Mumbai’s Dharavi redevelopment project: Adani Group to develop 43% of land for free sale in the open market
Mumbai real estate update: Dharavi redevelopment project spans 108.99 hectares, with 47.20 hectares for rehabilitation and 47.95 hectares for free sale
Construction on 43% of the total 108.99 hectares allocated for the Dharavi redevelopment project will be available for free sale in the open market, according to the Master Plan approved by the Maharashtra government.
Under this free sale component, Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL), a special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed as a joint venture between the Maharashtra government and the Adani Group, will be allowed to develop property units on approximately 47.95 hectares.
According to sources, the joint venture is likely to launch the first phase of the free-sale component, including residential properties, by the end of the year, timed around the festive season. Over 50% of the residential units in this phase are expected to fall within the affordable and mid-income segments.
Land use for the Dharavi redevelopment project
According to the Master Plan presentation for the Dharavi Notified Area, which spans 251 hectares, the net developable area stands at 108.99 hectares, just over 269 acres.
Of this, 47.20 hectares have been allocated for the rehabilitation of Dharavi residents, while 47.95 hectares are designated for the saleable component, which will include residential, commercial, and retail units available in the open market.
Additionally, the plan earmarks approximately 40 hectares (about 99 acres) for open spaces.
A real estate consultant, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Given the pace of construction and the ongoing survey for the rehabilitation component, there is strong buzz in industry circles that the official launch of the sale component is likely around Diwali or by the end of the year.”
The consultant also estimated that approximately 140 million sq ft of built-up area could be released for open market sale.
According to data released by CRE Matrix last month, ₹1 crore can currently buy around 682 sq ft of residential property in the Dharavi area, approximately ₹15,000 per sq ft.
However, real estate consultants believe that the Dharavi redevelopment project could command nearly double this rate, given the comprehensive ecosystem and infrastructure planned as part of the project.
Also Read: Mumbai real estate market: Planning to sell a flat in an old building? Here’s why it can be tough
All about the rehab component
According to the Master Plan presentation for the Dharavi redevelopment project, an estimated 72,000 tenants are eligible for rehabilitation. Of these, over 13,000 are non-residential tenants, while the rest are residential.
Under the Maharashtra Slum Rehabilitation Act, each eligible resident will receive one rehabilitation unit, regardless of the number of tenements they currently occupy. These units will be 350 sq ft in size, an upgrade from the standard 300 sq ft units offered in other slum redevelopment projects.
Project cost and timeline
According to the presentation of the Master Plan for the Dharavi redevelopment project, the project is estimated to cost over ₹95,000 crore for the Dharavi notified area. The first commencement certificate for the rehab portion's construction was received on January 14, 2025, and the end date is seven years later, on January 13, 2032. The timeline for the entire project, including the sale component, is 17 years.
An email query sent to NMDPL did not get any response. The story will be updated if a response is received.
ABOUT THE AUTHORMehul R ThakkarMehul R Thakkar is a Mumbai-based journalist who closely tracks the city’s ever-evolving real estate landscape. He believes that Mumbai presents a unique reality that, while Mumbaikars deeply aspire to own a home in the city of dreams, many spend little actual time living in it due to long commutes and demanding work lives. With over 11 years of experience in journalism, I have reported across a wide spectrum of beats, including real estate, housing, infrastructure, aviation, and education. I have also extensively covered the workings of India’s wealthiest civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), providing insight into the policy, governance, and urban planning decisions that directly influence Mumbai’s growth. Before joining Hindustan Times, I worked in fast-paced digital and print newsrooms, including Moneycontrol.com and Deccan Chronicle, as well as national dailies such as The Asian Age and DNA. Outside the newsroom, I am an avid weather tracker, a fan of spy thrillers in both books and films, and a keen follower of international affairs.Read More

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