The massive redevelopment of Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slum clusters, will prioritise inclusive housing and the protection of local livelihoods, the chief of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) said on Tuesday.
SRV Srinivas, CEO of the DRP, said the Maharashtra government’s core objective is “housing for all,” ensuring that every resident—eligible or not—gets accommodation, albeit in different formats. “Our priority is to complete rehabilitation as early and as efficiently as possible,” he told PTI Video.
The project, spearheaded through a joint venture between the Adani Group and the Maharashtra government, has already received the state’s nod for its master plan. The blueprint outlines a sweeping transformation of the densely populated Mumbai neighbourhood into a more liveable and economically vibrant space.
‘Housing For All’—Not Just The Eligible
In typical slum rehabilitation projects, Srinivas noted, only those deemed eligible receive housing while many are displaced. “But the Dharavi project is different,” he said. “Everyone will be provided a home. Those eligible will receive it free of cost within Dharavi. Others will be given rental accommodation either within Mumbai or in the wider metropolitan region, with an option to purchase and gain ownership.”
The approach, he emphasised, avoids the pitfalls of previous efforts that led to ghettoisation by sidelining the non-eligible population.
Blueprint To Prevent Ghettoisation, Preserve Livelihoods
One of the key elements of the DRP’s master plan is the equitable distribution of land and access to essential amenities. “Redevelopment often leads to clustering of people without access to public goods,” Srinivas said. “We’re addressing this by planning neighbourhood centres, open spaces, and equal access to facilities.”
The plan also considers the complex network of small businesses and industries that drive Dharavi’s economy. “This redevelopment isn’t just about housing—it’s about sustaining and expanding livelihoods,” he said. Most of the commercial units and industries currently operating will be relocated within Dharavi itself, ensuring continuity and growth.
Breaking The Low-Investment Trap
Currently, Srinivas explained, Dharavi’s informal economy is caught in a “low-level investment trap” where the lack of ownership and security discourages expansion. “With legal entitlements, we’re unlocking potential. People will be able to invest in their own businesses. The goal is to retain the existing fabric of Dharavi while allowing it to grow,” he said.
According to the business plan submitted by the special purpose vehicle (SPV) overseeing the redevelopment, the rehabilitation component alone is estimated to cost Rs 97,500 crore.
The project’s ambition is clear: to transform Dharavi from a dense slum into a dynamic hub—where housing, commerce, and dignity go hand in hand.
