1. Dharavi: An Unlikely Icon on the Global Stage
On his bucket list, former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson listed two places in India that he wished to visit: one was the Taj Mahal and the other was Dharavi.
This highlights Dharavi's unique status not only as a significant part of Mumbai but also as a point of cultural and global curiosity.
2. Approval and Scope of the Redevelopment Project
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the plan for the Rs 95,790 crore Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). The project aims to reshape Dharavi into a modern and well-connected urban space by January 2032.
The entire redevelopment will cover a gross area of 251.24 hectares (628.82 acres). Construction work already began on January 14, 2025, and the entire project is expected to be completed in 7 years.
3. Projected Impact on Population and Urban Landscape
It is expected that the Dharavi revamp may reduce its population from almost 10 lakhs to 5 lakhs. This significant demographic shift is anticipated to facilitate enhanced living conditions and improved infrastructure for the residents.
4. Implementation: Leadership and Collaboration
The redevelopment is being led by a special purpose vehicle (SPV), Navbharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL). This entity has been formed through a joint venture between the Maharashtra government's Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) and the Adani Group's Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL).
5. Vision for Dharavi: A New Urban Identity
"We will create a state-of-the-art world-class city, which will reflect a resurgent, self-assured, growing India finding its new place on the global stage as the 21st century belongs to India," said Gautam Adani.