A Division Bench of Justices M.S. Karnik and S.M. Modak delivered the common judgment, ruling that MHADA, as the landowner and planning authority, has the power to redevelop these layouts in an integrated manner under DCPR 33(9) read with DCPR 33(5). The court held that individual societies cannot insist on standalone redevelopment of their buildings when it conflicts with larger public interest and planned development of the entire layout.

Why the Petitions Were Filed

Multiple societies — including MIG Adarsh Nagar Co-operative Housing Society, Worli Smruti, and several High Income Group (HIG) societies in Bandra Reclamation such as Anand Sagar, Sagar Sangam, Suman, Saptarshi, Sagar Kiran, and Agasti — had approached the court. They argued that as sub-lessees holding long-term leases (up to 99 years) from MHADA, they have the right to redevelop their own buildings independently.

The petitioners contended that forcing cluster redevelopment without their consent violated the Transfer of Property Act, DCPR provisions requiring society consent, Article 300A of the Constitution (right against deprivation of property without due process), and their right to form associations under Article 19(1)(c). They also raised concerns about possible inadequate rehabilitation and forced amalgamation of societies.

What the Court Held

The High Court rejected these arguments. It observed that MHADA layouts such as Adarsh Nagar (~34.33 acres) and Bandra Reclamation (~98.27 acres) comprise old buildings developed decades ago. Allowing piecemeal redevelopment by individual societies through different developers would result in haphazard development, poor infrastructure planning, and loss of opportunity for coordinated roads, open spaces, parking, drainage, water supply, and amenities.

The Bench noted that under the proposed cluster redevelopment, residents will not only get full rehabilitation in new buildings within the same layout but will also receive substantial additional incentives and area — more than the statutory minimum they would get if redeveloping independently. The court recorded MHADA’s assurances that occupants’ interests are fully safeguarded.

The judges held that policy decisions on integrated redevelopment of MHADA layouts, aimed at balanced housing stock across income groups and better urban planning, are in larger public interest. Courts have limited scope to interfere in such matters unless the decision is patently arbitrary or illegal — which it was not in this case.

The redevelopment is expected to impact thousands of residents across these layouts. The court said any interference would adversely affect the larger body of bona fide occupants.

How It Benefits the City and Residents

This order paves the way for modern, well-planned redevelopment of two prime Mumbai layouts instead of fragmented, unplanned growth. Residents stand to gain better infrastructure, improved fire safety access, organised parking, landscaped open spaces, upgraded civic amenities, and higher-quality buildings.

For the city, it means more efficient use of scarce urban land, creation of additional housing stock, and avoidance of the chaos that often comes with multiple developers working independently in dense areas. The integrated approach aligns with MHADA’s mandate under the MHADA Act to ensure orderly urban development and address Mumbai’s acute housing shortage through planned projects.

MHADA can now proceed with the next steps, including tenders and detailed planning for these cluster projects. While the societies have the option to approach the Supreme Court, the Bombay High Court order currently stands.

Also Read: Adani, Lodha, JSW Lead MHADA Cluster Redevelopment Race Set to Transform Mumbai Realty Scene

The post Bombay HC dismisses all writ petitions challenging MHADA’s cluster redevelopment of Adarsh Nagar (Worli) and Bandra Reclamation layouts. appeared first on Square Feat India.

The tenements are located in Towers 1, 2 and 3 of Rehabilitation Building No. 1, which have recently received the Occupancy Certificate. The allotment process will take place at the MHADA project office located on the ground floor of Tower No. 5 at Naigaon-Dadar.

The distribution of allotment letters will be carried out on working days between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., excluding public holidays. Beneficiaries have been asked to remain present with required documents, including rehabilitation agreements, Aadhaar and PAN card copies, photographs and necessary undertakings.

According to the schedule, allotments will be distributed in the order of Tower Nos. 2, 1 and 3. The detailed timetable will be displayed at the distribution centre, following which beneficiaries will be able to take possession of their flats.

Project Details and Earlier Phase

The Naigaon redevelopment is part of the larger BDD Chawl redevelopment programme, now known as the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar BDD Complex. Earlier this year, on March 16, 2026, 864 tenements across five completed towers were handed over in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.

Spread over 6.45 hectares, the Naigaon project includes 42 existing chawls housing 3,344 residential and non-residential tenants. The redevelopment is being implemented in two phases and will deliver 20 rehabilitation towers of 23 storeys each.

Rehabilitation Benefits

Eligible residents are being provided free-of-cost ownership homes of 500 sq. ft. carpet area in a 2-BHK configuration. These replace earlier chawl units measuring approximately 160 sq. ft.

Each apartment includes vitrified flooring, aluminium windows, granite kitchen platforms, branded plumbing fixtures and fire-safety systems. The buildings are constructed using earthquake-resistant technology and are equipped with passenger and fire lifts, CCTV surveillance, stilt parking and multi-level basement parking.

Residents have been given the option of transit accommodation or rental assistance. Under the scheme, both residential and non-residential occupants receive advance rent of ₹25,000 per month for 11 months during the construction phase.

Township and Infrastructure

The redevelopment is planned as an integrated township with supporting infrastructure, including a school building, welfare centre, sewage treatment plant, solar energy systems and rainwater harvesting.

MHADA has also stated that it will maintain common amenities and infrastructure of the rehabilitated buildings for a period of 12 years after possession.

Larger BDD Redevelopment Programme

The broader BDD Chawl redevelopment programme spans approximately 86 acres across Worli, N. M. Joshi Marg–Parel and Naigaon.

• Worli: 34 rehabilitation towers for 9,689 residents
• N.M. Joshi Marg–Parel: 14 buildings for 2,560 occupants
• Naigaon: 20 towers for 3,344 occupants

In total, the programme covers 207 chawls and benefits around 15,593 residents.

The project is being implemented by MHADA through its Mumbai Housing and Area Development Board, under the leadership of Vice President and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal and Mumbai Board Chief Officer Milind Borikar.

Also Read: Corona impact: Many BDD tenants ready for transit

The post MHADA Begins Naigaon BDD Chawl Handover, 537 Homes Ready from June 5 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.

The policy comes at a critical juncture, as Mumbai grapples with a severe housing crunch and crumbling infrastructure in post-independence era colonies. Officials hailed the approval as a “game-changer” that could unlock thousands of new affordable units while fostering holistic urban renewal.

Tackling Dilapidated Legacy: The Need for Urgent Redevelopment

MHADA’s Mumbai Board constructed 56 housing colonies between 1950 and 1960, primarily for Middle Income Group (MIG) and Lower Income Group (LIG) families. These developments, now home to around 5,000 cooperative housing societies, have suffered from structural deterioration over the years. Many buildings exhibit signs of distress, including weakened foundations, outdated wiring, and inadequate drainage systems, posing safety risks to residents.

According to government data, the colonies cover extensive areas in central and suburban Mumbai, with some layouts showing severe wear due to environmental factors and heavy usage. “The time for patchwork repairs is over,” said a senior housing official involved in the deliberations. “This policy mandates a full-scale overhaul to ensure these communities thrive for generations.”

The decision was chaired by Fadnavis, who emphasized the cabinet’s commitment to equitable urban growth. The meeting, attended by key ministers including Housing Minister Eknath Shinde, focused on balancing resident welfare with developmental feasibility.

Key Features: Modern Amenities and Sustainable Design

Under the new framework, redevelopment will prioritize cluster-based projects, transforming entire layouts into self-sustained modern townships. New buildings will feature elevated floors, spacious parking, lush gardens, community gyms, and swimming pools, alongside robust security measures and essential infrastructure like water treatment plants, sewage systems, and upgraded electricity grids.

Environmental sustainability is at the core: Roads and open spaces will be graded using eco-friendly materials, promoting green energy and waste management. Social amenities will include schools, healthcare centers, and commercial spaces to enhance accessibility for residents. “This isn’t just about housing—it’s about building vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods,” Fadnavis stated in a post-meeting briefing.

The policy also streamlines approvals, with MHADA set to oversee 114 identified layouts. While resident consent remains non-mandatory for large-scale works, the framework secures safeguards against displacement, ensuring original allottees receive free-of-cost accommodations in the revamped structures.

Governance Overhaul: Empowering Oversight and Compliance

To ensure smooth execution, the cabinet has established an empowered committee under the Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing Department. This body will monitor technical, administrative, and legal challenges, fast-tracking permissions and enforcing design standards. “We’ve addressed bottlenecks that stalled previous projects,” an official noted, pointing to advisory roles for special committees in quality assurance.

Amendments to the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950, further empower MHADA’s planning authority, overriding select provisions to expedite cluster developments. The policy aligns with broader state goals, including the 2025 Housing Policy’s target of 35 lakh affordable homes by 2030, and draws from Supreme Court rulings on stalled redevelopments.

Critics, however, urge vigilance on timelines, citing past delays in similar initiatives like Bandra Reclamation. Resident groups have welcomed the move but called for transparent grievance mechanisms.

Broader Impact: Transforming Mumbai’s Urban Fabric

This approval is expected to catalyze a surge in affordable housing stock, potentially generating over 25,000 units in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) with a projected value exceeding ₹30,000 crore. By integrating slum rehabilitation and self-redevelopment models, it aligns with national visions like NITI Aayog’s G-Hub recommendations.

Experts view it as a model for other cities, demonstrating community-driven planning on a massive scale. As one urban planner remarked, “Mumbai’s MHADA colonies are the city’s unsung backbone—this redevelopment breathes new life into them.”

The initiative underscores the Fadnavis government’s focus on legacy infrastructure, promising safer, greener living for lakhs of families while boosting economic activity through construction and ancillary services.

Also Read: MHADA to Build 8 Lakh Homes in 5 Years Under Affordable Housing Plan

The post Maharashtra Cabinet Greenlights MHADA Housing Redevelopment: A Boost for Mumbai’s Aging Colonies appeared first on Square Feat India.

In a pivotal development for Maharashtra’s urban housing landscape, the State Cooperation Commissioner has issued a landmark circular declaring that no No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required from Registrars or Deputy Registrars for the redevelopment of cooperative housing societies. Dated November 4, 2025, the three-page directive—signed by Commissioner Deepak Taware—formally scraps a long-standing bureaucratic requirement that had stalled thousands of projects. This move restores full decision-making autonomy to societies’ General Bodies, aligning with constitutional principles of cooperative governance under Article 43B.

The circular, addressed to all Divisional Joint Registrars, District Deputy Registrars, and other relevant officers, explicitly prohibits the acceptance, processing, or issuance of any NOC applications related to redevelopment or self-redevelopment. It emphasizes that such practices lack any statutory backing and have often led to delays, corruption, and unnecessary litigation.

Triggered by Bombay High Court Verdict

The circular is a direct outcome of the Bombay High Court’s October 17, 2025, judgment in the writ petition Baltazar Fernandes vs. Deputy Registrar, Co-operative Societies, H-West Ward, Mumbai and Others. Delivered by Justice Amit Borkar, the ruling addressed the plight of Bandra’s Nisha Cooperative Housing Society, where redevelopment was halted due to the Deputy Registrar’s demand for an NOC—a requirement not mandated by law.

Justice Borkar held that neither the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, nor the July 4, 2019, Government Resolution (G.R.) under Section 79(A) empowers the Registrar to approve, reject, or modify redevelopment decisions. The court’s analysis of Section 79(A) and the 1961 Rules clarified that the Registrar’s role is strictly supervisory: appointing an Authorised Officer upon request to ensure quorum and transparency in Special General Meetings (SGMs), but without veto power. “The General Body is the supreme authority,” the judgment stated, quashing the NOC as “illegal and without legal foundation.”

The High Court directed the Additional Government Pleader to notify the Commissioner of Cooperation and the Principal Secretary (Cooperation Department), Mantralaya, to issue a statewide circular by November 6, 2025, prohibiting NOC demands and withdrawing any prior contradictory instructions. This timely compliance via Taware’s circular ensures uniform implementation across Maharashtra’s 1.26 lakh cooperative societies.

Key Provisions of the Circular

Drawing from the court’s directives and the 2019 G.R., the circular outlines clear guidelines to prevent future overreach:

• No Authority for NOCs: There is no provision in the 1960 Act or 2019 G.R. authorizing Registrars to issue NOCs. Officers must cease inviting or processing such applications immediately.
• General Body Supremacy: Redevelopment resolutions passed by a majority in the General Body—following bye-laws and ensuring at least 51% quorum—are binding and final.
• Supervisory Duties Only: Upon a society’s request, Registrars must appoint an Authorised Officer to oversee SGMs for fair conduct. Notices, agendas, and minutes must be submitted to the Registrar within 15 days post-meeting for records, not approval.
• Dispute Resolution: Any member alleging procedural lapses (e.g., lack of quorum or transparency) must approach the Cooperative Court under Section 91 of the Act directly. Registrars cannot entertain preemptive challenges or interfere.
• Prohibition on Interference: All prior circulars mandating NOCs are revoked. Non-compliance will invite departmental action, with instructions to inform societies of their rights.

The document, circulated via the official portal (sahakaryayukta.maharashtra.gov.in), includes enclosures referencing the High Court order and 2019 G.R. for reference.

Impact on Redevelopment Landscape

This policy shift is poised to unlock stalled projects in high-density regions like Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Pune, where over 6,000 redevelopment-related cases clog the Bombay High Court. Previously, the NOC process—handling 5-10 proposals monthly per registrar—fostered middlemen and corruption, delaying urban renewal amid Maharashtra’s aging infrastructure crisis.

Experts estimate it could accelerate self-redevelopment, a growing trend where societies manage projects independently, bypassing external developers. The circular promotes transparency by mandating documentation while curbing undue delays, potentially injecting billions into housing investments.

As implementation begins, the Cooperation Department will monitor compliance, urging societies to notify Registrars for supervisory support while adhering to other clearances like environmental nods.

Also Read: Housing Society is the Boss: Bombay HC Strikes Down Registrar’s Role in Redevelopment NOCs

The post No NOC Required For Redevelopment From Registrars appeared first on Square Feat India.

The handover ceremony took place at the MHADA headquarters in Bandra East. The event saw the presence of MLA Captain Tamil Selvan, Chief Officer of MHADA Mumbai Board Milind Borikar, Chairman and Managing Director of Keystone Realtors (Rustomjee Group) Boman Irani, Deputy Chief Engineer Bhushan Desai, and Rahul Vhatkar, alongside office bearers and residents from various GTB Nagar housing societies.

Project Details and Benefits

The redevelopment project encompasses approximately 11.20 acres and includes about 1200 residential units across 25 buildings. Under the plan, each of the 1200 residents will receive a 635 sq ft home free of cost. MHADA will also provide maintenance charges for five years following the redevelopment’s completion. During the construction period, affected residents will receive Rs 20,000 per month as rent until their new homes are ready.

The proposal approved by MHADA ensures a minimum Floor Space Index (FSI) of 4.5, including fungible FSI, under Development Control Regulation 33(9). MHADA is set to receive 25,700 square meters of housing stock from the project.

Historical Context of GTB Nagar

GTB Nagar, formerly part of Sion Koliwada, holds a unique place in Mumbai’s history. It was established as a colony for Sikh and Hindu refugees, including a significant number of Sindhi refugees, who migrated to India from Pakistan following the Partition of India in 1947. The 25 buildings now slated for redevelopment were constructed in 1958 to rehabilitate these migrants.

In 2020, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation declared these buildings dangerous, leading to their subsequent demolition and the relocation of residents. The redevelopment aims to provide modern, safe housing for these families.

Legal and Administrative Path

The decision to implement this private land redevelopment project through MHADA followed requests from residents. Under the guidance of Devendra Fadnavis, a policy was finalized for the MHADA Mumbai Housing and Area Development Board to execute the project.

The proposal for the redevelopment of the Sindhi refugee buildings in Sion Koliwada, by appointing a Construction & Development Agency under Regulation 33(9), received approval in a Cabinet meeting on February 14, 2024. Following this, MHADA was granted recognition as a Special Planning Authority for the project via a Government Resolution dated February 23, 2024, enabling it to initiate the tender process.

The project faced legal challenges from Lakhani Housing Developers, who claimed prior agreements with residents. However, the Bombay High Court dismissed their petition, upholding MHADA’s authority. The Supreme Court further affirmed this decision by dismissing an appeal from Lakhani Housing Corporation, clearing the legal path for MHADA to proceed.

Official Statements

Sanjeev Jaiswal, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, MHADA, stated that the GTB Nagar Sion Koliwada Sindhi refugee buildings redevelopment project is the first of its kind to be implemented through a Construction & Development Agency, marking it as a pilot for redeveloping buildings on private land through MHADA. He directed the agency to prepare a master plan and assured close monitoring of the project’s progress, suggesting the formation of a 5 to 7-member committee from housing societies for periodic review. Jaiswal emphasized that the rehabilitation of the 1200 residents is a priority and confirmed MHADA’s full cooperation.

Milind Borikar, Chief Officer of the Mumbai Board, noted that this redevelopment project is being implemented under the guidance of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister and Housing Minister Eknath Shinde. He added that the Supreme Court’s judgment on petitions related to this project would benefit MHADA in future similar projects. Borikar also confirmed MHADA’s commitment to pay maintenance charges for five years post-redevelopment and a monthly rent of Rs 20,000 until the project is completed.

MLA Captain Tamil Selvan recalled his request to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the rehabilitation of these residents to be on the lines of the BDD Chawl redevelopment project, leading to Fadnavis’s instruction for MHADA to implement the project. Selvan acknowledged Jaiswal’s positive steps in commencing the work.

Also Read: MHADA Awards Tender to Rustomjee to Redevelop GTB Nagar Sion Project

The post MHADA Awards GTB Nagar Sion Project to Keystone Realtors (Rustomjee Group) appeared first on Square Feat India.

Bombay High Court and Supreme Court Orders

The Bombay High Court dismissed a petition filed by Lakhani Housing Developers, which had challenged MHADA’s decision to redevelop the GTB Nagar land. Lakhani Housing Developers had claimed vested rights due to prior agreements with individual residents. However, the High Court ruled that these individual agreements became irrelevant once cooperative societies were formed and a majority of residents supported MHADA’s redevelopment plan. The court prioritized public interest and the welfare of the displaced residents, many of whom have been awaiting rehabilitation since their dilapidated buildings were demolished between 2019 and 2022.

Subsequently, the Supreme Court also dismissed an appeal by Lakhani Housing Corporation, reinforcing the High Court’s decision. The Supreme Court affirmed that a writ petition could not be maintained against the e-tender issued by MHADA, especially when the cooperative societies supported the development initiative. This legal clearance paves the way for MHADA to proceed with the tender process for the redevelopment project.

Project Details

The redevelopment project in Sion Koliwada spans approximately 11.20 acres (45,308.58 square meters) and involves 25 buildings that previously housed around 1,200 families. MHADA has been appointed as the special planning authority and plans to provide larger homes for existing residents, with each receiving a 635 sq ft unit free of cost. Additionally, MHADA aims to acquire over 1,000 extra homes for sale through a lottery system. The estimated cost of the project is ₹2,930.77 crore.

History of Punjabi Colony as a Refugee Camp

Originally known as Koliwada, the area now called Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar (GTB Nagar) in Sion, Mumbai, has a poignant history rooted in the Partition of India in 1947. It became a settlement for Sikh and Hindu refugees primarily from the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. These displaced individuals initially found shelter in the Sion-Koliwada military camp.

In the 1950s, the state government constructed 25 chawl-like four-story buildings in the camp, offering flats to these refugee families for sale under the Displaced Persons (Compensation and Rehabilitation) Act, 1954. The area soon earned the moniker “Mini Punjab” due to the large Punjabi population and was officially renamed Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar in the 1970s. Over the decades, these buildings deteriorated and were eventually declared dilapidated, leading to the current comprehensive redevelopment initiative by MHADA.

Also Read: MHADA Mumbai lottery for 2,683 homes

The post MHADA Awards Tender to Rustomjee to Redevelop GTB Nagar Sion Project appeared first on Square Feat India.

The dilapidated colony, originally built between 1990 and 1992 under the Prime Minister’s Grant Project (PMGP), comprises 17 buildings of ground plus four storeys. It houses a total of 984 tenements — 942 residential and 42 non-residential — spread across approximately 27,625 square metres.

According to structural audit reports, the colony has severely deteriorated over the years. Under the new redevelopment plan, all eligible residents will be rehabilitated into modern homes with a carpet area of 450 sq. ft., a significant upgrade from the existing 180 sq. ft. units. The project is to be executed by MHADA’s Mumbai Board under the leadership of MHADA Vice President and CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal, with a completion timeline of approximately three and a half years.

A Troubled Past Redeemed

The redevelopment of the PMGP Colony has seen multiple delays. In 2010, the housing societies appointed a private developer, but due to years of inaction and no visible progress, the project remained stalled. Mounting frustration led residents to appeal to the government to step in. Acting on these requests, the government cancelled the developer’s appointment in December 2020 and handed over the responsibility to MHADA.

Subsequently, a tripartite agreement with the previous developer was officially terminated on 20 June 2022. Though MHADA had proposed a revised plan in November 2023 to carry out cluster redevelopment through a private Construction and Development Agency (C&DA), the government later decided to proceed with implementation under Development Control Regulation 33(5).

Path to Execution

Initial tenders floated on 2 July 2024 and 6 September 2024 failed to attract bids. As a result, MHADA proposed taking direct responsibility for the redevelopment through its own EPC contractor. Following state government approval on 28 May 2025, the tender notice was officially published on 16 June 2025. Interested parties have until 7 July 2025 to submit their bids.

The redevelopment of the PMGP Colony at Poonam Nagar is being closely watched as a model for how stalled and ageing housing projects across Mumbai could be rejuvenated under public agency leadership.

Also Read: Kamathipura Redevelopment Again On The Block.

The post MHADA Floats Tender for Redevelopment of Jogeshwari’s PMGP Colony; Residents to Receive 450 Sq. Ft. Homes 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

The post Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Stamp Duty Relief For Dharavi Redevelopment appeared first on Square Feat India.

• Construction and Development Agency to be appointed
• 8,001 tenants/residents and 800 landowners to be rehabilitated
• MHADA to receive 44,000 sq.m. of developed land

In a major push to revitalize one of South Mumbai’s most historic and densely populated areas, MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority) has issued a tender to appoint a construction and development agency for the much-awaited Kamathipura Cluster Redevelopment Project. Kamathipura is one of India’s largest red light area.

This ambitious project will be implemented by MHADA’s Mumbai Building Repairs and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB). The redevelopment will cover Galli numbers 1 to 15 in Kamathipura, comprising a mix of cess and non-cessed buildings and land parcels.

About the Project:

Kamathipura is spread across approximately 34 acres and contains around 943 cessed buildings, home to 6,625 residential and 1,376 non-residential tenants, totaling 8,001 occupants, along with 800 landowners. Many of these buildings are over 100 years old and structurally dilapidated. Given the extremely small plot sizes and narrow lanes, cluster redevelopment is considered the most sustainable solution.

The total land area of the project is approximately 73,144.84 sq. meters. Once complete, the project will:

• Provide permanent, legal homes to thousands of tenants who have waited for decades
• Offer modern, secure housing, and planned infrastructure including commercial spaces, green zones, and community amenities
• Hand over 44,000 sq. meters of constructed area to MHADA for future affordable housing stock
• Provide developers with 567,000 sq. meters of development rights, potentially resulting in 4,500 new housing units

Planning and Design:

MHADA appointed Mahimtura Consultants through a design tender process to prepare the redevelopment master plan under the name “Kamathipura Rehabilitation Project – Urban Village”. The project will be executed under DCPR 2034 Regulation 33(9), a policy framework allowing for cluster redevelopment through government housing bodies.

Landowner Compensation:

In line with the Maharashtra Government Resolution dated July 2, 2024, landowners will receive residential units based on the size of their land parcels:

• For 50 sq. m. plots: 1 flat of 500 sq. ft.
• For 51–100 sq. m. plots: 2 flats of 500 sq. ft. each
• For 101–150 sq. m. plots: 3 flats
• For 151–200 sq. m. plots: 4 flats
• For every additional 50 sq. m.: 1 additional 500 sq. ft. flat

Community Involvement:

The project has received active support from key public representatives, including Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, MP Arvind Sawant, and MLA Amin Patel, along with widespread participation from local residents.

The Kamathipura redevelopment project is poised to transform one of Mumbai’s oldest neighborhoods into a modern, inclusive, and vibrant urban village while preserving its socio-cultural fabric.

Also Read: Kamathipura Redevelopment Again On The Block.

The post MHADA Floats Tender for Kamathipura Redevelopment appeared first on Square Feat India.