MUMBAI: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will relocate its high-frequency radar from Dahisar to Gorai, freeing up hundreds of acres for affordable housing projects, announced Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on Sunday.
This decision follows a meeting involving the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Maharashtra government, and various stakeholders.
During a virtual meeting, Naidu stated that the ministry will seek cabinet approval for the relocation to expedite the start of construction on these housing projects.
Current radar installations in Dahisar and Juhu limit building heights.
On Saturday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed in the legislative assembly that the state government had decided to shift high-frequency radar centers from Dahisar and Juhu to more suitable locations.
Fadnavis mentioned that the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Union government, and AAI agreed to the radar’s relocation, with the state government willing to cover the costs and provide alternative land.
“This issue has affected urban development in North Mumbai, leaving many residents in old, deteriorating buildings. This decision will help fulfill the dreams of Dahisar residents for their own homes,” Naidu stated.
He added that the topic had been under discussion for a long time and acknowledged Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal for his serious engagement with the civil aviation ministry regarding its resolution.
Naidu expressed optimism about completing the radar relocation with cooperation from all involved parties and emphasized that around 1,000 acres of land over 6 km will be made available for housing projects.
He commented that this affordable housing initiative will transform Dahisar into a hub for improved living standards.
“This decision strikes a balance between housing needs and aviation safety, benefiting thousands of families and stimulating economic growth,” he remarked.
Goyal, who also attended the meeting virtually, projected that approximately 50,000 homes will be constructed or redeveloped in the next five years, creating permanent housing with essential amenities and generating significant employment opportunities.
“This was a challenging issue. After years of persistent effort, this landmark decision was achieved through strong cooperation between the central and state governments. We anticipate rapid progress on stalled projects, making North Mumbai a model of excellence,” he said.
Goyal also credited CM Devendra Fadnavis for promptly providing alternative land for this initiative.
He noted that the perception of Dahisar as the ‘last suburb’ would end, as it develops into a vibrant growth hub, enhancing quality of life and providing safe, sustainable living conditions.
Fadnavis confirmed that land in Gorai will be transferred to the Centre at no cost and that 40% of the AAI land in Dahisar is designated for public use.
The government has proposed an alternative location at Juhu for technical assessment by the AAI. Upon completion of the technical study and site finalization, the approval process for relocating the Juhu radar will commence.
Once the radar centers are relocated, redevelopment in Dahisar and Juhu (DN Nagar) will become viable, according to the chief minister.
