The Maharashtra cabinet approved the use of 255 acre of salt pan land in Mumbai to develop housing for individuals affected by slum rehabilitation projects. The responsibility for implementing this plan was assigned to the Adani Group's Dharavi Slum Redevelopment Project. The state government had earlier requested the Centre to lease the salt pan land in Mumbai for this purpose.

This decision on the utilization of salt pan land also includes provisions for beneficiaries of affordable housing and similar schemes.

The Adani-controlled Dharavi Redevelopment Project will oversee the development of housing for slum rehabilitation project-affected people, according to a statement issued by the government following a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The 255.9 acre of land to be acquired includes 120.5 acre in mauje Kanjur, 76.9 acre in Kanjur and Bhandup, and 58.5 acre in mauje Mulund. The state government indicated that the additional chief secretary of the housing department is authorized to finalize an agreement with the Union government for the land lease transfer.

The cost of rehabilitating those living on the salt pan land will be covered by a special purpose vehicle (SPV).

Earlier this month, the Centre approved the transfer of 255.9 acre of salt pan land in Mumbai to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRPPL), a joint venture between Adani Realty Group and the Maharashtra government, to construct rental housing for slum dwellers.

In a related decision, the Cabinet approved a proposal from the state ports development department to appoint JSW Infrastructure as the developer for the Murbe multipurpose port in Palghar district. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 42.59 billion, will undergo a detailed project report (DPR) process. The port is expected to operate year-round, primarily handling bulk dry cargo and captive cargo.

Additionally, the cabinet approved the Urban Development Department’s proposal to provide an interest-free loan of Rs 13.54 billion to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for the construction of a proposed tunnel road connecting Orange Gate in Mazgaon and Marine Drive.