Mumbai: In a city where space is the ultimate luxury, a massive transformation is brewing in the western suburb of Kandivali. Residents of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Complex, a sprawling 12-acre layout, are coming together for what is set to be one of Mumbai’s largest urban renewal stories.
Built roughly 26 years ago by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), this massive complex is home to over 3,400 families. Despite being relatively young compared to the century-old chawls of South Mumbai, these buildings have faced rapid wear and tear. Today, residents complain of crumbling walls, leaking ceilings, and roads so narrow that emergency vehicles like fire engines find it difficult to enter.
The power of staying together
The project is moving forward under the “Cluster Redevelopment” model. Unlike traditional redevelopment where one building is torn down and rebuilt, cluster redevelopment combines multiple plots into one large project. This allows for much better planning, including wider roads, gardens, and modern amenities that a single building could never provide.
Currently, 53 different housing societies occupy this land. In a significant show of unity, 34 societies have already given their green light, crossing the 60% legal requirement needed to start. The committee in charge is hopeful that the remaining societies will join soon to ensure the entire 12-acre patch is modernized uniformly.
A life-changing upgrade for residents
For the thousands of middle-class families living here, the project is a dream come true. Currently, most residents live in tiny “shoebox” apartments measuring just 225 square feet. Under the new plan, they are expected to move into brand-new homes with 610 square feet of usable space—nearly triple their current size.
The financial benefits are equally significant. Beyond the new home, the proposed plan includes:
- Monthly rent: A payout ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 to help families live elsewhere while their new homes are being built.
- Corpus fund: A lump sum of over ₹2 lakh per family to help with future maintenance costs.
- Modern facilities: Elevators, dedicated parking, and community parks that were missing in the original 1990s construction.
What happens next?
A project management consultant has already been appointed to oversee the technicalities. The redevelopment committee plans to invite bids from reputed builders starting in mid-February. The chosen developer will earn the right to build additional flats on the land to sell in the open market, which pays for the construction of the residents’ free homes.
This project serves as a blueprint for other aging colonies in Mumbai. It proves that when neighbors work together, they can turn cramped, decaying buildings into a modern, spacious mini-city.
Also read – Mumbai Housing Update: MHADA reclaims vacant plots in patra chawl redevelopment project
Disclaimer – This article is for informational purposes only. Readers should verify official government notifications and legal documents before making any financial or real estate decisions regarding the mentioned redevelopment project.
Source – Hindustan Times
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