Mumbai: In a major push to transform the city’s housing landscape, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority is set to take up redevelopment of 19 large slum clusters across Mumbai under the state government’s newly introduced cluster redevelopment scheme.

The initiative includes a massive 100-acre project in Andheri West near Gilbert Hill, along with 18 additional sites across key parts of the city.

Andheri Project To Lead The Redevelopment Drive

The flagship project in Andheri West is among the largest under the scheme, covering:

• Around 14,000 hutments
• Multiple residential structures
• Nearly 100 acres of land

Tenders for this project have already been floated, marking the beginning of large-scale implementation.

Key Locations Identified Across Mumbai

Apart from Andheri, several high-density slum clusters have been identified for redevelopment, including:

• Mankhurd
• Govandi
• Sion
• Wadala
• Vikhroli Park Site
• Goregaon West
• Kandivli West
• Borivli East

Authorities said tenders for these locations will be issued once plot demarcation is completed.

Eligibility Criteria For Cluster Redevelopment

Under the scheme, areas will qualify for redevelopment if:

• The cluster spans at least 50 acres
• More than 51% of the land is occupied by slums

Interestingly, the policy allows integration of:

• Slums in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) I & II
• Old and dilapidated buildings
• Tenant-occupied properties
• Vacant or non-developable land

This integrated approach aims to create holistic urban redevelopment zones rather than isolated housing projects.

Flexible Implementation Model

According to officials, redevelopment can be executed through multiple models:

• Government agency-led projects via joint ventures
• Private developers selected through tender processes
• Developers with over 40% land ownership may be directly considered, subject to government approval

Final approvals will be granted by a high-power committee headed by senior state officials.

Landowner Compensation And Acquisition

The scheme also outlines provisions for private landowners:

• Eligible landowners will receive developed plots with equivalent FSI
• Valuation will be based on town planning norms at 50% of total land value

If landowners reject the proposal:

• Land can be acquired under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
• Acquisition costs will be borne by the project developer

Focus On Integrated And Sustainable Development

Officials emphasised that redevelopment will follow a modern urban planning approach, ensuring:

• Improved civic infrastructure
• Better housing quality
• Enhanced living standards

The goal is to move away from fragmented redevelopment and create planned, self-sustained urban clusters.

Conclusion

The redevelopment of 19 major slum clusters marks a significant step in Mumbai’s effort to address housing challenges at scale. With a focus on integration, sustainability, and efficient land use, the scheme has the potential to reshape large parts of the city.

If executed effectively, it could not only improve living conditions for thousands of residents but also set a new benchmark for urban redevelopment in India.