The redevelopment project of Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, is set to introduce a dedicated commercial business district, enhancing both business and employment opportunities amidst one of the most ambitious urban transformations globally.
A significant portion of the nearly 600-acre prime land in the heart of Mumbai, India’s financial hub, will be designated for commercial use, aiming to establish a central business district (CBD) that attracts diverse companies.
This district is anticipated to feature Grade-A office spaces, premium retail, co-working areas, hotels, and infrastructure support, as per sources involved in the planning.
“The commercial area will utilize land that is not allocated for residential rehabilitation. This will also contribute to upgrading existing businesses in Dharavi, transitioning them into the formal economy. The goal is to triple the economic output of Dharavi,” stated one insider.
The addition of this commercial zone seeks to cultivate a self-sustaining economic hub within Dharavi, providing long-term revenue to support other components of the nearly ₹96,000-crore redevelopment project.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, awarded to Adani Group via a joint venture with the state government, aims to rehabilitate over one million residents and formalize more than 12,000 businesses currently in the informal sector.
The strategy focuses on delivering integrated development that combines formal housing, upgraded civic infrastructure, social amenities, and structured commercial spaces.
“A hybrid integrated approach is being explored, with some commercial space leased to large corporations while designated areas are reserved for local small-scale businesses,” noted another source.
The forthcoming multi-modal transport integration is expected to bolster the viability of the commercial hub. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), designated as the nodal agency for the adjacent multi-modal transit hub (MMTH), is working on connecting Dharavi with major rail lines, metro routes, and arterial roads.
The proposed commercial district is poised to leverage this connectivity, making it an appealing location for businesses in search of centrally situated office and retail space.
RealtyDailyNews’s inquiry to Navbharat Mega Developers Pvt Ltd (NMDPL), the special purpose vehicle managing the project, has yet to elicit a response.
Experts assert that the successful execution of this commercial component could transform perceptions of Dharavi from an informal settlement to a mixed-use urban business precinct.
“For the commercial zone to thrive, it must be integrated with the city’s infrastructure and competitively positioned against other business districts. Its success could set a new standard for urban redevelopment,” remarked another city infrastructure planning insider.
Current efforts include the initial phases of redevelopment, encompassing surveys, resettlement planning, and infrastructure design.
