Understanding Maharashtra's New Slum Cluster Redevelopment Policy
The Maharashtra government has introduced a new approach to slum cluster redevelopment, eliminating the need for slum dwellers' consent in projects exceeding 50 acres. This policy aims to balance social welfare with real estate development.
Slum RehabilitationReal EstateCluster RedevelopmentMaharashtraPolicy ChangesReal Estate MaharashtraNov 18, 2025
Here are five key points to note about the new changes introduced by the Maharashtra government.
1) What is the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme?
The Slum Rehabilitation Project (SRA) in Mumbai is a government-led scheme that redevelops slum areas by providing free, legal housing to eligible slum dwellers. In exchange, developers gain the right to utilise the freed-up land for saleable projects, thereby balancing social welfare with real estate development incentives. Under the SRA scheme, rehabilitated slum dwellers get a 1 BHK apartment of around 330 sq ft. During the construction of rehabilitation apartments, the slums are demolished, and the displaced slum dwellers are provided with interim rent.
2) The Changes Introduced: No Consent Required from Slum Dwellers for Cluster Redevelopment Projects
In a major policy shift, the Maharashtra government's GR explicitly states that the consent of slum dwellers is not required for implementing the Slum Cluster Redevelopment Scheme. This represents a significant departure from the existing SRA framework, where the consent of the majority of slum dwellers is mandatory for standard redevelopment under the SRA scheme. According to the GR, cluster projects encompass large, contiguous areas of 50 acres or more, often combining slums with old buildings, dilapidated chawls, industrial units, and government land. Removing the consent requirement allows faster execution in unsafe and highly congested zones where redevelopment has been stalled for decades.
3) Consent is Still Required for All Regular Non-Cluster SRA Projects
The new policy shift by the Maharashtra government has eliminated the requirement for consent from slum dwellers for the cluster slum redevelopment project. However, for all non-cluster projects, typically individual slum pockets or plots of less than 50 acres, the existing requirement for the consent of the majority of slum dwellers will be required, government officials told HT Real Estate. According to officials, the majority of ongoing and upcoming SRA proposals in Mumbai have the consent rule in effect. The consent-free mechanism is restricted strictly to government-declared clusters.
4) Cluster Zones Must Be 50+ Acres and 51% Slum Area
According to the GR, not every slum area can automatically become a cluster. The GR defines strict criteria that a cluster must be a minimum of 50 acres of contiguous land. In this, not more than 51% of the area must be classified as slums. The threshold shows that the scheme is meant for large-scale, city-level interventions. The GR also authorises the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) CEO to identify such clusters. Once identified, the proposal is vetted and approved by a High-Power Committee (HPC) comprising senior state and municipal officials.
5) Types of Structures Within the Cluster
The cluster redevelopment scheme is designed to address not only slums but also the mixed and complex urban fabric typical of Mumbai. This includes slum structures, old and dilapidated buildings, tenanted properties, chawls, as well as industrial, commercial, and warehousing units.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Slum Rehabilitation Project (SRA)?
The Slum Rehabilitation Project (SRA) is a government-led scheme in Mumbai that redevelops slum areas by providing free, legal housing to eligible slum dwellers. In exchange, developers gain the right to utilise the freed-up land for saleable projects.
What are the new changes in the slum cluster redevelopment policy?
The new policy eliminates the requirement for slum dwellers' consent for cluster redevelopment projects exceeding 50 acres, allowing faster execution in unsafe and highly congested zones.
Is consent still required for non-cluster SRA projects?
Yes, consent from the majority of slum dwellers is still required for all non-cluster projects, typically individual slum pockets or plots of less than 50 acres.
What are the criteria for a cluster zone?
A cluster zone must be a minimum of 50 acres of contiguous land, with not more than 51% of the area classified as slums. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) CEO identifies such clusters.
What types of structures are included in the cluster redevelopment scheme?
The scheme addresses slum structures, old and dilapidated buildings, tenanted properties, chawls, as well as industrial, commercial, and warehousing units.
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