The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has approved the transfer of a 2,000 sqm plot in Sector 5 of Dharavi to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL). This move marks a significant step in the comprehensive redevelopment of Dharavi.

The plot, situated near the BEST bus depot in Dharavi Sector 5, is owned by MMRDA. The transfer, requested by the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) in May, adheres to a state government resolution that mandates the transfer of government land within the Dharavi notified area to the appointed contractor. Following the recent meeting approval, MMRDA will transfer the land to DRPPL, which will facilitate the redevelopment of 600 acres within Dharavi.

The DRP aims to transform Dharavi comprehensively through a joint development model involving a special purpose vehicle. A government resolution issued on November 5, 2018, granted special rights to support this redevelopment initiative. As per the resolution, all land owned by government agencies in the Dharavi notified area must be handed over to DRPPL. The compensation for this land will be 25% of the ready reckoner value, payable to the respective government agency.

DRPPL plans to develop a modern bus depot for BEST on this newly acquired land. In exchange, BEST will provide 12 acres, including two significant bus depots in Sion East?Dharavi and Kalakilla. These depots, with a combined parking capacity for approximately 300 buses, also house various offices related to the BEST transport and power supply divisions.

To support the 600-acre project, DRPPL is also seeking additional land outside the Dharavi slum area. On March 13, 2024, the Railway Land Development Authority (RLDA) transferred 27.57 acres, including the Mahim station scrapyard, to DRPPL. This land is crucial for the project, which aims to redevelop the area housing nearly 12 lakh residents.