CM Fadnavis directs officials to redevelop Mumbai's Dharavi on Singapore, Hong Kong housing model

CM Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde speaks at a high-level review meeting of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. PIC/X

Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Monday directed officials to redevelop Dharavi on the lines of modern housing projects in Singapore and Hong Kong, while stressing that residents, livelihoods and the local identity of the area must remain at the centre of the transformation. He also emphasised that the project should be completed within the stipulated timeline, news agency IANS reported.

CM Fadnavis was speaking at a high-level review meeting of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.

"The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is not merely a construction programme to erect buildings, but a holistic initiative for the overall development of Dharavi's residents," he said.

"Therefore, the people living in Dharavi must be at the core of this project. Dharavi's entire industrial and social ecosystem must be preserved. While commercial development is a component, public welfare must receive the highest priority," Fadnavis added.

He underlined that protecting employment and livelihoods of local residents remains paramount.

Highlighting local heritage, the CM said Kumbharwada, the potters' colony, is not just a commercial hub but also an important part of Dharavi's cultural and tourism identity. He directed officials to consult stakeholders to preserve its uniqueness.

Dharavi project to focus on jobs, MSMEs, housing, and modern infrastructure

Fadnavis also instructed that the proposed ‘Nature Park' be implemented effectively with proper planning for tree transplantation and new plantations to maintain ecological balance.

Terming it an ambitious project, he set a target of delivering at least 10,000 houses in the first phase by 2028 and ordered a special cell for single-window clearances to fast-track approvals.

Officials said the project focuses on job creation, women's empowerment, protection of small-scale industries and modern infrastructure. A dedicated MSME scheme is also being drafted to support traditional sectors such as leather, textiles, recycling, pottery and food processing.

An advanced ‘Cloud Kitchen' model will also be developed to boost the local food industry. Eligible residents will receive homes with independent kitchens, bedrooms, toilets and natural lighting, along with dedicated sanitation facilities for women.

The project also includes India's first Multi-Modal Transport Hub in Dharavi, connecting Western, Central, and Harbour railway lines with upcoming Metro routes. Plans for future integration with the Bullet Train network are also under consideration.

A ‘City Check-In' facility for air passengers, a water transport jetty, and a future-ready vertiport for air taxis are also part of the plan, ensuring convergence of rail, metro, road, water, and air transport.

The first phase of the project is targeted for completion by March 2028, officials said.

(With IANS inputs)