Welcome to Project in Focus, a cornerstone of Rezovate’s The Drafting Table India, where we spotlight transformative urban initiatives. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is a monumental endeavor to reimagine Mumbai’s largest slum into a sustainable, vibrant urban hub. With the Adani Group leading execution and Ar Hafeez Contractor shaping its architectural vision, this ₹28,000 crore project promises dignity and opportunity for nearly a million residents. Join us as we explore its scale, goals, and impact, answering the questions captivating India and beyond.

What is the Dharavi Redevelopment Project?

Dharavi, sprawling across 2.8 square kilometers in Mumbai’s heart, is home to ~0.7 million people, making it Asia’s largest slum. Launched in its current form in November 2022, the Dharavi Redevelopment Project is a ₹28,000 crore initiative to transform 296 acres of this densely packed community into a modern urban ecosystem. Led by the Adani Group’s Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), an 80:20 joint venture with the Maharashtra government, it aims to provide 350 sq.ft. homes, modern infrastructure, and commercial spaces while preserving Dharavi’s economic vibrancy. With rehabilitation targeted for 2032 and full development by 2042, it’s a bold step toward a slum-free Mumbai.

Trivia: Dharavi’s global fame stems from its role in Slumdog Millionaire, showcasing its entrepreneurial spirit, often dubbed the “world’s most entrepreneurial slum.”

The Vision: A New Dharavi

The project’s core mission is to create a sustainable, inclusive urban hub that elevates living standards while honoring Dharavi’s unique identity. Hafeez Contractor, appointed lead architect in January 2024, envisions a “quintessential Dharavi Vision.” “I want people to say, ‘I wish I lived in Dharavi,’” he told Rediff.com, promising homes with ventilation, independent toilets, and airy kitchens. The master plan, due by May 2025, integrates:

• Housing: 350 sq.ft. homes for eligible residents (pre-2000 ground-floor tenements), with 10-year free maintenance.

• Commercial Spaces: Dedicated areas for Dharavi’s 10,000+ small businesses.

• Infrastructure: Modern sanitation, roads, hospitals, schools, and skill development centers.

• Green Spaces: Parks and playgrounds, preserving Mahim Nature Park.

Adani Group’s execution ensures these elements come to life, coordinating global expertise to make Dharavi a global model for slum redevelopment.

The Scale: A Monumental Undertaking

The project’s scale is staggering:

• Area: 296 acres within 600 acres, housing ~0.7 million people.

• Budget: ₹28,000 crore, with Adani’s ₹5,069 crore initial investment.

• Tenements: 94,500 structures numbered by April 2025.

• Timeline: Rehabilitation by 2032, full completion by 2042.

• Economic Impact: Supports a $1 billion annual economy, with 80% of Mumbai’s waste recycled locally.

With a density of 300,000 per square kilometer, sanitation challenges (one toilet per 1,400 people), and flooding risks, the project is a colossal feat. Construction began on 6.4 acres of railway land in January 2025, marking a historic milestone.

Trivia: The project’s digital twin, created with drones and LiDAR, is India’s first for slum redevelopment, mapping every alley for precise planning.

Dharavi’s Economic Fabric: The Heart of the Project

Dharavi is a pulsing economic powerhouse, generating $1 billion annually through over 10,000 small-scale industries—leather tanning, pottery, textile recycling, and more. These micro-businesses, often run from homes, make Dharavi Mumbai’s entrepreneurial heartbeat. The redevelopment plan prioritizes this vibrancy by:

• Allocating commercial spaces for artisans and shopkeepers.

• Providing skill development centers to modernize trades.

• Designing mixed-use spaces for live-work integration, inspired by Contractor’s The Imperial Towers.

“Dharavi’s beauty lies in its hustle,” Contractor told Free Press Journal. Adani’s commitment to economic continuity ensures this hustle thrives.

Building Trust: Adani and Hafeez Contractor winning Hearts!

Transforming Dharavi requires earning the trust of a million residents. Adani Group and Hafeez Contractor are weaving community voices into the project:

• Community Engagement: Adani hosts public consultations, with the master plan open for feedback by May 2025. Contractor meets locals, drawing from his slum redevelopment experience.

• In-Situ Rehabilitation: Using railway land, eligible residents stay in Dharavi, minimizing disruption. Adani’s 350 sq.ft. homes include amenities like playgrounds.

• Transparent Surveys: Adani’s drone and LiDAR surveys, covering 94,500 tenements, ensure fair eligibility, with door-to-door campaigns clarifying benefits.

• Business Support: Adani pledges spaces for artisans, with Contractor designing flexible units. Skill centers help locals adapt to modern markets.

Story: In a crowded Dharavi lane, Contractor sketched a new home for a potter, promising a workshop nearby. Adani’s team followed up, ensuring his trade would continue. “Your craft stays with you,” Contractor assured, easing fears and sparking hope.

Overcoming Complexities: Design as the Answer

Dharavi’s challenges—density, sanitation, and infrastructure—are daunting, but innovative design and execution shine:

• Density: Contractor’s high-rise units, inspired by The Imperial Towers, optimize space. Sasaki’s master plan balances housing and parks.

• Sanitation: Homes feature toilets and drainage, with Buro Happold’s sewerage systems. Contractor’s double-wall technique may prevent monsoon seepage.

• Infrastructure: Adani funds roads, hospitals, and schools, leveraging Singapore’s housing expertise.

• Eligibility: Adani’s digital twin technology resolves disputes, ensuring fair housing allocation.

Adani’s execution and Contractor’s designs make the impossible possible, creating a sustainable urban model.

Trivia: Hafeez Contractor’s advocacy secured railway land from former Minister Piyush Goyal, enabling in-situ rehabilitation and reducing displacement.

What Does This Mean for India?

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is a national milestone:

• Global Model: It could inspire solutions for India’s 6,500+ slums, housing 65 million people.

• Economic Boost: Unlocking 296 acres near Bandra Kurla Complex will drive Mumbai’s real estate growth.

• Sustainability: Green spaces and modern infrastructure align with India’s urban goals.

• Inclusion: Preserving livelihoods and providing homes proves development can uplift without erasing identity.

Dharavi’s transformation signals hope—a future where slums become vibrant communities, inspiring cities nationwide.

Who is Leading the Dharavi Redevelopment?

A world-class team drives the project:

• Adani Group: Leads funding and execution through DRPPL.

• Hafeez Contractor: Designs buildings with slum redevelopment expertise.

• Sasaki: Crafts the master plan.

• Buro Happold: Handles infrastructure.

• Singapore HDB: Advises on housing, drawing from 1.2 million homes built.

Current Status and Timeline

As of April 2025:

• Survey: 94,500 tenements numbered, eligibility ongoing.

• Construction: Began on 6.4 acres of railway land in January 2025.

• Master Plan: Due by May 2025, open for feedback.

• Timeline: Rehabilitation by 2032, full completion by 2042.

Technology Driving the Project

Cutting-edge technology ensures precision:

• Drones and LiDAR: Map alleys for accurate planning.

• Digital Twin: A virtual model ensures dispute-free design.

• Smart Infrastructure: Optimizes water, waste, and transport.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Mumbai

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is a testament to India’s urban dreams—a bold leap to transform a slum into a symbol of progress. With Adani Group’s relentless drive and Hafeez Contractor’s visionary designs, it promises homes, jobs, and dignity for a million lives. As Contractor says, “Buildings must sing!”—and Dharavi’s new skyline will sing of resilience, community, and hope. We’re proud to feature this epic in Project in Focus, celebrating a project that could redefine urban India.

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