
MHADA to Redevelop Bandra East Headquarters Through PPP Model; Plans Commercial Tower Near BKC
The state housing authority proposes zoning change to unlock real estate value at its prime Mumbai location
In a strategic move to monetize prime government land, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has proposed the redevelopment of its Bandra East headquarters through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The site, located along the Western Express Highway and in close proximity to the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), is expected to be transformed into a commercial tower, marking a major shift in the authority’s land utilization approach. The redevelopment has been confirmed by IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of MHADA, who stated that the project is currently in the pipeline.
Land Use Change Cleared for Commercial Development
To enable the redevelopment, MHADA has submitted a proposal to convert the land’s zoning status from “government office” to “commercial.” The change will allow the authority to invite private players to participate in the construction and monetization of the additional built-up area.
Once the zoning is modified, MHADA plans to issue tenders for redevelopment, with two possible models under consideration:
- Self-redevelopment, where MHADA takes charge of the construction and commercially utilizes surplus space, or
- PPP model, where a private developer constructs the new tower and, in return, is granted commercial rights to the remaining space after providing MHADA’s required office area.
Location Advantage: Proximity to Metro and BKC
The Bandra East MHADA office currently sits on nearly 4 acres of land, a rare real estate asset in one of Mumbai’s most premium corridors. The site is:
- Within walking distance of Bandra railway station
- Close to the Metro Line 3 BKC station (under construction)
- Adjacent to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, one of the largest urban renewal efforts in India
This geographic advantage is expected to attract top-tier private developers once the tenders are floated.
Long-Pending Plan Gains Momentum
The idea of commercially redeveloping MHADA’s Bandra plot was first introduced by former housing minister Jitendra Awhad, who proposed building a five-star hotel and office tower. However, the plan was stalled during the previous government’s tenure. The project has regained traction under the current housing leadership, with MHADA officials confirming that redevelopment is now in the final planning stages.
Concerns Over Public Access and Crowding
While the plan has been welcomed as a financially sound decision, some MHADA staff have raised concerns regarding the building’s public-facing role. The headquarters regularly handles grievances, visits from housing society representatives, and protests from residents. Officers have expressed the need to preserve accessibility and citizen services amid commercial development.
A Template for Future Government Land Redevelopment?
This move is being closely watched as a potential model for transforming underutilized government land in urban areas. With the PPP framework enabling efficient resource utilization and infrastructure upgrades, MHADA’s Bandra East project could pave the way for similar initiatives across Mumbai and Maharashtra.
The final decision on the developer selection and project timeline will follow the land use clearance. If approved, construction of the commercial tower is expected to begin within the next financial year.