The Adani Group is poised to initiate the mapping of Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums situated in the heart of Mumbai, in the coming weeks as part of a contentious and extensive revitalisation effort in India’s financial capital.
The survey is expected to contribute to the formulation of Adani’s master plan for Dharavi, which is slated for submission to local authorities by March — slightly delayed from the original December deadline, according to the initial tender documents.
Local firm Genesys International Ltd will undertake the mapping, UK consultancy Buro Happold Ltd will address physical infrastructure needs, and Boston-based Sasaki Associates Inc will oversee the overall redesign, according to an Economic Times report.
Genesys’ state-of-the-art Oyster 3D Maps platform, recognised for its precision and innovation, is expected to play a central role in this initiative.
Dharavi Redevelopment Project
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), initially mooted in 2004, has recently made significant strides.
In October 2022, the Maharashtra government floated a global tender for the redevelopment of Asia’s biggest slum, Dharavi, spread over 240 hectares of prime land in the heart of the country’s commercial capital Mumbai.
In November 2022, the Adani Group emerged as the highest bidder for the redevelopment of Mumbai’s Dharavi — one of the largest slum clusters in the country — with an initial investment commitment of Rs 5,069 crore, against a base price of Rs 1,600 crore.
As per the terms of redevelopment, Adani Realty will get seven years to see the work through, including rehabilitating more than 56,000 families. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 23,000 crore.
Significance Of Redevelopment Project
The redevelopment project will be a major economic contributor to Mumbai and Maharashtra.
The plan incorporates industrial and business zones for the existing and new businesses and commercial activities with better facilities, infrastructure, and platforms for improved conditions and growth.
The increased floor space index (FSI), will allow the structures to grow vertically, freeing up more land area for multiple activities. Dharavi currently has a low FSI and is sprawled horizontally, accommodating the high density.
Dharavi retains a prime location in Mumbai with proximity to existing business districts and financial centres of the city, including the Bandra Kurla Complex and others.
Through the re-design, the vast expanse of Dharavi slums will be connected to the progressive landscape of Mumbai.
This revamped identity of Dharavi will reduce residential differentiation within the city and enable the seamless integration of its residents with the overall city population.