BMC Clears BEST Land Transfer for Dharavi Redevelopment

Dharavi And Kalakilla Bus Depots To Be Rebuilt Into Modern Multi-Storey Facilities While Bus Services Continue

Mumbai's ambitious ₹96,000-crore Dharavi Redevelopment Project has taken another major step forward after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) approved the transfer of 11.58 acres of land occupied by BEST's Dharavi and Kalakilla bus depots. The decision is expected to support one of India's largest urban renewal projects while also upgrading public transport infrastructure in the city.

The approval was granted during the BMC General Body meeting, clearing the way for redevelopment of the two aging BEST depots. Officials said the project aims to modernize transport facilities without disrupting daily bus services for commuters.

BMC Gives Green Signal For Depot Land Transfer

The approved land includes both the Dharavi and Kalakilla BEST depots, which are considered important operational hubs for Mumbai's public bus network.

During the discussion, BJP corporator Siddharth Sharma said the existing depot buildings have become outdated and require major upgrades. He stated that redeveloping the facilities through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model would improve working conditions for BEST employees while providing better operational infrastructure.

The land transfer is a key milestone for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, which seeks to transform one of Asia's largest informal settlements into a planned urban district with improved housing, infrastructure, transport, and public amenities.

Modern BEST Depots Planned Under Redevelopment

According to BEST Chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao, around 2.28 acres of the land belongs to BEST, while the remaining area is owned by the Maharashtra government through the Collector's office.

She said the Dharavi Redevelopment Project and Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt. Ltd. (NMDPL), the project implementation company, will prepare a detailed plan to ensure the new depots meet BEST's operational requirements.

The proposed facilities are expected to include:

• Modern maintenance infrastructure
• Employee restrooms
• Staff canteens
• Administrative offices
• Improved operational spaces
• Commercial areas within the depot buildings

Officials say these upgrades are intended to provide a more efficient and employee-friendly working environment.

Temporary Bus Parking To Keep Services Running

To avoid disruptions during construction, authorities plan to create a temporary bus parking facility near Dharavi's 90-Feet Road.

The temporary depot will allow BEST buses to continue operating while the permanent depots are being rebuilt. Maintaining uninterrupted public transport is considered a priority during the redevelopment process.

However, planning documents indicate a temporary capacity challenge. BEST currently requires parking for approximately 288 buses, while the proposed interim facility on 6.17 acres is expected to accommodate only about 145 buses. Authorities are expected to develop additional operational arrangements to manage the remaining fleet during construction.

New Multi-Storey Depots To Increase Efficiency

The redevelopment plan includes the construction of two modern multi-level BEST depots designed to maximize limited urban land.

The permanent facilities will cover approximately 8,602 square meters and 10,544 square meters, respectively.

Each depot is expected to accommodate between 200 and 275 buses, giving the combined facilities a total capacity of up to 470 buses.

The design proposes:

• Bus parking on the lower floors
• Administrative and operational offices on upper levels
• Vehicle maintenance facilities
• Employee amenities
• Commercial spaces integrated within the buildings

Urban planners say vertical depot development is becoming increasingly common in densely populated cities where land availability is limited.

Part Of A Larger Dharavi Transformation

The redevelopment of the BEST depots forms an important part of the broader Dharavi Redevelopment Project, one of India's largest urban infrastructure initiatives.

The project aims to improve housing, civic infrastructure, roads, public services, and commercial development while upgrading key transport facilities that support Mumbai's daily commuters.

Transport experts note that modernizing aging bus depots alongside large-scale urban redevelopment can improve operational efficiency, optimize land use, and create better facilities for both employees and passengers.

With the BMC's approval now in place, planning and execution of the depot redevelopment are expected to move ahead alongside the larger Dharavi transformation project. The final construction timeline will depend on detailed project planning, regulatory approvals, and arrangements to maintain uninterrupted BEST bus operations throughout the redevelopment phase.