Advancing the Vision
of a Slum-Free Mumbai

Dear Stakeholders,

Mumbai has always been a city of aspirations - a city built by the dreams, determination and enterprise of millions. As Maharashtra continues its journey towards becoming one of the world’s leading economic regions, the responsibility before us is clear: to ensure that urban growth is inclusive, equitable and capable of delivering a better quality of life for every citizen.

It is this philosophy that underpins the Government of Maharashtra’s vision of a slum-free Mumbai.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and the guidance of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde and Smt. Sunetra Pawar, Maharashtra has adopted a transformative approach towards urban redevelopment - one that places people at the centre of development while balancing the imperatives of economic growth, infrastructure creation and social equity.

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is one of the most significant manifestations of this vision.

For decades, Dharavi has symbolised both the challenges and possibilities of urban India. It is home to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, rich social networks and extraordinary human resilience. At the same time, it highlights the urgent need for planned urban development, improved living conditions, modern infrastructure and secure housing. The objective of redevelopment is therefore not merely to rebuild structures, but to create a sustainable urban ecosystem that safeguards both lives and livelihoods.

As Chairman of Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt. Ltd. and Chief Executive Officer of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority, I firmly believe that the success of this project will be measured by our ability to deliver inclusive development while preserving the social and economic fabric that makes Dharavi unique.

The past year has marked a significant transition from vision to implementation. One of the largest habitation and socio-economic surveys ever undertaken in urban India has been completed, with 1,13,315 structures numbered and 92,358 door-to-door surveys conducted. This unprecedented exercise has created a transparent and data-driven foundation for rehabilitation planning and future development.

Another important milestone was the submission of the comprehensive Master Plan to the Government, providing a structured roadmap for the transformation of over 600 acres in the heart of Mumbai. Simultaneously, the project has secured access to critical land parcels across Kurla, Mulund and Malvani, accounting for over 180 acres earmarked for rehabilitation and redevelopment activities.

To facilitate a smooth and dignified transition for residents, more than 1,500 transit housing units have already been made available. Planning and development activities are also progressing across multiple locations that will eventually accommodate hundreds of rehabilitation tenements, making this one of the largest urban rehabilitation initiatives undertaken anywhere in the world.

These achievements are not merely project milestones. They represent the successful coordination of multiple government departments, local authorities, planning agencies, financial institutions and community stakeholders working towards a common objective. They also demonstrate how public policy, institutional collaboration and professional execution can together address long-standing urban challenges.

Importantly, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is helping establish new benchmarks for slum rehabilitation and urban renewal. The use of technology-driven surveys, digital documentation, transparent eligibility assessment processes and structured stakeholder engagement mechanisms is creating a framework that can inform future redevelopment initiatives across Mumbai and Maharashtra.

The Government of Maharashtra remains firmly committed to ensuring that redevelopment is undertaken with fairness, transparency and sensitivity. We recognise that projects of this scale inevitably involve complex social, economic and administrative challenges. Our approach therefore continues to emphasise consultation, communication and community participation at every stage of implementation.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, municipal and planning authorities, financial institutions, implementation partners, community representatives and, most importantly, the residents of Dharavi whose cooperation and trust have made this progress possible.

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is far more than a redevelopment initiative. It is an opportunity to demonstrate how Indian cities can address housing challenges while preserving economic opportunity, strengthening social cohesion and improving quality of life.

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is far more than a redevelopment initiative. It is an opportunity to demonstrate how Indian cities can address housing challenges while preserving economic opportunity, strengthening social cohesion and improving quality of life. It is an opportunity to create a model of inclusive urban transformation that can inspire cities across the country and beyond.

As we move into the next phase of this historic journey, our commitment remains unwavering – to deliver safe homes, modern infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods and a more dignified future for generations to come.

Together, we are laying the foundation for a new chapter in Mumbai’s urban development story and advancing the vision of a slum-free, inclusive and future-ready Mumbai.

Warm regards,