Transforming Mumbai’s Urban Future: IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal Leads MHADA’s Vision for Inclusive Redevelopment

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) is scripting a new chapter in Mumbai’s urban history — one defined by renewal, resilience, and responsible development. At the heart of this transformation stands IAS Sanjeev Jaiswal, Vice President and CEO of MHADA, whose leadership has infused the organization with a forward-looking, citizen-first approach to redevelopment.

Under Jaiswal’s guidance, MHADA has embarked on several large-scale cluster redevelopment projects designed to replace aging, unsafe structures with modern, sustainable, and inclusive housing complexes. These initiatives are not just about rebuilding homes; they are about rebuilding trust, dignity, and opportunity for thousands of Mumbai families who have lived for decades in deteriorating buildings.

Kamathipura Cluster Redevelopment: Reviving a Historic Neighbourhood

One of the most significant initiatives under this drive is the Kamathipura Cluster Redevelopment in South Mumbai. Spread across nearly 34 acres, this project covers lanes one to fifteen of Kamathipura and involves over 900 old cessed buildings. More than 8,000 residents and shop owners are set to benefit from the redevelopment. MHADA’s vision is to transform the area into a modern “Urban Village” featuring organized layouts, open recreational spaces, and proper road networks.

Importantly, the project focuses on maintaining Kamathipura’s cultural and historical identity while ensuring fair rehabilitation for landowners based on plot size. The emphasis on safety, sanitation, and public space improvement makes this project a model for future inner-city redevelopment.

Bandra Reclamation and Adarsh Nagar: Redevelopment in Premium Localities

Another key redevelopment effort is underway in Bandra Reclamation and Adarsh Nagar, Worli—two of Mumbai’s most premium localities. Here, MHADA has initiated the redevelopment of 52 and 58 buildings respectively. The project will provide larger, sea-facing apartments equipped with improved amenities to the existing tenants.

To ensure fairness, tenant consent of at least 51 percent is required before developers can be appointed. In return, MHADA gains a portion of the redeveloped housing stock, which helps it expand its affordable housing inventory. These projects exemplify how redevelopment can enhance urban aesthetics without compromising public welfare.

Motilal Nagar, Goregaon (West): One of MHADA’s Largest Cluster Projects

In the western suburbs, the Motilal Nagar Redevelopment Project in Goregaon West is among MHADA’s largest undertakings. Spanning approximately 142 acres, it involves over 3,700 residential and commercial units. The plan envisions modern housing with significantly larger built-up areas, around 1,600 square feet per tenement, along with landscaped open spaces, community facilities, and improved infrastructure.

The project is being executed through a joint development agreement between MHADA and a private developer, with an estimated completion timeline of about seven years. Once completed, it will stand as one of the largest residential redevelopments in the city’s history.

Emerging Redevelopment Projects Across Mumbai

Several other cluster redevelopment projects across Mumbai and its extended suburbs are at various stages of approval and execution. Keystone Realtors, part of the Rustomjee Group, has received a Letter of Approval for redeveloping approximately 25 buildings in GTB Nagar, Sion-Koliwada. Spread across 11.19 acres, this project aims to rehabilitate around 1,200 society members and unlock substantial saleable space for new development.

Similarly, MHADA has announced the redevelopment of the seven-acre PMGP Colony at Poonam Nagar, Jogeshwari East, which includes nearly 1,000 residential and non-residential tenements. In Malad West, the redevelopment of Malwani Shree CHSL, covering cluster plot number 63, has received Intimation of Approval, marking the beginning of a structured redevelopment process in this part of the city.

Redeveloping Iconic BDD Chawls and Expanding Citywide Layouts

Meanwhile, MHADA has allocated nearly Rs 2,800 crore toward the ambitious redevelopment of the BDD chawls in Worli, Naigaon, and Parel. These projects, executed through a consortium model, aim to replace the aging chawl structures with modern high-rise buildings while preserving community bonds and historical significance.

To further scale up redevelopment efforts, MHADA has opened 114 layouts across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region for redevelopment. These layouts vary in size from about 10 acres to 140 acres, signifying a massive policy-level expansion of the cluster redevelopment model. The authority believes this will not only increase housing availability but also stimulate local economies by generating employment opportunities in construction and allied sectors.

 

Policy Boost for Redevelopment in Navi Mumbai and Andheri

The state government has also provided a policy boost for cluster redevelopment in Navi Mumbai, particularly for dangerous and dilapidated buildings. The approval of a floor space index (FSI) of four serves as an incentive to developers while ensuring adequate space for rehabilitation.

Another notable initiative is the proposed redevelopment of SVP Nagar Colony in Andheri West, which includes around 4,973 flats across nearly 500 plots. This will be carried out under MHADA’s cluster model through a transparent tender process, reflecting the authority’s commitment to fairness and accountability.
 

Slum Cluster Redevelopment: A Step Toward Inclusive Urban Growth

Beyond individual housing colonies, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a comprehensive slum cluster redevelopment policy for Mumbai. This new framework allows for the redevelopment of large contiguous slum areas covering more than 50 acres, provided there is at least 51 percent resident consent.

The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) will act as the nodal body for implementing this program, signalling a coordinated approach between MHADA and SRA to address the city’s long-standing housing challenges. This initiative represents a crucial step in ensuring that low-income residents also benefit from the larger redevelopment momentum across the city.

A Blueprint for the Future of Mumbai

Through these initiatives, MHADA aims to achieve a dual purpose—revitalizing Mumbai’s deteriorating housing stock while providing equitable and dignified living conditions for thousands of citizens. The redevelopment projects also reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive urban growth by ensuring that the benefits of modernization reach both high-value localities and low-income communities.

As these projects progress, they are expected to redefine the skyline of Mumbai and its suburbs. More importantly, they represent a shift in the way the city approaches housing—moving from piecemeal repairs to holistic urban regeneration. By combining heritage preservation with contemporary infrastructure, MHADA’s cluster redevelopment program stands as a blueprint for sustainable and people-centric urban transformation.