Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday inaugurated the first phase of the Worli BDD Chawl Redevelopment Project. Officials call it one of Asia’s largest urban renewal programmes.

The event took place at Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha in Matunga (West). During the ceremony, Fadnavis handed over keys to 556 eligible residents. Moreover, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar joined the function along with senior ministers and officials.

From Old Chawls to Modern Homes

The project, led by MHADA’s Mumbai Housing and Area Development Board, aims to shift long-time chawl residents into modern flats. In fact, it marks a historic milestone in Mumbai’s redevelopment drive.

The first phase benefits residents from D and E wings of Building No. 01. Overall, 9,689 residents from 121 old chawls in Worli will be rehabilitated. Significantly, 65% of the land has been reserved for their housing.

Previously, residents lived in cramped 160 sq ft rooms. Now, they will own 2BHK flats with 500 sq ft carpet area, completely free of cost. Furthermore, the redevelopment plan includes 34 towers of 40 storeys each, podium parking up to six levels, and landscaped gardens on the seventh floor.

A Self-Sufficient Township

In addition, the township will feature a commercial complex, schools, hospitals, gyms, and hostels. It will also adopt sustainable infrastructure, including sewage treatment plants, solar energy systems, and rainwater harvesting.

For long-term upkeep, MHADA will maintain the buildings for 12 years.

Meanwhile, heritage spaces like Jamboree Maidan and Ambedkar Maidan will remain untouched. To preserve history, one old chawl will be converted into a museum showcasing BDD’s legacy.

Transit Support and Expansion

During the redevelopment, residents have moved to temporary transit homes or opted for rent allowances. Notably, those choosing rent support receive ₹25,000 per month in advance for 11 months.

By December, MHADA expects to deliver 3,989 more flats across Worli, N.M. Joshi Marg, and Naigaon. Altogether, the project covers 86 acres, redeveloping 207 chawls with 15,593 residents.

At N.M. Joshi Marg, 14 new buildings will house 2,560 flats. Likewise, Naigaon (Dadar) will get 20 buildings with 3,344 units.