Mumbai: MMRDA’s Ambitious Redevelopment Plan: Ghatkopar’s Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar Slum to Make Way for Eastern Freeway Extension

Mumbai, 6th March 2024: In a recent authority meeting, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) secured approval from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to commence the redevelopment of Ghatkopar’s Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar slum. This significant project aims to clear land for extending the Eastern Freeway to Thane, according to MMRDA Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee.

The initiative involves the rehabilitation of 16,575 slum dwellers across 33.15 hectares, providing them with rightful ownership of houses and enhancing their living standards. MMRDA plans to undertake both the slum redevelopment and freeway extension concurrently after completing the land clearance within the next six months. The authority will cover the beneficiaries’ rent for the initial three years once the rehabilitation project begins.

Marking MMRDA’s first slum redevelopment venture, this scheme is anticipated to yield approximately 5,000 additional flats. The Ramabai Nagar Slum redevelopment project is expected to generate 75 lakh sq ft of built-up area for commercial sale, with an estimated revenue of around Rs 10,000 crore.

Working in collaboration with the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), MMRDA will conduct the survey, annexure preparation, and obtain consent from slum dwellers. The SRA will assist in vacating the site, while MMRDA will oversee the construction of redeveloped buildings and the extension of the Eastern Freeway up to Thane.

The Eastern Freeway expansion project, costing approximately Rs 3,200 crore, will be funded through the Power Finance Corporation Limited, with a loan repayment period of 25 years. For the rehabilitation project, MMRDA has initiated the fund acquisition process through tender issuance, attracting interest from three bidders. Mukherjee emphasized the revenue generation potential of the Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar slum project, which is expected to offset the project costs through saleable components.

Simultaneously, the MMRDA is initiating the tendering process to appoint consultants and architects. Additionally, the authority is proposing a pod taxi service along the Bandra-BKC-Kurla railway station route, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance public transport in the bustling commercial hub of Mumbai. The estimated cost for the pod taxi project is Rs 1,016.38 crore, with plans for implementation on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis. The proposed network will span 8.8 km through BKC, featuring 38 stations and aiming to connect Bandra and Kurla railway stations.