Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a high-level review meeting on the Dharavi Redevelopment Project at Sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai, on Monday, 8 June 2026, directing that the project be modelled on modern housing schemes in Singapore and Hong Kong while keeping residents, livelihoods, and local character at its core.

Context

Addressing the review, CM Fadnavis stated that the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is 'केवळ इमारती उभारण्याचा कार्यक्रम नसून धारावीकरांच्या सर्वांगीण विकासाचा उपक्रम आहे' ('not merely a programme of constructing buildings, but an initiative for the all-round development of Dharavi's residents'). He directed that the entire industrial and social ecosystem of Dharavi be preserved, and that public interest must receive the highest priority even as commercial development forms part of the plan.

The Chief Minister specifically called out Kumbharwada — the traditional potters' colony — as a vital cultural and tourism asset. He directed officials to consult stakeholders and find an appropriate solution to preserve its unique character, noting that many tourists who visit Dharavi make a point of visiting Kumbharwada.

Policy Backdrop

Dharavi, widely described as Asia's largest informal settlement, has been a subject of redevelopment planning since at least 2004, when the Maharashtra government first announced a comprehensive master plan under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority framework. Successive administrations have struggled to balance commercial viability with the protection of the area's dense network of micro-industries — leather, textiles, recycling, pottery, and food processing.

The current project places particular emphasis on MSME protection: a special MSME scheme is being drawn up to safeguard Dharavi's key industries, and a modern 'cloud kitchen' concept is being developed for food-processing units. Eligible residents will receive homes with independent kitchens, bedrooms, toilets, and natural lighting; separate toilet facilities for women are a stated priority.

Stakeholders and Impact

In the first phase, at least 10,000 homes are to be handed over to residents by March 2028. Rehabilitation construction is targeted for completion in 42 months, with the Matunga area rehabilitation set at 39 months. A dedicated single-window clearance cell will be created to fast-track all project permits, with process re-engineering to speed approvals.

A landmark component is the country's first multi-modal transport hub at Dharavi, which will integrate Western, Central, and Harbour suburban rail lines with multiple Metro corridors. The hub will offer city check-in for air passengers — allowing baggage registration at Dharavi before travel to the airport via an Airport Express link — mirroring facilities in Singapore and Hong Kong. Plans also include a fast jetty for water transport to the airport and a vertiport for future air-taxi services.

The BKC-Dharavi corridor will be beautified with a central green belt, modern footpaths, and contemporary architecture. The existing bus depot site is earmarked for modern residential and commercial development, giving the entire zone an international character.

What's Next

CM Fadnavis said coordinated action across all departments would allow the ambitious project to be completed on schedule, giving Mumbai a new world-class identity. The full project carries a 10-year completion target. Railway land development, rehabilitation construction, and environmental clearances are already under way in a phased manner, with funding described as available and the project proceeding as planned.

The meeting was attended by State Minister Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, and senior officials. The immediate milestones to watch are the operationalisation of the single-window clearance cell and the first-phase handover of 10,000 homes by March 2028 — a target that will serve as the clearest early test of whether the project's ambitious timeline can be met.