The project is part of the Maharashtra government’s broader vision under the State Housing Policy 2025, aimed at providing safe, affordable and inclusive housing for all citizens. The initiative has been conceptualised under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Pilot Project in Andheri

The selected cluster is located along C.D. Barfiwala Road in Andheri (West), covering a total area of 101.36 acres. Out of this, 61.40 acres are currently occupied by slums.

The site has been identified as a pilot cluster redevelopment project, marking a key step in implementing the government resolution dated November 13, 2025, which approved cluster redevelopment across Mumbai.

Scale of Rehabilitation

Under the project:

• 28,061 rehabilitation units will be constructed
• Around 14,000 existing slum dwellers will be rehabilitated
• An additional 14,061 housing units will be created

The project aims not only to rehouse existing residents but also to generate additional housing stock.

Planned Urban Infrastructure

The redevelopment plan includes:

• Open spaces
• Playgrounds
• Schools
• Healthcare facilities
• Other civic and social infrastructure

The goal is to create a planned, integrated urban neighbourhood rather than standalone rehabilitation buildings.

Challenges and Delays

The project area, located near the airport, has faced long-standing delays due to:

• Height restrictions linked to proximity to the airport
• Extremely dense slum clusters
• Fragmented redevelopment efforts under earlier schemes

These factors had stalled rehabilitation for thousands of families, with some residents also facing delays in receiving transit rent.

Bidding Process and Developer Interest

The Slum Rehabilitation Authority invited bids on April 8, 2026, to appoint a Construction and Development Agency (C&DA) for the project.

Technical bids were opened on June 4, 2026. The project has attracted participation from major private developers, including:

• Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate
• Reliance 4IR Realty Development Limited
• JSW Realty and Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.

The proposals are currently under technical evaluation, following which financial bids will be opened after approval from a high-level committee.

Transparent Tendering Process

According to SRA CEO Dr. Mahendra Kalyankar, the authority has, for the first time, implemented a fully transparent and competitive bidding system, moving away from earlier practices such as Letter of Intent (LOI) trading.

The new process aims to ensure fair competition and improved project execution.

Larger Slum Redevelopment Push

Beyond this pilot, SRA has identified 18 additional cluster areas across Mumbai for similar redevelopment.

These initiatives are expected to:

• Revive stalled or unviable slum rehabilitation schemes
• Enable rehabilitation of approximately 6 to 7 lakh slum dwellers

Policy Context

The project is part of the government’s larger “Slum-Free Mumbai” vision, aligned with the State Housing Policy 2025.

The policy focuses on:

• Affordable housing
• Planned redevelopment
• Improved urban infrastructure
• Inclusive city development

The Andheri cluster project is expected to serve as a model for future large-scale redevelopment efforts across Mumbai.

Also Read: Mumbai Banega Dubai

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The notices, issued on May 6, 2026, pertain to CTS No. F/62 (606.20 sq.mtr) and CTS No. F/650 (595.80 sq.mtr) in Village Bandra. The SRA has invited objections from landowners and interested parties within 30 days for acquisition of these lands under Section 14(1) of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance & Redevelopment) Act, 1971, to facilitate slum rehabilitation.

The applicant in both notices is Jivanam Developers Pvt. Ltd.

Background of the Projects

These plots form part of three clubbed SRA schemes — Pali Pereirawadi SRA CHS, Adarsh Nagar SRA CHS, and Gautam Kripa Dheeraj Grand SRA CHS — that had been handed over to companies associated with the HDIL group (Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd.).

In a landmark order passed on January 6, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of SRA, Dr. Mahendra Kalyankar, had terminated the appointments of M/s R.K.W. Developers Pvt. Ltd., Housing Development & Infrastructure Ltd. (HDIL), and Damask Infracon Pvt. Ltd. as developers of these schemes. The SRA cited prolonged delays, non-payment of transit rent to slum dwellers for several years, and the developers’ lack of financial capacity to complete the projects.

The authority then approved the takeover by Piramal Capital & Housing Finance along with Jivanam Developers Pvt. Ltd. under the government’s Amnesty Scheme.

HDIL’s Downfall

HDIL, once one of Mumbai’s largest real estate developers known for aggressive SRA projects, ran into severe financial and legal trouble following the collapse of its sister concern, DHFL (Dewan Housing Finance Corporation Ltd.). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a major money laundering investigation against the Wadhawan brothers and their companies, alleging diversion of funds through various SRA projects in Mumbai. Multiple HDIL projects, including those in Bandra, were placed under status quo, severely halting progress and leaving thousands of slum dwellers in limbo for years.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) also initiated insolvency proceedings against the group, further complicating project execution.

Ray of Hope for Residents

With the latest land acquisition notices, the new developers are now taking concrete legal steps to clear hurdles and move the projects into the construction phase. Slum dwellers, many of whom vacated their homes over a decade ago and have been receiving irregular or no transit rent, are hopeful that the change in guard will finally deliver them new homes.

The SRA has made it clear that the new joint developers will have to reimburse HDIL for verified expenses incurred on the projects as per Section 13(3) of the Slum Act.

This development marks an important chapter in the revival of stalled SRA projects across Mumbai, where private developers’ failure has increasingly led to financial institutions and new developers stepping in under government intervention.

Also Read: Home Buyers Of HDIL Projects Wary, Post PMC Bank Scam

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The case involves a small but symbolically important slum redevelopment scheme on private land bearing C.S. No. 3/478 at Shirinbai Bandukwala Chawl, Lower Parel (West), Mumbai. The plot, owned by Shri Juzer Nagree, houses 49 slum huts. Nagree, who appointed himself as the developer through the proposed Bright Galaxy SRA CHS (Prop.), received scheme acceptance from SRA on 14th September 2023.

However, despite the passage of almost three years, no further approvals were granted, and no tangible progress was made on the ground. Frustrated by the prolonged delay, the slum dwellers approached the SRA under Section 13(2) of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance & Redevelopment) Act, 1971, seeking his removal.

In his defence, Nagree argued that as the landowner, he enjoys a preferential right to develop the property under the Slum Act and invoked constitutional protections under Article 300A. He blamed administrative delays such as Property Card rectification and pending Annexure-II survey for the slow progress.

Rejecting this argument, SRA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mahendra Kalyankar observed in the order dated 6th May 2026 that while landowners do enjoy preferential rights in slum redevelopment, “this preferential right is not an absolute or eternal right.” It is conditional upon timely and diligent execution of the rehabilitation scheme.

The order explicitly states:

“Being the owner gives you preferential rights, but not unlimited time.”

The SRA emphasised that the Maharashtra Slum Act is a welfare legislation meant to provide dignified housing to slum dwellers. Allowing schemes to remain on paper for years defeats the very purpose of the Act. The Authority noted that the slum dwellers had lost faith in the current developer and had already resolved to appoint a new, more capable developer — Sunvista Constructions Pvt Ltd (a JP Infra group company).

Key Takeaway from the Order: This judgment sends a strong message to all landowner-developers in Mumbai: Mere ownership does not grant indefinite control over a slum redevelopment project. If the developer fails to move the project forward within a reasonable time, the SRA has the power — and duty — to remove them in the interest of the slum residents.

This is not the first such order, but its clear articulation of the limits of landowner rights makes it an important precedent for stalled SRA projects across the city.

Also Read: Builders to Pay Corpus First in SRA Projects Before Selling Homes

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Stretching from Santacruz and Andheri to Goregaon, Kandivali and Dahisar, vast pockets of ageing residential stock are being systematically redeveloped, driven by land scarcity, rising housing demand and major infrastructure upgrades. What was once incremental redevelopment has now evolved into a large-scale urban transformation story.

Industry estimates indicate that over 44,000 new homes worth nearly ₹1.3 lakh crore are expected to be created through redevelopment-led projects in the coming years. Data from Knight Frank India suggests that more than 900 housing societies have signed redevelopment agreements since 2020, with a significant concentration in the western suburban belt.

From Replacement to Reinvention

Developers increasingly view redevelopment as more than a process of rebuilding old structures. It is now seen as a comprehensive exercise in urban restructuring—integrating modern housing, improved infrastructure and community rehabilitation.

“Redevelopment in Mumbai, especially across the western suburbs, is about transforming communities through better housing and stronger infrastructure,” said Rohan Brahmdev Shukla, Director and Chief Civil Officer, DGS Group. “These areas have evolved organically over decades and are now being shaped through structured urban planning.”

This shift reflects a broader transition in the city’s growth model—from outward expansion to inward renewal.

Strong Demand Meets Limited Land

The western suburbs have emerged as one of the most commercially viable redevelopment markets due to a combination of robust end-user demand and negligible land availability.

Projects in established residential areas continue to attract buyers because they offer upgraded homes within well-developed neighbourhood ecosystems, complete with schools, hospitals, transport networks and social infrastructure.

“The redevelopment story is no longer just about replacing old buildings,” said Shraddha Kedia Agarwal, Director, Transcon Developers. “It is about creating integrated communities with better infrastructure, open spaces and long-term livability.”

Slum Rehabilitation Adds Scale

Alongside housing society redevelopment, slum rehabilitation projects (SRA) continue to play a critical role in reshaping suburban clusters.

Over the past three decades, more than 2,500 slum rehabilitation projects have been completed, benefiting nearly 2.83 lakh families and significantly expanding Mumbai’s formal housing stock.

This dual engine—society redevelopment and SRA—has made the western suburbs one of the most active real estate corridors in the country.

Execution Challenges Remain

Despite strong momentum, the redevelopment sector continues to face execution challenges, including:

• Lengthy approval processes
• Regulatory complexities
• Coordination among multiple stakeholders
• Tenant consent and rehabilitation logistics

Industry stakeholders emphasise that faster clearances and streamlined regulations will be critical to sustaining growth.

“Mumbai’s western suburbs have become one of the strongest redevelopment corridors because the underlying demand fundamentals remain extremely robust,” said a spokesperson from Chandak Group. “However, long-term scalability will depend on policy support and execution efficiency.”

A Structural Shift in Urban Growth

Experts note that redevelopment is no longer a cyclical trend but a structural necessity for Mumbai, where land scarcity and ageing infrastructure leave limited room for greenfield expansion.

“Strong redevelopment momentum is being driven by established infrastructure, connectivity and sustained housing demand,” said Dhruman Shah, Promoter, Ariha Group. “It is enabling more efficient land use while improving living standards.”

As Mumbai continues to grapple with rising population density and infrastructure pressures, the western suburbs are leading a new phase of growth—one that focuses on reinventing existing urban spaces rather than expanding outward.

In doing so, redevelopment is not just altering the skyline; it is reshaping how the city evolves—towards a more sustainable, efficient and future-ready urban form.

Also Read: Western Suburbs of Mumbai dominate home sales in 2023

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The directive is part of SRA Circular No. 238, dated 18 February 2026, issued by the Engineering Department of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority, Brihanmumbai. The circular enforces the full implementation of Maharashtra’s Comprehensive Senior Citizens Policy 2013 in every slum redevelopment project across the city.

This move follows strong observations by the Bombay High Court in writ petitions No. 2586/2024 and 37903/2025, where the court highlighted the difficulties faced by elderly people due to long delays and lack of basic facilities in ongoing slum redevelopment schemes. In response, the Maharashtra Housing Department issued instructions in December 2025, prompting SRA to issue this detailed circular.

The circular makes it compulsory for SRA officers to prominently mention compliance with the senior citizens policy in every Letter of Intent (LOI) or offer letter given to developers. Builders and societies ignoring these guidelines can now face strict action, including possible cancellation of their project appointment.

Key Guidelines for Senior Citizens in SRA Redevelopment Projects

The circular lays down comprehensive elderly-friendly standards that every slum redevelopment project must follow:

Building Design and Accessibility

• Barrier-free entrances with wheelchair-friendly ramps, anti-skid flooring, and sturdy handrails.
• Lower-height stairs to reduce the risk of falls.
• Wheelchair-accessible lifts on all floors with Braille buttons, audio announcements, and generator backup during power failures.
• Wider doors, obstacle-free corridors inside flats, and senior-friendly bathrooms equipped with anti-skid tiles and grab bars.

Safety and Security

• Round-the-clock (24×7) security guards, intercom facility at entrances, and CCTV cameras at key locations.
• Emergency panic buttons or alarms in homes and common areas.
• Proper fire alarm systems, extinguishers, and clearly marked emergency exit routes.

Health, Recreation and Daily Facilities

• On-call doctor services, first-aid kits, and preferably a dedicated primary health room.
• Contact numbers of ambulances and nearby government and private hospitals must be displayed.
• Adequate open green spaces, safe walking tracks, shaded benches, and areas for yoga and light exercise.
• Community hall, indoor games room, TV room, and reading room to promote social interaction among seniors.
• Regular cleaning, effective waste management, and reliable water and electricity backup.

Priority Flat Allotment Senior citizens aged 60 years and above who request it must be allotted flats on the ground floor or first floor, or in locations closest to the lift. Special preference will also be given to disabled seniors or those suffering from serious illnesses. This provision applies even if lifts are available in the building.

Grievance Redressal Committee Formed

To ensure quick resolution of complaints related to redevelopment of buildings with a large number of elderly residents, SRA has constituted a dedicated three-member committee (via office order dated 15 December 2025):

• Chairman: Shri Dinesh Mahajan, Executive Engineer
• Member: Shri Balasaheb Tidke, Deputy Collector, Eastern Suburbs (Special Cell)
• Member Secretary: Smt. Sandhya Bavanakule, Assistant Registrar

This committee will function as the nodal grievance redressal authority for all senior citizen-related issues in SRA projects.

Post-Rehabilitation Monitoring

After project completion, every redevelopment scheme must form a monitoring committee consisting of the architect, the developer, two senior citizen representatives from the housing society, and an SRA officer. This committee is required to meet at least once every month to review whether all promised facilities are functioning properly and to address any ongoing concerns of elderly residents.

Senior citizens must also be given representation on the housing society’s managing committee so their voice is heard in decision-making.

SRA has directed all its departments, competent authorities (Levels 1 to 10), and zonal offices to strictly implement these guidelines and submit periodic compliance reports to the state government and the Chief Executive Officer of SRA.

This circular is expected to bring meaningful relief to thousands of senior citizens living in Mumbai’s slums who have been waiting for years in unsafe conditions. It marks a clear shift towards making slum redevelopment more humane and inclusive for the city’s elderly population.

The post Now In Redevelopment Projects, Homes on the Ground And First Floor Must Be Provided To These People appeared first on Square Feat India.

The project, spread across several CTS numbers near the Western Express Highway, involves redeveloping the area with M/s. Indu Construction as the developer. Hundreds of families and shop owners have been waiting for years for their new homes and shops under the slum rehabilitation scheme.

The main issue? Under SRA rules, every eligible shopkeeper gets up to 225 square feet (about 20.90 sq. m.) of new commercial space completely free as part of the rehabilitation. But if someone originally had a larger shop, they have the legal right to buy the extra area (up to their old size). The rule says this extra space must be sold at a preferential (favourable) rate based on the project’s free-sale commercial portion – not at sky-high market prices.

Back in September 2024, an SRA officer had already ruled that the developer must sell this extra area fairly and sign proper agreements with each shopkeeper. Most of the 25 affected shopkeepers (around 19) agreed peacefully with the developer last year and settled for ₹21,000 per square foot for their extra space. They even signed consent papers in August 2025 and dropped their complaints.

However, six shopkeepers held out, saying the developer was demanding much higher rates – up to ₹35,000 per sq. ft. on the ground floor and ₹55,000 on the first floor. They approached the Bombay High Court, which in July 2025 directed the SRA’s Chief Executive Officer to hear everyone and decide fairly.

After a detailed hearing on November 25, 2025 (with lawyers for the shopkeepers, the developer, and the society), CEO Dr. Mahendra Kalyankar issued the order on January 8, 2026.

Key points from the order that matter to you:

• The six remaining shopkeepers (and any similar cases) do have the right to buy their extra space beyond 225 sq. ft.
• The rate must be fair – the lower of:
  • The actual market rate for similar commercial spaces in the Goregaon area/project, or
  • ₹21,000 per sq. ft. (the same rate the majority already happily accepted).
• The developer must now quickly prepare, sign, and register individual Permanent Alternate Accommodation Agreements (PAAA) with these six shopkeepers at this fair rate. Just depositing drafts earlier doesn’t count – proper legal registration is required.
• The housing society’s objections to giving extra space were rejected – the law clearly allows it.
• An old SRA circular (No.70) that some wanted to use for even lower rates does not apply here, as this is a standard eligible commercial slum case under main redevelopment rules.

This decision brings relief to the hold-out shopkeepers, who can now get their extra space without paying exorbitant amounts. It also helps the overall project move forward, benefiting the 689 slum dwellers in the scheme who have been affected by delays.

For other SRA projects across Mumbai: This order shows that SRA listens when shopkeepers raise genuine issues about fair pricing. If you’re in a similar situation – fighting over extra commercial area, high rates, or delayed agreements – keep records of your original shop size (from Annexure-II or surveys), gather evidence of what others in your project paid, and approach SRA or the courts if needed. Majority agreements (like the ₹21,000 here) often become a strong benchmark for fairness.

The full order is available through SRA records (reference: SRA/CEO/H.C. Dir./Aman Shanti SRA CHS Ltd./02/2026). Affected parties can contact SRA’s Bandra office for more details.

This ruling is a reminder: In slum rehabilitation, the law protects both residents’ rights and the project’s progress – and fair negotiation often wins the day.

Also Read: Expired Leases, Encroachments and Redevelopment: Bombay High Court Limits Rehabilitation Rights in Bandra Government Colony Case

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The order, issued on 8 January 2026 (SRAEDIOW/118), reiterates and consolidates earlier directions under SRA Circular Nos. 209, 210 and 231, and comes in compliance with repeated observations of the Bombay High Court regarding misuse of sale components by developers and non-payment of transit rent to slum dwellers.

Why the order matters

SRA has observed that in several redevelopment projects, developers monetize sale flats early while transit rent liabilities, PAP (Project Affected Persons) and PTC (Project Tenant/Commercial) obligations remain unsecured, leading to hardship for eligible slum dwellers.

To address this, the Engineering Department has now been directed to ensure that sale components are frozen upfront, treated as security, and clearly disclosed to regulatory authorities.

Key directions under the new order

1. Mandatory freezing of sale flats at IOA / LOI stage

At the time of issuing:

• IOA or Amended IOA
• LOI or Revised LOI

the concerned Executive Engineer (EE) must:

• Calculate the developer’s transit rent liability for at least three years, considering:
  • Number of eligible slum dwellers
  • Monthly transit rent
  • Annual increment
• Based on this liability and Ready Reckoner valuation, identify specific sale flats or sale area, generally from lower floors, to be frozen as security.

The frozen flats must be:

• Clearly marked on approved plans
• Specifically mentioned as a condition in the IOA / LOI

2. Absolute restriction on sale, mortgage or transfer

Developers must submit a written undertaking/affidavit stating that frozen flats:

• Shall not be sold, transferred, mortgaged or encumbered
• Will remain frozen until:
  • Rehabilitation is completed
  • Permanent accommodation is allotted to all eligible slum dwellers
  • Entire transit rent and allied dues are fully paid

This obligation is in addition to existing requirements under SRA Circular No. 210.

3. Mandatory intimation to MAHARERA and Registration Authorities

In line with SRA Circular No. 209, SRA engineers must now formally communicate PAP, PTC and frozen-flat details to statutory authorities.

A certified copy of:

• Approved plans
• IOA / LOI
• Covering letter detailing:
  • PAP and PTC availability (wing-wise / building-wise)
  • List of frozen sale flats

must be forwarded to:

• Inspector General of Registration & Controller of Stamps, Maharashtra
• Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MAHARERA)

The communication must clearly state that:

The identified flats are frozen under SRA directions and cannot be registered, sold, or shown as free-sale inventory until written clearance is issued by SRA.

4. Defreezing only after full compliance

Defreezing of sale flats will be permitted strictly as per SRA Circular No. 231, and only after:

• Completion of rehabilitation
• Allotment of permanent accommodation
• Full payment of transit rent and allied dues

Even then:

• Approved plans must be amended
• Prior approval of the Deputy Chief Engineer, SRA is mandatory
• Fresh intimation must again be sent to Registration Authorities and MAHARERA

Applicability

The order applies to:

• All ongoing Slum Rehabilitation Schemes
• All future SR projects

SRA officials have been directed to maintain proper records of computation, freezing and regulatory communication, making non-compliance attributable to individual officers.

Why this is a game-changer

This order significantly curtails the long-standing practice where developers sell flats without securing slum dwellers’ entitlements. By linking sale permissions directly to transit rent security, and by placing MAHARERA and registration authorities on notice, SRA has created a strong enforcement mechanism.

For homebuyers, it also serves as a warning: sale flats shown without SRA clearance may be legally frozen, even if marketed.

Bottom line

No security for slum dwellers, no sale flats for developers.
With this order, SRA has sent a clear message that rehabilitation obligations take precedence over monetisation.

Also Read: Need for immediate changes to DC Rules: Hafeez Contractor

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The move follows approval by the state cabinet and Chief Minister on October 14, 2025, and the official government order issued by Chandrashekhar Taware, Deputy Secretary, Housing Department, on November 13, 2025.

A Step Toward a Slum-Free Mumbai

The new scheme aims to bring all contiguous slum areas exceeding 50 acres under a single redevelopment plan, thereby addressing fragmented and delayed rehabilitation efforts that have plagued Mumbai’s slum redevelopment model for years.

According to the government resolution, these clusters may include slum pockets, old chawls, unsafe tenanted buildings, and even government or institutional lands — without restrictions on land ownership type.

SRA to Act as Nodal Agency

The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), Mumbai, will serve as the nodal agency for identifying, demarcating, and executing cluster projects.
Each cluster must have at least 51% slum occupation within the total area.

Once the cluster is approved, no separate NOC (No Objection Certificate) will be required from land-owning authorities, significantly cutting red tape and accelerating project initiation.

High-Power Committee to Vet Projects

A High-Power Committee (HPC) will vet and approve proposed clusters before they are sanctioned under Section 3K of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971.

Committee Composition:

• Additional Chief Secretary / Principal Secretary (Housing) – Chairperson
• Additional Chief Secretary / Principal Secretary (Urban Development-I) – Member
• Commissioner, BMC – Member
• CEO, SRA – Member Secretary
• Representative of concerned land-owning authority – Member

Phase-Wise Redevelopment and Tenant Protections

The scheme allows phase-wise redevelopment, ensuring that rehabilitation, rent payment, and construction progress occur simultaneously.
Developers will be required to provide rent compensation with post-dated cheques to eligible slum dwellers during construction.

Every rehabilitation building must include a Community Hall of 2% built-up area or 200 sq. ft. per building, whichever is higher, while at least 12% of total slum area must be kept as open space — reducible to 8% in constrained plots with HPC approval.

Inclusion of CRZ and Non-Slum Structures

In a notable inclusion, slums in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ-I and CRZ-II) will also be eligible for redevelopment under this scheme, subject to environmental clearance.
Rehabilitation may take place in-situ or within a 5 km radius.

The cluster may also include non-slum structures like industrial or commercial units. Such structures can be redeveloped proportionately, and private developers can be appointed through joint ventures, tenders, or direct nomination if they already control over 40% of the land in the cluster.

Flexibility for Landowners and Government Lands

Private landowners may voluntarily join the scheme and will receive compensatory FSI or TDR in return.
If they refuse participation, land acquisition under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 can be undertaken, with costs borne by the developer.

Government and institutional leasehold lands will automatically be included, ensuring rehabilitation for lessees and occupants.

FSI and Development Incentives

Developers will receive global FSI on a pro-rata basis depending on project composition.
Additional saleable FSI may be granted for constructing extra tenements for Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

If reserved plots are utilized for redevelopment, the landowner will be compensated with 4 FSI as TDR or equivalent in-situ FSI as per SRA rules.

Implementation and Oversight

All cluster projects will undergo phase-wise scrutiny by the HPC, and the SRA CEO will have powers to levy penalties for project delays.
The state government will amend DCPR 2034 regulations as required to integrate this new framework.

A Systemic Reform for Mumbai’s Urban Landscape

Officials said the new framework is expected to replace fragmented SRA projects with integrated urban redevelopment, helping prevent project delays and ensuring livable, planned communities.

“This is the most ambitious step in three decades of slum rehabilitation policy,” said a senior housing department official. “By focusing on large clusters, the scheme ensures faster clearance of unsafe zones and better infrastructure outcomes.”

Also Read: Supreme Court Clears Redevelopment of Bharat Nagar Slum in Bandra

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More than 50% of Mumbai’s population continues to live in slums or unstructured housing — a reality that defines both the city’s urban challenge and its development potential. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), established to transform this landscape, has now launched a technology-driven reform agenda aimed at fast-tracking redevelopment projects, improving transparency, and restoring confidence among developers and slum dwellers alike.

According to official estimates, Mumbai has more than 2,000 notified slum clusters spread across nearly 9,000 acres, with over 10 lakh slum structures. The scale and complexity of rehabilitation make this digital transformation a major step toward creating a slum-free Mumbai.

Tech-powered transformation of SRA

Under the leadership of Dr. Mahendra Kalyankar, CEO of SRA, the authority unveiled a series of digital initiatives designed to make project approvals faster, transparent, and data-secure.

Among the highlights:

• A Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC)-approved multilingual website, accessible in over 25 languages, for easier access to information.
• An integrated online module with multiple access layers for different users — officers, architects, developers, and the general public — ensuring accountability.
• Blockchain technology to store and secure approval records, making tampering nearly impossible.
• Chatbots and digital dashboards to help slum residents and developers track applications in real time.
• A goal to map every slum structure in Mumbai by end-2025, creating a unified digital database.

Dr. Kalyankar said his team is also implementing Auto-DCR (Digital Construction Permissions) and time-bound eviction programs to remove non-cooperative structures within 45 days. “We are driven by one mission — to make Mumbai slum-free through transparency, technology, and teamwork,” he said.

Developer bodies surprised by SRA’s digital strides

The meeting, attended by senior representatives from CREDAI-MCHI, NAREDCO, BDA, and PEATA, began as a request for “ease of doing business” but turned into what several termed “a pleasant surprise.”

Sukhraj Nahar, President, CREDAI-MCHI, said:

“My company had never ventured into slum rehabilitation projects before, largely because of doubts about their viability. But after today’s presentation, I have a completely different perspective. The level of digitisation and the positive, development-oriented approach of SRA have created the right environment for slum redevelopment to succeed.”

Rushi Mehta, Secretary, CREDAI-MCHI, called the data-integration plan “a game changer.”

“By collating Aadhaar, PAN, electoral rolls, and electricity bills under one software, SRA can now generate Annexure-2 approvals in a single click — a process that earlier took 6 to 9 months. Linking Aadhaar to each family’s permanent home ensures only genuine beneficiaries receive homes and prevents multiple claims,” he said.

Rajan Bandelkar, Vice Chairman, NAREDCO, praised the SRA’s proactive approach:

“Under Dr. Mahendra Kalyankar’s leadership, the SRA is setting a new benchmark in governance and efficiency. These advanced digital systems will accelerate project approvals and restore developers’ confidence in slum rehabilitation schemes. With renewed momentum and accountability, Mumbai can truly move toward a slum-free future.”

Abhay Chandak, Vice President, NAREDCO Maharashtra, commended the new SOPs that allow demolition of non-cooperative structures within 45 days.

“In Worli, around 1,000 illegal structures were cleared within a month — actual demolition in just three days. This shows SRA’s renewed determination to create an environment where developers can execute projects without obstruction,” he said.

Vikram Mehta, President, Builders’ Association of India (BDA), said that the reforms also tackle new encroachments:

“It’s equally important to stop new slum constructions as it is to rehabilitate existing ones. The new encroachment-tracking cell uses satellite data to detect and flag new structures for immediate action. That’s a huge leap forward.”

Why these reforms matter

• For slum residents: Faster, more transparent approvals mean quicker movement from unsafe informal settlements to formal homes. Linking data ensures fairness and prevents fraud.
• For developers: The new digital ecosystem cuts paperwork, increases predictability, and reduces risk — encouraging more developers to take up rehabilitation projects.
• For Mumbai: Clearing and rebuilding slum clusters will improve infrastructure, reduce disaster risk, and bring large swathes of urban land into productive use.

Dr. Kalyankar emphasized that the reforms are not just about technology but about trust.

“SRA 2.0 is about speed, transparency, and accountability. We want every slum dweller to feel that their home, dignity, and future are at the heart of what we do,” he said.

Toward a slum-free Mumbai

For years, the SRA has faced criticism over slow progress — only a fraction of approved schemes have reached completion. But with the integration of digital processes, real-time monitoring, and strict timelines, stakeholders believe this could mark a genuine turning point.

The collaboration between SRA and major real-estate bodies signals a shared intent to transform the slum landscape of Mumbai into a more equitable, sustainable, and efficient urban environment. As NAREDCO’s Rajan Bandelkar summed it up — “With this digital leap, we are not just building houses; we are rebuilding trust.”

Also Read: Financial Institutions To Redevelop Stuck SRA projects

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Mumbai’s Slum Rehab Ecosystem by the Numbers

• 2.79 lakh+ rehabilitation flats have received occupancy certificates.
• 3.36 lakh+ rehabilitation flats are currently under construction.
• ₹982.07 crore+ collected as rent from developers.
• ₹701.75 crore+ disbursed as rent to slum dwellers.

The data reflects the SRA’s expanding administrative and financial role in ensuring that those displaced during slum redevelopment projects are compensated promptly — at least on paper.

Government’s Crackdown: No Escape for Defaulting Developers

Earlier this year, the Maharashtra government empowered the SRA to recover unpaid rent and dues from developers by treating them as arrears of land revenue.
This means the Authority can now attach or sell properties, freeze bank accounts, or recover money directly from defaulting developers and their associates — a first for the city’s slum redevelopment regime.

The rule change comes amid growing frustration among slum residents who often go months, or even years, without receiving promised transit rent while their rehabilitation homes remain incomplete.

Developers Under Pressure

Developers are now required to:

• Deposit advance rent (up to two years) before getting project permissions.
• Submit post-dated cheques for the remaining rent duration.
• Maintain strict financial compliance with SRA’s updated monitoring framework.

Failure to comply could now result in immediate recovery actions — a move expected to curb the long-standing issue of stalled projects and unpaid compensation.

Why These Numbers Matter

1. For Slum Dwellers:
   The ₹701 crore disbursed shows that at least some projects are delivering rent relief. However, the gap between collections and disbursements also indicates delays and pending cases.
2. For Developers:
   With the SRA now armed with legal powers, non-compliance could mean frozen assets, stalled projects, and reputational damage.
3. For Investors:
   The data signals that the slum redevelopment segment — once considered high-risk — is becoming more regulated and transparent, though stricter enforcement may slow down weaker developers.

A System Under Transformation

For decades, slum rehabilitation in Mumbai has struggled with delays, rent disputes, and abandoned projects.
Now, the combination of data transparency and legal enforcement could mark a turning point — one where developers can no longer default, and slum residents finally gain some protection against years of displacement.

The ₹700 crore milestone isn’t just about disbursed rent — it’s a signal that Mumbai’s most complex housing system is finally being held accountable.

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