New Slum Redevelopment Framework Approved for Land Parcels Exceeding 50 Acres

A significant expansion of Mumbai’s slum redevelopment framework has been formally announced, with large land parcels exceeding 50 acres now being brought under a cluster-based redevelopment model. The revised policy has been positioned as a strategic intervention to address long-pending housing challenges faced by slum residents while improving urban planning efficiency across the city.

It has been stated that redevelopment will be undertaken collectively across private, government, and semi-government land holdings, marking a shift away from fragmented, plot-by-plot rehabilitation. This approach is expected to enable better infrastructure integration, streamlined approvals, and faster execution timelines. Cabinet approval for the policy was granted earlier in October, and the framework was subsequently notified through an official Government Resolution in November.

Under the first phase of implementation, 17 major slum clusters across Mumbai have been identified for redevelopment. These include large and densely populated areas such as Antop Hill, Ketkipada in Borivali, Gopikrishna Nagar in Dahisar, Oshiwara, Govandi, Chita Camp in Trombay, Chembur, Tagore Nagar and Parksite in Vikhroli, and Bhandup. These locations have historically posed redevelopment challenges due to scale, ownership complexity, and infrastructure limitations, making them suitable for a cluster-led approach.

Execution of the redevelopment projects is to be carried out through joint ventures involving multiple government agencies. Authorities such as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority, City and Industrial Development Corporation, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation have been designated as key implementation partners. It has also been indicated that additional slum clusters will be included under a second phase of the scheme at a later stage.

In parallel, relief measures for slum residents facing procedural and legal hurdles have been extended. The SRA Abhay Scheme, which addresses complications arising from informal buying, selling, and transfer of slum structures, has been extended until December 31, 2026. It has been observed that many families had acquired huts through non-documented means and were unable to have their names recorded in official eligibility lists, thereby risking exclusion from rehabilitation benefits. The extension has been presented as a safeguard against such displacement.

Further administrative relief has been provided through a one-year extension of MHADA’s amnesty scheme for Occupancy Certificates. Additionally, steps have been taken to strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms. With more than 2,100 slum redevelopment-related cases currently pending, the number of Apex Grievance Redressal Committees is set to be increased to ensure faster resolution and improved transparency.