BMC proposes 64 slum redevelopment projects in 11 wards
The BMC's move of floating the EoI comes three months after it took a decision to lease out its own land parcels to private entities to generate revenue.
Written by Pratip Acharya
Mumbai | May 22, 2025 12:03 AM IST
3 min read
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"The developers for each project will be set up via tendering module and proper public consultation will be carried out before going ahead," the official added.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) for slum development scheme in 64 civic plots across Mumbai on the lines of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP)—the ambitious project undertaken by the state government, in collaboration with the Adani group, for development of the slums in Dharavi.
The BMC’s move of floating the EoI comes three months after it took a decision to lease out its own land parcels to private entities to generate revenue.
Slum development schemes are real estate projects aimed at transforming slum clusters to high-rises with the dual aim of providing housing to eligible slum dwellers as well as selling flats for revenue generation. The rehabilitation (rehab) to sale ratio is determined by factors such as the existing development plan, floor space index (FSI) regulations, and the specific project’s design. Rehab tenements are built for eligible slum dwellers, while sale tenements are for the open market to help subsidize the rehabilitation costs.
On March 28, the state government announced the development of 228 slums across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This project would be initiated by local civic authorities and planning bodies such as the BMC, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), CIDCO and Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority. Out of the 228 projects, BMC will be responsible for executing 64 projects.
Civic officials said the redevelopment of the plots will be carried out according to the Development Plan (2034) module of the BMC. The contractors appointed for the project will be executing all responsibilities, such as survey of slums, planning and preparation of the project, securing permission and no-objection certificate, construction of the tenements as well as their maintenance post construction. Furthermore, the BMC’s EoI also states that the civic authorities will only appoint developers who have prior knowledge of executing projects related to slum and housing rehabilitation.
“The plots identified were already reserved for executing various government schemes. As a result, developing these plots will not only promote the government’s objective of housing for all but will also create amenities such as open spaces and parking lots. Since these plots are entirely owned by the civic body, the chances of facing any legal hurdle are minimum,” said a civic official.
“The developers for each project will be set up via tendering module and proper public consultation will be carried out before going ahead,” the official added.
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Meanwhile, the BMC’s move has invited criticism from political quarters. Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Rais Shaikh said the BMC doesn’t have experience of successfully executing slum rehabilitation projects and that such projects focus on specific-area development instead of cluster development.
He further pointed out that the BMC has not even been able to redevelop schools under its own jurisdiction. “The responsibility for these 64 SRA projects now lies with the municipal administration, which has previously failed to redevelop its own schools. The poor deserve ownership housing, and the civic administration must show flexibility to make this possible. Since the land for these 64 SRA projects belongs to the BMC, the civic body must ensure that these projects are not stalled like the Dharavi redevelopment due to misguided policies,” Shaikh said.
Pratip Acharya is a seasoned journalist based in Mumbai reporting for The Indian Express. With a career spanning over a decade, his work demonstrates strong Expertise and Authority in critical urban issues, civic affairs, and electoral politics across Eastern and Western India.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express (IE), reporting from Mumbai.
Core Authority: Pratip's reporting focuses sharply on local democracy and development, specializing in:
Urban Governance and Civic Affairs: Providing in-depth analysis of municipal decision-making, city planning, and local infrastructure, essential for informed urban reporting.
City Politics and Environment: Covering the political dynamics of Mumbai and surrounding areas, alongside critical environmental challenges impacting the metro region.
Electoral Coverage (High-Stakes Experience): He has extensive experience in high-stakes political reporting, having covered major elections, establishing his Trustworthiness in political analysis:
National: Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and 2019.
State: West Bengal Assembly elections in 2016 and Maharashtra Assembly elections in 2019.
Major Assignments (Ground Reporting): Pratip demonstrated commitment during crises by conducting ground reporting throughout the Covid-19 pandemic since its breakout in 2020, offering first-hand accounts and analysis of the public health crisis.
Experience
Extensive Experience: Starting his career in 2014, Pratip has built his foundation across multiple prominent English dailies:
Started at The Times of India in Kolkata (2014).
Relocated to Mumbai (2016) and worked with The Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times before joining The Indian Express.
Pratip Acharya's diverse experience across major publications, coupled with his specialized focus on the intricate details of urban governance and a track record of covering major electoral and health crises, establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for news from India's critical metropolitan centres. ... Read More
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