Andheri Set for Mumbai's First 100-Acre Slum Cluster Redevelopment

Mumbai is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the launch of its first 100-acre Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme in Andheri (West). This ambitious project, known as the Juhu Gulli SRA scheme, covers an area from Juhu Galli (C D Barfiwala Road) to the backyard of the Hansraj Morarji Public School, housing 28,061 slum hutments, residential tenants, or owners.

Under the cluster scheme, the redevelopment will not only address slums but will also include non-slum old dilapidated buildings, tenant-occupied buildings, and vacant land unsuitable for construction. This holistic approach aims to create a more integrated and sustainable urban environment. For the first time, large corporate entities in the housing sector, such as Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, Reliance 4IR Realty Development Ltd, and JSW Realty & Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, have submitted bids for the SRA tender.

Each of these companies has submitted a deposit of Rs 175 crore, marking a significant financial commitment to the project. According to SRA CEO Mahindra Kalyankar, the technical evaluation of the bids will be followed by a review by the high-powered committee (HPC) of the state government. Once the HPC approves the bids, the financial aspects will be considered. The plan includes the development of open spaces, playgrounds, schools, health facilities, and other essential amenities.

Kalyankar emphasized the transparency and competitive nature of the bidding process, noting that it is the first time such a system has been implemented by the SRA. “The corporate sector, conscious of its social and ethical responsibilities, is actively participating in this process. Their involvement will help provide a better and more dignified standard of living for the slum dwellers,” he said.

The total area of the land parcel is 101.36 acres, with 61.4 acres designated as slums. Tenders for the appointment of the Construction & Development Agency (C&DA) for this project were invited in April. The cluster redevelopment scheme is designed to ensure that the redevelopment of these areas is done in an integrated and sustainable manner, aligning with modern urban planning principles.

As part of the plan, the SRA will act as the nodal agency for the slum cluster redevelopment scheme. After the high-powered committee’s approval, owners of private land will receive a developed plot with an equivalent Floor Space Index (FSI), valued based on the Town Planning Scheme (TPS), at a rate of 50% of the total land value.

While this is the first and the largest slum cluster redevelopment project under the SRA, other significant projects are also underway in Mumbai. The Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamraj Nagar mega-redevelopment project in Ghatkopar covers approximately 32 to 33.29 hectares (about 79 to 82 acres) and is being redeveloped by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The Motilal Nagar redevelopment in Goregaon West, being redeveloped by the Adani Group in partnership with the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), spans 143 acres. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) core rehabilitation area covers nearly 300 acres.

These projects collectively aim to transform Mumbai’s urban landscape, providing better living conditions and modern amenities to a significant portion of the city’s population.