Eknath Shinde announced that a memorial for Ramabai Ambedkar, wife of Bharat Ratna Dr B. R. Ambedkar, will be built as part of the redevelopment project
Mumbai does not need obstacles to development but those who carry the torch of progress, Eknath Shinde said. Pic/X
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis along with deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar on Tuesday performed the bhoomipujan (foundation-laying ceremony) for the Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamaraj Nagar Slum Redevelopment Projects in Mumbai's Ghatkopar.
The event was also attended by Maharashtra Ministers Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Ashish Shelar.
On the occasion, Shinde announced that a memorial for Ramabai Ambedkar, wife of Bharat Ratna Dr B. R. Ambedkar, will be built as part of this redevelopment project.
“Today marks the end of a 40-year struggle for the people living here. In the next three to four years, over 17,000 families will have new homes. This is their real Diwali,” Eknath Shinde said.
The project, first proposed 15 years ago during Prithviraj Chavan’s tenure, gained momentum under CM Fadnavis’ leadership, an officials statement said.
🔸Bhoomipujan of the Slum Rehabilitation Project at Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamraj Nagar, Ghatkopar at the hands of CM Devendra Fadnavis.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) October 14, 2025
DCM Eknath Shinde, DCM Ajit Pawar, Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister Adv Ashish Shelar, MoS Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, MLA Ram Kadam, MLA… pic.twitter.com/rvuJ0rlNGa
Shinde also recited a Hindi couplet to express the residents’ joy.
Shinde said that Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is executing the project, not a private builder, ensuring quality housing delivered on time.
He recalled handing out Rs 150 crore worth of rent cheques to build trust among residents and reaffirmed that MMRDA and SRA will complete the projects as promised.
“This is just the trailer. The full picture of redevelopment is yet to come,” Shinde said, hinting at more projects under the state’s cluster redevelopment policy.
He also highlighted the government’s broader housing goals, including affordable housing for the working class, hostels for students, homes for police personnel and mill workers.
Shinde said that the government aims to complete all pending redevelopment schemes through agencies like MHADA, CIDCO, BMC, and MIDC.
“Mumbai does not need obstacles to development but those who carry the torch of progress. This is the Mahayuti government, a govt that makes decisions,” he said.
Shinde further said that his government’s commitment to Ambedkarite values.
He said, “The sea may dry up, but we will never forget the contribution of Babasaheb Ambedkar.”
The event was attended by many dignitaries, including MLAs Ram Kadam, Parag Shah, and Mihir Kotecha, along with MMRDA Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, SRA CEO Mahendra Kalyankar, and local leaders, the statement said.
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