Mumbai: The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) on Thursday August 14th handed over 556 new flats key to the original tenants of Worli Bombay Development Directorate Chawl. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and both Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar distributed the keys to the owners fulfilling the dream of giving the common man a rightful home in the heart of Mumbai.
Emotional Moment for Residents
Tears rolled out as the event saw joyful faces of residents who have been living in small matchbox size houses, who now will live in ownership two bedroom kitchen flats with attached toilet facilities comprising all modern amenities.
Precious as Gold, Says CM Fadnavis
CM Fadnavis said, “just as older generations preserve gold to pass down to the next, the free 2BHK ownership flats—measuring 500 sq ft of carpet area—in the heart of Mumbai are even more precious than gold and should be preserved for the next generation, not sold.”
Asia’s Largest Urban Renewal in Action
Asia’s largest urban renewal initiative, the BDD Chawl Redevelopment Project, has now taken concrete shape. CM Fadnavis further said that MHADA is the nodal agency for this ambitious state government project, implemented through the Mumbai Housing & Area Development Board. With today’s distribution of 556 flats in the D and E wings of Building No. 01 in the first phase, the state government has fulfilled a major promise.
Transparent and High-Quality Redevelopment
The BDD chawl redevelopment project sets a benchmark for transparent, high-quality redevelopment. Eligible residents who previously lived in 160 sq ft rooms are being given ownership of modern, fully-equipped 500 sq ft 2BHK flats free of cost.
Preserving Heritage Amid Progress
The Worli BDD project will have 34 rehabilitation buildings of 40 storeys each. Besides, the government aims to ensure Mumbai residents get homes within the city through various redevelopment projects, including Abhyudaya Nagar (Kalachowki), Sindhi Colony (Sardar Nagar), MHADA’s 56 old colonies, PMGP Poonam Nagar (Andheri), and others, greatly increasing the housing stock.
Interestingly, the government will also consider allotting BDD flats jointly in the names of both husband and wife. In total, the Worli BDD project will rehabilitate 9,689 residents from 121 old chawls, with 65% of the project land reserved for rehabilitation use.
For decades, this project was stalled due to various reasons. The government decided to execute it directly through MHADA, without appointing a private developer, through a global tender process. Modern amenities like optimal land use, solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and waste management have been included.
Future Phases Underway
Despite challenges after the foundation stone ceremony, they were overcome with collective efforts. The second phase will be completed by October–November and the third by December, after which all Worli BDD chawl residents will have homes.
MHADA will maintain the rehabilitated buildings for 12 years and preserve Jamboree Maidan and Ambedkar Maidan. An old chawl building will be conserved as a museum to preserve and share the history of the BDD chawls with future generations. Police personnel will also be rehabilitated, with flats priced at Rs 15 lakh instead of Rs 50 lakh.
Deputy CMs Praise Milestone
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said, “Thousands of families who have lived in the BDD chawls for generations are now seeing their dream homes become reality. This is not just housing but modern, durable, and high-quality construction designed to last 100 years, with 12 years of maintenance-free living. The design maximises space and considers residents’ needs."
Built during the British era for workers from across India, these chawls have witnessed labour movements, social struggles, and cultural events. Now, they will be replaced by modern towers with open spaces, gardens, playgrounds, and clubhouses, supporting a “walk-to-work” lifestyle. Shinde also suggested allotting ownership in women’s names.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, ”distribution of flats in the first phase is an emotional moment—residents are moving from cramped 160 sq ft homes to well-equipped 500 sq ft flats. Each key brought a smile of satisfaction. The BDD chawls, a “mini-India,” have played a key role in the country’s socio-political history. The state government is committed to similarly fulfilling the dreams of Dharavi residents and improving the living standards of ordinary Mumbaikars. Residents were urged not to sell these homes.
Also Watch:
BDD Chawl Redevelopment Project covers 207 chawls on 86 acres in Worli, NM Joshi Marg–Parel, and Naigaon (Dadar), rehabilitating 15,593 residents.
Parel project will have 14 rehabilitation buildings for 2,560 residential and commercial units.
Naigaon project will have 20 rehabilitation buildings for 3,344 units.
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