New Delhi– The ambitious Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) is set to reshape one of Mumbai’s most densely populated neighborhoods into a modern, sustainable, and inclusive urban district. The proposed master plan outlines a sweeping vision to enhance the quality of life for residents—known as Dharavikars—by integrating world-class infrastructure, green spaces, multimodal transit, and essential public amenities.
Envisioned as a “live-work” model tailored to the unique socio-economic fabric of Dharavi, the master plan is anchored on three pillars: spurring economic growth through redevelopment, building resilient infrastructure and ecological systems, and ensuring equitable outcomes for all.
Central to the plan is an extensive network of interconnected green and public spaces, from expansive city parks to smaller community playgrounds. A large public open space at the center of Dharavi is designed to serve not only local residents but also greater Mumbai as a hub for festivals, cultural events, and public gatherings.
The project also includes a transformative transit-oriented design. A new metro corridor will cut through the heart of Dharavi, supported by bus feeder systems, infrastructure for non-motorized transport, and a fine-grain street network to improve last-mile connectivity and walkability. At its core, a first-of-its-kind Multi-Modal Transit Hub (MMTH) will seamlessly connect inter-city, intra-city, suburban, Metro, high-speed rail, airport express services, and city buses. Commuters will be able to check in for flights, store luggage, and spend their day enjoying retail, dining, and hospitality services at the hub.
Walkable neighborhood “nodes” will provide residents with easy access to schools, healthcare, and community centers—all within a 5 to 15-minute walk. A new network of hospitals, polyclinics, and diagnostic centers will significantly boost medical infrastructure in central Mumbai.
The plan envisions mixed-use clusters combining residential, commercial, and institutional spaces to promote economic activity while ensuring inclusive rehabilitation. Industrial units will be upgraded into hygienic, structurally stable spaces capable of supporting heavy machinery. All eligible and ineligible commercial tenants will have the option to lease modern commercial spaces built by the project’s Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), NMDPL.
Flexible, multi-level social spaces will be integrated into each cluster, prioritizing children’s needs with quality play areas and safe environments for development. A waterfront promenade along the Mithi River will offer scenic public access and create Mumbai’s longest continuous riverfront after Marine Drive, fostering community interaction and environmental awareness.
Urban design elements will focus on connectivity, inclusivity, and placemaking, with legible streets, porous public realms, and vibrant community spaces that reflect Dharavi’s identity. The proposed road network spans over 21 kilometers, with varying widths from 9 to 36 meters, ensuring wide, well-connected streets every 125 meters for smooth intra-neighborhood transit without depending on main roads.
A central green spine will stretch from Mahim Nature Park to the Railway Development Area, functioning as both a community park and a stormwater mitigation corridor through bioswale engineering. This nature-rich backbone will help manage urban flooding while enhancing environmental quality.
To support the area’s diverse religious communities, the plan includes world-class religious complexes accessible to all faiths within walking distance of residential zones.
Overall, the Dharavi master plan presents a bold reimagining of urban life—integrating community, infrastructure, and sustainability to create a future-ready neighborhood at the heart of Mumbai. (Source: IANS)
