Transforming Dharavi: A New Era for Mumbai's Largest Slum

Dharavi's redevelopment plan promises a better life for its residents, but controversies and challenges abound. Will the project succeed in transforming Asia's largest slum into a modern business hub?

DharaviMumbaiSlum RedevelopmentAdani GroupReal EstateReal Estate MumbaiAug 22, 2024

Transforming Dharavi: A New Era for Mumbai's Largest Slum
Real Estate Mumbai:Adnan Syed, 24, is in high spirits nowadays, thanks to his team’s win at the first ever T10 Dharavi Premier League cricket tournament. Sitting in his 85 square feet house in Dharavi’s labour camp, a beaming Syed says, “It is all over social media and press. We won `1 lakh prize money.”

The tournament, supported by Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Ltd (DRPPL), a JV between the Adani Group and Maharashtra government, is part of the effort to win the hearts of the folks in Dharavi—Asia’s largest slum spread over 600 acres. Adani’s bid worth `5,029 crore for the redevelopment contract was 2.5x the next highest, an indicator of its eagerness to make it happen.

Starting from the 1950s, many proposals have been floated to redevelop Dharavi. But none took off. The current plan is the state’s fourth attempt since 2004.

Redevelopment should normally be a good thing, especially for a ghetto that hundreds of thousands call home. But then Dharavi is not just another neighbourhood. Culturally, economically, politically, historically, it is the marker of India of a certain era, not to mention a living, thriving, vibrant economy by itself. Transforming it isn’t as simple as the conversion of swathes of textile mill-land in Lower Parel to swanky malls and tall, thin skyscrapers.

This is India’s most complicated real estate redevelopment, smack bang in the middle of India’s overcrowded business capital, and the subject of a decades long political tug-of-war. All of which sounds great, on paper. Predictably, controversies refuse to divorce Dharavi. Ultimately, a concern that cannot be assuaged as easily for many is this neighbourhood becoming yet another real estate play for the ultra–rich, which further divorces urban spaces and better quality of life for most of the population. One thing is clear. No matter what is in the blueprint, it will be a cocktail of political compulsions and corporate one-upmanship that will dictate the future of Dharavi

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is a plan to transform Asia's largest slum into a modern business hub, providing better living conditions and economic opportunities for its residents.

Who is behind the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?

The project is a joint venture between the Adani Group and the Maharashtra government, with Adani Realty beating DLF and Naman Developers to be part of the project.

What are the challenges facing the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?

The project faces several challenges, including controversies over land allocation, eligibility for rehabilitation, and concerns about the project becoming a real estate play for the ultra-rich.

What are the benefits of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?

The project promises to provide better living conditions, economic opportunities, and a modern business hub for the residents of Dharavi, as well as contributing to the growth of Mumbai's economy.

What is the timeline for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?

The project is expected to take seven years to complete, with the first phase focusing on rehabilitation and the second phase focusing on infrastructure development.

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