveloped Dharavi Rendering of the redeveloped Dharavi

Dharavi Reimagined

The project envisions:

  • Transforming Dharavi into a modern, world-class hub while preserving its unique culture
  • Providing dignified, safe, and inclusive housing and economic opportunities to over a million residents

It involves:

  • Development of half of the area in Dharavi as open and green spaces
  • Building of key social and public infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and essential civic facilities, supported by smart mobility solutions
  • Providing modern housing, upgraded infrastructure, and essential amenities to improve living conditions for residents
  • Support for local businesses and creation of new employment opportunities, enabling inclusive economic growth for the community

It is aligned to:

  • The UNSDGs, reaffirming our dedication to the broader societal objectives, and reinforcing our role as a responsible global citizen
  • Internationally recognised standards, empowering us to effectively steer our sustainability journey

It seeks to:

  • Rehabilitate Dharavikars by developing modern residential units and other establishments, such as businesses, industries and religious structures, to build a thriving socio-economic ecosphere
  • Equip the new homes with essential services, such as gas, water, electricity, sanitation, drainage, healthcare, and recreational facilities, to drive the all-inclusive progress of the residents

A city within a city

  • Envisaged as an urban framework allowing varied block configurations that encourage innovation in design.

  • Adaptability ensures that Dharavi evolves while remaining rooted in the principles of walkability, liveability, and place-making.

The six planning principles set within the economy, equity and ecology loop

Walkable & Transit-Oriented

More than 85% population within a 10-minute walk to a Transit Station

  • Highly transit-oriented, with seamless metro and multi-modal connectivity
  • A new metro corridor through its core
  • Bus feeder systems
  • Dedicated infrastructure for non-motorised transport
  • Fine-grain street network (last-mile connectivity and promote walkability)

Connected Open-Space Network

More than 90% neighbourhoods within a 10-minute walk to a Public Open Space

  • Interconnected network of green & public spaces (from large city parks to smaller community playgrounds)
  • Every resident with access to vibrant, walkable open areas
  • Strengthened ecological resilience
  • Enhanced everyday quality of life

Accessible Social Amenities

More than 85% population within a 10-minute walk to Social Amenities

  • Hierarchy of social infrastructure embedded within walkable neighbourhood nodes
  • Every resident is within easy reach of schools, healthcare, & community facilities
  • Open spaces and transit access, fulfilling diverse needs

Diverse Mixed-Use Neighbourhoods

100% Mixed-Use Districts

  • The plan fosters a blend of residential, commercial, and institutional uses within compact, walkable neighbourhoods
  • The mix supports economic vibrancy while ensuring inclusive rehabilitation for existing residents

Flexible & Adaptable Framework

Designed to Evolve

  • An urban framework allowing varied block configurations that encourage innovation in design
  • Adaptability ensures that Dharavi evolves while remaining rooted in the principles of walkability, liveability, and place-making

Identity & Placemaking

People-centric Urban Design

  • Urban identity strategy grounded in connectivity, inclusivity, and placemaking for a memorable, navigable environment
  • The plan reinforces community character while supporting safe and vibrant urban life

Transforming the Life of Every Dharavikar

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is one of the most comprehensive urban regeneration projects in the history of the country

Based on the principle of ‘Housing for All’, the project will position Dharavi as a strong, sustainable and inclusive urban settlement

It will enable every deserving, honest slum dweller to get a new home

The project is a major step towards the Maharashtra government’s goal of making Mumbai a slum-free city

Towards a new life

Saira, Ramesh and Meena of Dharavi

In Dharavi, residents often queue for hours for a few buckets of water.

Saira has waited her turn every day for years. Her son won’t have to.

In Dharavi, open drains run beside homes and narrow lanes.

Ramesh has walked these lanes all his life. His daughter won’t have to.

In Dharavi, 1 toilet is shared by 1450 people.

For years, Meena adjusted. Her children won’t have to.

Meri Dharavi Badlegi, Hamari Mumbai Badhegi.

Today vs. Tomorrow

Today Tomorrow

One toilet shared by every ~1450 people.

2 toilets in every home

40% children dropout after primary schooling.

Modern school infrastructure

One water tap serves nearly 100 people, highlighting severe access challenges to basic utilities.

Water supply in every house

Life expectancy in Dharavi is below Mumbai’s average, directly linked to living conditions.

Access to hospitals within 10 min of reach

Lanes are too narrow for ambulances and fire engines to pass, posing major risks during emergencies.

Wide roads

Dharavi reports extreme instances of typhoid, diphtheria and drug-resistant TB, reflecting the public-health consequences of overcrowding.

Improved health conditions

Life in Dharavi today

Following the transformation, Dharavi will no longer be known as Asia’s largest slum, but as a planned modern city with affordable housing, world-class amenities, housing, and livelihoods that can be experienced together.

The Experience Centre

Experiencing the Future

To experience is the only true way of gauging the scale and impact of the Dharavi redevelopment project, which will change the way Dharavikars live. What the project will mean to the people of Dharavi has to be seen to be believed. The Experience Centre is designed to make people see their future – prosperous, secure, progressive, and inclusive. It is crafted to showcase Dharavi’s redevelopment, culture, and future prospects.

The Experience Centre aims to:

  • Build credibility, show visitors a transformative experience, and educate stakeholders through immersive engagement
  • Achieve maximum coverage of Dharavikars, ensure complete comprehension of key project elements by visitors, and create wonder and awe in Dharavikars’ minds

Building Trust

The Experience Centre is a vital first step to show Dharavi residents our commitment to fair and dignified redevelopment, aligned with government tender benefits and focussed on improving safety, lifestyle, and respect

Showcasing Change

It authentically presents current challenges while highlighting the transformative potential of Asia’s largest human-centric urban regeneration project; it serves as an educational and inspirational space, keeping residents’ lives at the heart of the development

Celebrating Dharavi

It honours Dharavi’s rich culture, history, and resilience, reinforcing its contribution to Mumbai; it also symbolises the journey towards the Dharavi of the future

Educating, inspiring and reassuring

The Experience Centre serves as an educational, inspirational and reassurance hub for Dharavi’s residents, stakeholders, media, and the public, emphasising community involvement and the transformative potential of the redevelopment project. It disseminates accurate information, dispels misinformation, and builds trust by authentically showcasing the current living conditions – highlighting positive aspects like resilience and community strength, and illustrating the future development plans. It celebrates Dharavi’s history, culture and achievements, reinforcing the project as a symbol of transformation and a new India.

Showing the Way, with Dharavi Didi

In a world filled with fake, deceptive and misleading information, nurturing and sustaining trust can be a challenge. Negotiating this challenge requires targeted efforts to promote clarity in the midst of chaos, and a calm empathy to assuage the fears that often stem from falsehoods. It entails the mentorship of a trusted and knowledgeable figure to clear doubts and bust myths.

‘Aapke Sawaal, Mere Jawaab’

Warm, clear and confident, Dharavi Didi offers authentic information and support, helping people move from confusion to clarity with confidence and care.

Aapke Sawaal, Mere Jawaab: talk to Dharavi Didi on WhatsApp at 80715 79787 in Hindi, Marathi, English, Tamil, Telugu or Gujarati

Dharavi Didi is just that:

  • An AI companion designed to be a trusted companion in the lives of Dharavikars, serving as a caring elder sister from the community
  • A transformation ally, guiding the residents through the process of change in Dharavi’s evolution journey
  • A myth-buster and a digital bridge, clearing doubts and dispelling misinformation, and always accessible at the fingertips of Dharavikars
  • Language-friendly, communicating in the local language for better understanding and comfort, using a tone that is always respectful, empathetic, and encouraging

A lifeline for every Dharavikar

Launched as an AI chatbot to help demolish the myths and fake news associated with the Dharavi redevelopment project, Dharavi Didi is embedded with the capability of handling dynamic queries, in a conversational and friendly tone. Available to every Dharavikar, anytime and anywhere, she clears doubts and dispels misinformation with authentic, verified knowledge, breaking down complex topics into simple, relatable language in a conversational tone. As Dharavi evolves, she guides residents through every step of the change process.