Mumbai's Stalled Slum Redevelopment Finally Moves Forward

Mumbai’s Stalled Slum Redevelopment Finally Moves Forward

After years of delays, Mumbai’s slum redevelopment projects are back on track. The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), in partnership with the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), is working to revive 17 long-stalled projects that had been left in uncertainty.

Under the leadership of IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal, this initiative is set to transform urban living by ensuring that slum dwellers are provided with modern housing and upgraded infrastructure. To speed up the process, MHADA and SRA have been instructed to clear pending approvals, verify eligibility efficiently, and issue tenders without unnecessary delays. This strategic intervention will improve housing conditions across the city while ensuring that redevelopment progresses without further setbacks.

Restarting Projects That Were Stuck for Years

Many of these projects had been stalled due to legal and procedural issues. To ensure swift execution, eight projects have been taken away from their original developers under Section 13(2) of the Slum Rehabilitation Act, allowing for fresh oversight. The locations of these projects include:

 

Region	Number of Projects	Current Status	Source
Goregaon	12	Withdrawn from original developers	Daijiworld
Bandra	2	Under feasibility assessment	Indian Express
Kurla	5	Under feasibility assessment	Indian Express
Borivali/Dahisar	2	Withdrawn from original developers	Times of India
Malvani Malad	1 (Largest)	Biometric survey underway for 14,000 residents	Daijiworld

 

Additionally, five more projects are being evaluated for feasibility before redevelopment begins.

A major highlight of this initiative is the Malvani Malad project, which impacts 14,000 slum dwellers. To ensure only genuine beneficiaries receive housing, authorities have initiated a biometric survey of all residents, eliminated discrepancies and ensured rightful ownership.

 

First Major Approval: Sai Baba Housing Society Gets the Green Light

Amid these redevelopment efforts, the Sai Baba Housing Society in Jogeshwari has become the first project to receive a Letter of Intent (LOI) from MHADA. This approval means that official redevelopment work can now commence, giving hope to residents who have waited for years.

Further strengthening the momentum, MHADA has announced that tenders will soon be issued, ensuring that construction activities begin without further interruptions. This marks a significant breakthrough, setting the stage for all other stalled projects to move forward in a phased manner.

A Roadmap for Faster and More Transparent Redevelopment

IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal has introduced a structured action plan to ensure that all projects move ahead without delays or inefficiencies. The focus is on:

1. Ensuring Fair Beneficiary Selection – A transparent digital process to verify residents and eliminate fraudulent claims.
2. Clearing Administrative Backlogs – Expediting paperwork and approvals to speed up construction.
3. Holding Developers Accountable – Implementing strict deadlines to prevent indefinite project delays.

By addressing key obstacles upfront, this initiative is creating a roadmap for organized and accountable redevelopment.

Beyond Housing: Improving Infrastructure and Livability

Redevelopment isn’t just about providing homes—it’s about building sustainable neighbourhoods where families can thrive.

• Upgrading Road Networks: Many slum pockets lack proper roads, making construction and daily commuting difficult. Immediate improvements have been ordered to enhance connectivity in these areas.
• Using Digital Verification for Transparency: A new identification system is being implemented for residents of MHADA-owned properties to ensure fair and efficient housing allocation. This approach minimizes fraud and mismanagement, ensuring that housing reaches the right beneficiaries.

These improvements will enhance the overall quality of life for families moving into redeveloped housing.

The Larger Impact on Mumbai’s Urban Housing Landscape

With a significant portion of Mumbai’s population residing in slums, these redevelopment efforts are a long-overdue step toward structured housing solutions. Under Jaiswal’s leadership, MHADA and SRA are ensuring an efficient, well-planned execution, making sure that long-promised housing projects finally reach completion.

This initiative will:

• Provide safe and stable homes for over 25,000 residents
• Enhance sanitation and access to essential services
• Improve access to roads and public transport
• Ensure fair and transparent housing allocation

Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment in Mumbai’s Urban Redevelopment

The revival of these stalled projects is more than just a housing initiative—it’s about creating a better, well-planned Mumbai. With clear directives, efficient execution, and strong leadership, IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal is ensuring that every deserving family gets the home they have been waiting for.

The city is changing. Slum redevelopment is finally moving forward.
And this time, the transformation is real.