The move comes after multiple objections were raised over the proposed boundary map, delaying clarity on land limits in the area.

Why This Committee Has Been Formed

The issue of defining boundaries for Koliwadas (traditional fishing villages) in Mumbai has been under discussion for years.

A survey map prepared in 2018 by the Mumbai City Collector’s office had proposed boundaries for Dharavi Koliwada. However, several stakeholders—including the Dharavi Redevelopment Project—raised objections to the demarcation.

Following these objections, a meeting was held on April 8, 2026, involving local representatives and fishing community groups. Based on the discussions, the government decided to set up a committee to review the matter and make final recommendations.

Who Is in the Committee

The committee will be chaired by the Konkan Divisional Commissioner and includes senior officials from multiple departments such as:

• Land Records Department
• Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
• Mumbai City and Suburban Collector offices
• Environment Department
• Fisheries Department

The Deputy Director of Land Records (Konkan region) will act as the Member Secretary.

What the Committee Will Do

The panel has been given a clear mandate:

1. Review and finalise the 2018 boundary survey map of Dharavi Koliwada
2. Hear objections from stakeholders, including fishing community representatives
3. Consider previous directions issued in government meetings
4. Conduct additional जांच (inquiry) or site visits if required

The committee has also been given the authority to call for documents from agencies like the BMC, Collector’s office, and Dharavi Redevelopment Project.

Timeline: Report in 3 Months

The committee has been asked to submit a detailed report with recommendations within 3 months.

It can also invite experts or retired officials to assist in the process if needed.

Why This Matters

The demarcation of Dharavi Koliwada is crucial because:

• It impacts land ownership and rights of fishing communities
• It is directly linked to the larger Dharavi redevelopment plan
• It will determine how much land is protected for traditional use

Any final decision will have long-term implications for both development and community preservation.

Background of the Issue

Earlier, in 2012, the government had set guidelines for demarcating Koliwadas across Mumbai. A six-member committee was also formed at the time to establish a proper framework.

However, disputes over actual boundaries continued, especially in areas like Dharavi where redevelopment plans overlap with traditional settlements.

What Happens Next

Once the committee submits its report:

• The state government will take a final call on boundary approval
• This could pave the way for faster decision-making in Dharavi redevelopment
• It may also set a precedent for other Koliwadas in Mumbai

Also Read: Dharavi Redevelopment: 10 Years of No Maintenance

The post Dharavi Koliwada Boundary Dispute: Maharashtra Forms Panel to Finalise Demarcation appeared first on Square Feat India.

Justice Sandeep V. Marne, in his judgment pronounced on 17 March 2026 (reserved on 5 March 2026) in Civil Revision Application (ST.) No. 23914 of 2023, allowed the revision petition filed by the Union of India (Ministry of Law & Justice, Department of Legal Affairs, Deputy Salt Commissioner and Joint Secretary) and set aside the City Civil Court’s order dated 11 November 2022.

The court directed the outright dismissal of Civil Suit No. 6256 of 2005, holding that the suit had become infructuous after the natural expiry of the 99-year lease on 14 October 2016.

Background of the Kanjur Marg Salt Pan Land Dispute

The disputed lands comprise:

• Arthur Salt Works – 251 acres and 21 gunthas (Survey Nos. 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23)
• Jenkins Salt Works – 249 acres and 10 gunthas (Survey No. 169)

Both plots were leased by the Secretary of State for India to the plaintiff’s predecessors on 15 October 1917 for salt manufacturing for a period of 99 years (expiring on 14 October 2016).

The Union of India terminated the leases prematurely on 2 November 2004. The plaintiff challenged the termination orders by filing Suit No. 1173 of 2005 in the Bombay High Court (later transferred and renumbered as Civil Suit No. 6256 of 2005 in the City Civil Court, Mumbai). The suit sought a declaration that the termination orders were illegal and that the lease agreements dated 16 February 1922 were valid, subsisting and binding.

An interim injunction was granted in 2005, allowing the plaintiff to continue in possession.

Expiry of Lease and the Notice of Motion

After the 99-year term ended by efflux of time on 14 October 2016, the Union of India moved Notice of Motion No. 3788 of 2016 seeking dismissal of the suit on the ground that the cause of action had ceased and the suit had become infructuous. The City Civil Court rejected the motion on 11 November 2022, primarily to protect the interim order.

The Union of India then approached the High Court in revision under Section 115 of the CPC.

Key Arguments and Court’s Reasoning

Appearing for the Union of India, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh (with Mr. Aditya Thakkar, Mr. D.P. Singh, Mr. Adarsh Vyas, Ms. Rama Gupta, Mr. Dhaval Shetia and Ms. Rupali Srivastav) argued that the entire cause of action had evaporated with the expiry of the lease. He relied on the Supreme Court’s judgment in Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. v. Machado Brothers (2004) 11 SCC 168, which holds that courts have inherent power under Section 151 CPC to dismiss infructuous suits when subsequent events render them pointless.

The ASG also cited the Division Bench judgment in Maheshkumar Gordhandas Garodia v. State of Maharashtra (Writ Petition 5362 of 2024, decided 16 February 2026) and the dismissal of a similar suit in Vikas Kamalakar Walawalkar v. Deputy Salt Commissioner.

Opposing the revision, Mr. Aditya Bapat (with Mr. S.A.K. Najam-es-sani) contended that no provision in the CPC allows dismissal merely because the cause of action has ended and that powers under Section 151 cannot be invoked when alternate remedies exist. He argued that the plaintiff had applied for renewal and that an amendment application was pending.

Court’s Ruling: Suit Rendered Infructuous

Justice Marne rejected the plaintiff’s arguments, observing:

• The plaint contained no prayer for renewal of the lease (the amendment application was filed only on 30 June 2025, almost three years after the impugned order).
• The sole substantial prayer — declaration that the 1922 lease agreements were “valid, subsisting and binding” — became meaningless after 14 October 2016.
• There was no need to adjudicate the validity of the 2004 termination orders once the lease term had expired naturally.
• Relying extensively on the Shipping Corporation of India precedent, the court held that a suit cannot be kept alive artificially merely to preserve an interim injunction. “Interlocutory orders are made in aid of final orders and not vice versa,” the judge noted.

The court clarified that powers under Section 151 CPC are available precisely in such situations where no other provision (like Order VII Rule 11) applies to a supervening event that kills the cause of action.

The plaintiff’s request for a four-week stay on the judgment was also rejected.

Operative Order

The Bombay High Court:

1. Set aside the City Civil Court order dated 11 November 2022.
2. Made the Notice of Motion absolute and dismissed Civil Suit No. 6256 of 2005 in its entirety.
3. Passed no order as to costs.

This ruling comes days after the same judge (as part of a Division Bench) dismissed related writ petitions challenging land transfers from these very salt pan parcels.

Also Read: PM to Inaugurate Mumbai Metro Line Today

The post Kanjur Marg Salt Pan Land: Bombay High Court Dismisses 21-Year-Old Suit as 99-Year Lease Expires, Clears Path for Development appeared first on Square Feat India.

Debunking the Ineligibility Myth

Recent claims suggesting that up to 80% of Dharavi residents have been ruled ineligible under the DRP have been debunked by the latest Final Annexure-II data, published up to December 9, 2025. Out of 3,518 tenements surveyed in this batch—a fraction of Dharavi’s total structures—only 75 (approximately 2%) were declared ineligible. Instead, the majority are on track for benefits:

• Eligible for Housing Benefits: 2,009 tenements (57%), including 1,178 (33% of total) qualifying for in-situ rehabilitation, meaning free 350-square-foot homes within a redeveloped Dharavi.
• Undecided/Pending Documents: 1,078 tenements (30.6%), where submissions are incomplete, illegible, or require verification from agencies like BEST (for electricity records), BMC (for licenses), or electoral rolls.
• Public Amenities/Utility Structures: 330 (9.38%), such as community toilets or temples, which aren’t residential.
• Ineligible: Just 75, often due to lack of residency proof or structures built after eligibility cutoffs.

DRP officials stress that pending cases are not rejections. “These are under review and will be resolved once verifications are complete,” said a project spokesperson. Delays stem from discrepancies in old records, such as metadata mismatches in utility bills or missing voter list entries, requiring case-by-case coordination. Residents are urged not to heed unverified rumors targeting areas like Meghwadi, Azad Nagar, Tilak Nagar, and Kamala Raman Nagar as “mass ineligible.”

A Long Road to Redevelopment: Dharavi’s Historical Context

Dharavi’s transformation story dates back over a century. Originally a fishing village in swampy Mumbai outskirts during the late 1800s, it exploded in the 20th century as migrants arrived for industrial jobs, evolving into a bustling informal settlement. By the mid-1900s, it became Asia’s largest slum, spanning 590-620 acres with 700,000 to 1 million residents. Known for its economic vibrancy—generating billions in revenue from small-scale industries like leather tanning, pottery, and recycling—Dharavi has long symbolized urban resilience amid poverty.

Redevelopment ideas emerged in the 1950s-1980s, but formal plans kicked off in the 1990s. The turning point was 2004, when the Maharashtra government, under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), launched the DRP. Architect Mukesh Mehta’s vision divided Dharavi into sectors for private developers to build modern housing, subsidized by commercial sales. Global tenders in 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2016 failed due to low bids, political shifts, and resident opposition over displacement fears.

The 2018 tender drew interest from Adani Group and Dubai’s SecLink, with SecLink winning in 2019. However, it was canceled in 2020 over scope changes, including railway land integration. A fresh 2022 tender, with revised rules prioritizing in-situ rehab and options for post-2000 settlers, saw Adani Properties secure the bid at ₹5,069 crore.

By 2023, the project formed a Special Purpose Vehicle (later Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt. Ltd.), with Adani at 80% stake and the government at 20%. International experts like Sasaki and Buro Happold joined for planning. Surveys began in 2024, the master plan was approved, and construction certificates were issued in January 2025. Now, with additional land allocations (e.g., salt pans), the DRP aims to deliver 125,000-200,000 homes over 7-17 years, costing ₹25,000-95,000 crore. Despite controversies like legal challenges and protests, on-ground progress is visible, marking the most advanced phase yet.

Navigating Disputes: The Four-Tier Grievance Redressal System

The Annexure-II lists are not the final word. To ensure fairness, DRP has implemented a streamlined, single-window appeal process for eligibility disputes.

Step 1: Appellate Officer (AO)

Residents start here with initial complaints or document corrections. This officer reviews cases promptly, often resolving simple issues on the spot.

Step 2: Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC)

If unsatisfied, escalate to this panel of senior officials independent of the survey team, ensuring unbiased evaluation.

Step 3: Appellate Committee

Headed by an Additional Collector unaffiliated with the DRP CEO, this level provides higher scrutiny for complex disputes.

Step 4: Apex Grievance Redressal Committee (AGRC)

The final, quasi-judicial body fast-tracks unresolved cases, functioning like a dedicated court for DRP matters.

Officials note this system empowers residents, encouraging active participation rather than reliance on rumors.

Project Vision and Call to Action

Billed as the world’s largest human-centric urban renewal, the DRP seeks “housing for all,” preserving Dharavi’s industries while modernizing infrastructure. With surveys ongoing and more Annexure-II batches expected, the focus remains on inclusive growth. “The transformation is real and can be seen on the ground,” a DRP official said. Dharavikars are called to engage, submit documents, and use official channels for clarity.

Also Read: Devendra Fadnavis Puts Dharavi Redevelopment back on track

The post In Dharavi Redevelopment: Undecided Doesn’t Mean Ineligible appeared first on Square Feat India.

Mumbai is often described as India’s financial capital, the city of dreams, and the beating heart of the nation’s economy. Yet, for millions of its citizens, Mumbai is also the city of broken promises. For decades, the city has been systematically failed — by its politicians, by its administrators, and most consistently, by its own civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The Paradox of the Richest, Yet Poorest in Service

The BMC is the richest municipal corporation in the country, its budget larger than some Indian states. But this wealth has not translated into quality of life for Mumbaikars. Roads disintegrate within days of being patched. Even a few millimeters of rain choke the city. Potholes kill people every monsoon. Slums emerge overnight and become permanent fixtures under political protection. Garbage management remains erratic.

This paradox is not about money; it is about governance — or rather, the lack of it.

Politicians and Administrators: A Legacy of Neglect

For years, successive governments treated Mumbai as a revenue cow, extracting from it without reinvesting meaningfully. Bureaucrats and civic officials, shielded by corruption and political patronage, turned inefficiency into an art form.

The rot was most visible during the tenure of the UBT-led government. Metro projects that could have significantly eased the burden on commuters were stalled under the guise of “environmental concerns.” Meanwhile, the ambitious BDD Chawl Redevelopment project, floated in 2017 to give over 15,500 families new homes, ground to a halt. In 2020, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of the main contractors, threatened to pull out altogether, citing slow progress and administrative hurdles. Thousands of families waiting for dignified housing were left stranded.

This was not governance; it was paralysis.

The Fadnavis Intervention

Contrast this with Devendra Fadnavis’s tenure, where for the first time in decades, Mumbai saw a serious attempt to modernize.

• Coastal Road: A transformative project to ease traffic congestion.
• Atal Setu: Seamless connectivity between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
• Metro Expansion: The maximum number of metro projects were pushed during his government, offering a real alternative to the city’s overburdened transport.

On housing, his interventions were equally significant. Instead of appointing private developers with questionable motives, Fadnavis placed MHADA in charge of the BDD Chawl Redevelopment, ensuring top-tier contractors were brought in. He also floated global tenders for Dharavi’s redevelopment — Asia’s largest slum — and for GTN Nagar, one of Mumbai’s oldest refugee camps. Crucially, the vision was not displacement, but in-situ rehabilitation, at no cost to original residents.

This marked a rare moment in Mumbai’s history: a government thinking of ordinary Mumbaikars before builders.

The Present Pain and the Path Forward

Yes, today the city is under stress. Traffic jams have worsened, construction disrupts daily life, and patience is wearing thin. But this disruption is the result of decades of neglect finally being confronted. Mumbai is undergoing surgery after years of misdiagnosis. The pain is real, but so is the prospect of healing.

Yet one problem persists: while Fadnavis pushes relentlessly, the city’s administrative machinery does not. The BMC remains riddled with corruption. Civic officials are unaccountable. Police often dismiss the everyday grievances of citizens. Bureaucrats resist change, dragging their feet despite political will.

If Mumbai’s transformation is to succeed, the Chief Minister must now direct his attention towards the city’s officials — tightening the noose around corrupt systems and demanding accountability at every level.

Conclusion: Hope Amidst Betrayal

Mumbai has been failed repeatedly — by politicians who stalled projects, by administrators who obstructed, and by a civic body that squanders its wealth. The UBT government stalled infrastructure and allowed critical projects like BDD Chawl redevelopment to languish.

But under Fadnavis, the city is finally seeing a blueprint for change — roads, bridges, metros, and housing for those who built Mumbai with their sweat.

The frustration today is real. But unlike in the past, so is the hope. Because for the first time in a long time, there is leadership that dares to dream, and more importantly, has the track record to deliver. The battle ahead is not just against potholes or floods, but against the entrenched culture of corruption and apathy that has long defined Mumbai’s governance.

And that is a battle Mumbai cannot afford to lose.

Also Read: Devendra Fadnavis Puts Dharavi Redevelopment back on track

The post What and Who Failed Mumbai? appeared first on Square Feat India.

The redevelopment of Dharavi — one of Asia’s largest informal settlements — is being undertaken by Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd (NMDPL), a joint venture between Adani Properties Pvt Ltd (80%) and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) (20%). NMDPL is acting as the lead implementation agency for the integrated redevelopment effort.

The state government had earlier declared the Dharavi project as both an Essential Urban Infrastructure Project and a Special Project, thereby making it eligible for financial concessions under existing policies. In line with this, a proposal was placed before the Cabinet seeking stamp duty relief for sub-lease agreements involving land owned by the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) and leased to either NMDPL or the SRA.

The Cabinet has now officially approved the inclusion of such lease agreements under the state’s stamp duty concession policy, aiming to reduce financial burden, lower transaction costs, and facilitate faster implementation. According to current rules, stamp duty on long-term leases (over 10 years) is 1%, while registration fees are capped at ₹30,000.

The RLDA is contributing approximately 45 acres of land for the project, and under tender conditions, the SPV is obligated to pay at least ₹2,800 crore for this land parcel.

A senior state official said the move is expected to streamline legal processes and accelerate the start of construction, which has faced repeated delays due to legal, financial, and procedural hurdles. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project spans 240 hectares and directly impacts nearly one million residents, making it one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects in the country.

The stamp duty relief is seen as a critical enabler in ensuring smoother execution of lease transactions and encouraging swift progress on the ground.

Also Read: Dharavi Redevelopment Tender Cancelled

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In a historic first, the Maharashtra government has announced a policy shift that will offer rental housing to slum dwellers who are deemed ineligible for free rehabilitation — a move that blends compassion with practicality as part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project and broader slum policy reforms under the State Housing Policy 2025.

This is the first time that the government has formally recognized the housing needs of those who fall outside the eligibility criteria, offering them affordable, safe rental units instead of eviction or neglect.

The Problem with ‘Ineligible’ Slum Dwellers

Historically, many residents in slum areas — especially those who settled after the cut-off date or lacked proper documentation — were labelled as “ineligible” and excluded from housing benefits under rehabilitation schemes. This left thousands without legal shelter or stability, even as redevelopment projects advanced.

In places like Dharavi, where over a million people live, this created a social and legal grey zone.

A Humane Policy Shift: Affordable Rental Housing

Under the new policy:

• Ineligible slum dwellers will be provided rental accommodation in government-built projects.
• These units will be affordable, secure, and located close to existing urban areas.
• This initiative will first be rolled out as part of the Dharavi Redevelopment, but is expected to be replicated in other major cities.

How It Will Work:

• A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be formed to oversee the construction and operation of rental housing blocks.
• A professional Asset Management Company will be appointed to manage maintenance, rent collection, and tenant services.
• Eligibility norms, rent structure, cut-off date, and allocation process will be outlined in a separate rental housing policy (to be released soon).
• The policy will include transparent mechanisms to prevent misuse while ensuring dignity for informal residents.

Why This Matters:

This move is being hailed as “a dignified alternative to eviction” by urban planners and social housing experts.
It addresses two major concerns:

1. The need to accommodate people who live and work in cities but don’t qualify for traditional rehabilitation.
2. The importance of ensuring redevelopment projects like Dharavi don’t lead to mass displacement or unrest.

Expert Speak:

“This is a paradigm shift. Recognizing that even ineligible slum dwellers are citizens with housing needs is a huge step forward. It offers legal shelter, dignity, and avoids the fallout of forced displacement.”
— Urban Housing Analyst, Mumbai.

Integrated with Broader Slum Redevelopment

• The policy also strengthens in-situ slum rehabilitation (ISSR) and cluster redevelopment.
• Redevelopment will now be linked to urban infrastructure and livelihoods, ensuring slum areas evolve into integrated, legal neighborhoods.

Also Read: Rental Price Growth Drops 50% In Top Cities as Housing Supply Surges

The post Rental Housing for Ineligible Slum Dwellers: Maharashtra’s Housing Policy 2025 Offers Humane Alternative in Dharavi & Beyond appeared first on Square Feat India.

Hospitality investments in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region remain resilient in the first quarter of 2025, as capital continues to gravitate toward high-liquidity markets like Japan, South Korea, and Australia. According to Colliers’ latest report, Asia Pacific Hospitality Insights – May 2025, the sector is transitioning from post-pandemic recovery to sustained, performance-led growth.

The report highlights that hotel transaction activity is being led by established markets, with Japan, South Korea, and Australia topping the list in terms of deal volume. Singapore has emerged as a preferred destination for generational wealth investments, while India and Southeast Asia are evolving as crucial demand engines.

India’s Rising Influence in APAC Hospitality

A key highlight of the report is the role of Indian outbound travel in shaping the regional hospitality landscape. Indian travelers are emerging as a year-round, dependable demand source, especially in destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea. This surge is attributed to rising disposable incomes and a growing preference for experience-driven travel, helping maintain strong room rates and reshaping regional hospitality dynamics.

“India is driving a structural shift in Asia Pacific’s hospitality landscape,” said Nikhil Shah, Managing Director, Hospitality & Alternatives at Colliers. “With strong demand across the luxury, lifestyle, and MICE segments, and rising investor confidence in experience-led assets, India is now central to regional tourism flows, sustaining premium pricing and reshaping travel dynamics.”

Spiritual Tourism Fueling Domestic Growth

Domestically, India’s hospitality sector is poised for robust growth, with Tier II cities and spiritual destinations becoming the next frontiers of expansion.
Places like Ayodhya, Dwarka, Puri, Shirdi, Tirupati, and Varanasi are witnessing infrastructure upgrades and government-backed initiatives, making them attractive for hospitality investments.

“Spiritual tourism is emerging as a key growth driver, backed by focused policy support and infrastructure development,” said Vimal Nadar, National Director and Head of Research at Colliers India. “These destinations are unlocking new investment avenues and reshaping India’s hospitality map.”

Q1 2025 Performance Overview

Despite a 19% dip in overall APAC hotel deal volumes in Q1 2025, hotel performance remained strong, supported by a rise in Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) and Average Daily Rates (ADR). RevPAR grew by 2.1% year-on-year, a significant improvement from the 0.4% growth seen between 2023 and 2024.

Leading markets in ADR growth include Phuket, Tokyo, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Osaka, buoyed by strong domestic demand, effective market positioning, and a resurgence in international travel.

“These markets exemplify a rate-driven performance strategy and set a benchmark for value-oriented expansion,” the report notes.

Investor Strategy Shifts Toward Value-Add

While geopolitical uncertainties contributed to a cautious Q1, investors are expected to become more active as market stability improves. According to Govinda Singh, Executive Director, APAC Capital Markets at Colliers, the focus is shifting from cap rate compression to value-add strategies aimed at boosting cash flow and long-term income.

“With pricing holding firm, the imperative to deploy capital is intensifying. We anticipate a pickup in activity through the rest of the year,” Singh said.

Looking Ahead

The Asia Pacific hospitality sector is entering a new phase of stabilized, performance-focused growth. With India emerging as both a powerful outbound force and a robust domestic market, the region is expected to see deeper investment interest and a renewed focus on operational excellence, occupancy-driven strategy, and guest experience.

Also Read: Indian Hospitality Sector Booms: Strong Growth in RevPAR and Investments

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As part of the recently unveiled Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) master plan, a linear open space along the Mithi River will turn the informal settlement’s edge into a vibrant, accessible, and eco-friendly public promenade. The proposal positions it as Mumbai’s longest continuous waterfront after the iconic Queen’s Necklace.

From Congestion to Connection

The planned riverfront isn’t just about beautification. It’s designed to:

• Reclaim and rejuvenate the heavily polluted Mithi River edge
• Provide a walkable recreational space for both Dharavi and Mumbai residents
• Act as a flood mitigation measure integrated with stormwater bioswales
• Visually connect people to the northern mangrove forest

Officials say this promenade will be a social equalizer — a public space where Dharavikars, Mumbaikars, and tourists can mingle, walk, rest, and enjoy the view — a far cry from Dharavi’s present image.

Not Just a Riverfront: A Whole New Dharavi

The riverfront is only one piece of the bigger puzzle. The DRP master plan aims to transform Dharavi into a mixed-use, transit-oriented urban hub with world-class infrastructure. Key highlights include:

Can Dharavi Be Mumbai’s New Urban Heart?

The redevelopment is as symbolic as it is infrastructural. Long viewed as a space of survival and scarcity, Dharavi is now being imagined as a model of urban inclusivity, connectivity, and sustainability.

Officials claim that every Dharavi resident will live within 5 to 15 minutes of key social amenities — whether it’s a school, clinic, metro station, or green park. This “15-minute city” concept, already popular in global urban planning, is being applied here for the first time at this scale in India.

Preserving Identity While Building New

One major goal is to retain Dharavi’s spirit — the self-made, entrepreneurial community that powers much of Mumbai’s informal economy. From leather goods to recycling, small-scale industries will be provided dedicated, hygienic, structurally sound spaces to continue their trade legally and safely.

The plan also includes iconic religious structures, common celebration spaces, and pedestrian-friendly neighborhood nodes to preserve cultural identity.

A Riverfront for All, Not Just the Rich

Unlike many elite waterfront developments, the Dharavi promenade is being designed as a truly public space — open, inclusive, and accessible to every resident. With parks, plazas, shaded walkways, and visual links to nature, it is meant to foster everyday interactions and shared ownership.

If executed as planned, this riverfront could shift Dharavi’s perception — from a place people avoid to one where the city gathers.

The Big Question: Will It Deliver?

While the vision is grand and well-intentioned, questions remain:

• Will the project stick to deadlines?
• Will displacement be minimized?
• Will Dharavi’s original residents truly benefit?

What’s clear, though, is that Dharavi’s transformation is no longer on the drawing board — it’s been set in motion. And if the riverfront becomes reality, Mumbai may indeed get a second Marine Drive — one born not of colonial glory, but of grassroots resilience.

Also Read: Tenders for Dharavi Redevelopment soon

The post Mumbai to Get Its Second Marine Drive? Dharavi Riverfront Plan Revealed appeared first on Square Feat India.

The Board of Directors and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs have approved the name change. The new name, Navbharat Mega Developers, reflects the scale of the redevelopment and the company’s aim to create a modern community.

NMDPL is a special purpose vehicle formed between the Government of Maharashtra — through the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP)/Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) — and the Adani Group. The government’s role as the supervising authority for the project remains unchanged.

The name change also addresses potential confusion with the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), which is the government’s planning authority for the redevelopment. NMDPL clarified that the rebranding does not affect the project’s purpose or the government’s oversight.

Dharavi’s redevelopment is a part of India’s efforts to eliminate slums and provide modern housing. NMDPL reaffirmed its commitment to the project and its objectives.

Also Read: Tenders for Dharavi Redevelopment soon

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The bench, led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, had earlier reserved its verdict after hearing arguments from both sides. The case revolved around Seclink’s attempt to reverse the state’s decision to annul its ₹7,200 crore bid and introduce a new bidding process, which saw Adani emerge as the winning bidder.

Seclink had initially secured the Dharavi redevelopment contract in 2019, surpassing Adani’s bid of ₹4,539 crore. However, the Maharashtra government, under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, decided in 2022 to include 45 acres of railway land in the redevelopment project for slum rehabilitation. This change was not part of the original plan, prompting the state to seek legal advice.

Following the legal consultation, the then Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni recommended canceling the original 2019 tender and launching a fresh bidding process to accommodate the costs associated with acquiring the railway land. Consequently, the government scrapped Seclink’s winning bid and introduced a revised bidding framework, which ultimately favored Adani Properties.

Seclink contested the move, arguing that the inclusion of railway land had already been factored into the original 2019 bid, as the bid map included nearly 90 acres of railway land. The company claimed that the government’s decision to cancel the contract was unjustified and that the new tender conditions were designed to disadvantage them and favor Adani. Seclink further alleged that it suffered a financial loss of ₹8,424 crore due to the cancellation of its bid.

Defending its position, the Maharashtra government asserted that the revised tender conditions were necessary given the changed economic circumstances between 2019 and 2022. Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, fluctuations in the Rupee-USD exchange rate, rising interest rates, and the overall high-risk environment for investors were cited as reasons for the changes in project terms. The government emphasized that these adjustments were made to ensure the project’s financial viability and protect the public interest.

Seclink was represented by Senior Advocate Virendra Tulzapurkar, along with a team of advocates, while Senior Advocate Milind Sathe, assisted by Additional Government Pleaders Jyoti Chavan and Atul Vanarse, appeared for the State. Senior Advocate Ravindra Kadam, along with Senior Advocates Vikram Nankani, Zal Andhyarujina, and others, represented Adani Properties in the case.

This ruling paves the way for the continuation of the Dharavi redevelopment project, a crucial initiative aimed at transforming one of Asia’s largest slums into a modern urban hub.

Also Read: Dharavi Redevelopment Tender Cancelled

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