In a major relief for redevelopment projects in the Mumbai Airport funnel zone, the Maharashtra government has increased the maximum permissible building height to 18 meters, up from the earlier limit of 13–15 meters. This policy change, introduced through a proposed amendment to the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034, aims to unlock stalled redevelopment projects and provide much-needed relief to residents living in aging buildings.
The new guideline will specifically apply to existing societies and tenanted buildings located within the restricted airspace zone around Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Due to proximity to flight paths, development in these zones has long been heavily restricted, making vertical redevelopment practically unviable.
What Changes Now:
- Buildings can now be redeveloped up to 18 meters tall, typically allowing for 5 to 6 floors.
- Projects unable to fully utilize their permissible Floor Space Index (FSI) due to height caps will be compensated through Transferable Development Rights (TDR).
- Premium payments for open space deficiencies and free-of-FSI areas like staircases and lift lobbies have been reduced to 60% of the standard land rate.
Conditions for Redevelopment:
- Only buildings 30 years or older are eligible.
- Redevelopment proposals must be made specifically under the newly added Regulation 33(26).
- Proposals cannot combine benefits from other redevelopment schemes under DCPR 2034.
The move is expected to catalyze redevelopment in key localities around the airport where older societies and tenants have been living in buildings that could not be upgraded due to rigid height restrictions.
Officials state that this revision balances two critical concerns: urban housing needs and aviation safety standards. With Mumbai facing a shortage of affordable redevelopment options, especially near transport hubs, the increased height cap offers a practical solution without compromising flight operations.
Public feedback on the proposal was invited within a month of publication (March 28), after which the new regulation is likely to be formally incorporated into the city’s development framework.
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