A New Beginning for Mumbai Residents as Devendra Fadnavis Distributes Rehab Flats Under BDD Chawl Project

The distribution of rehabilitation flats under the first phase of the BDD Chawl redevelopment project marks an exciting start towards fulfilling the dream of providing rightful homes to the common people in the heart of Mumbai,” said Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis.

The first phase of the BDD Chawl redevelopment project witnessed the distribution of 556 rehabilitation flats in Worli, with Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar gracing the occasion. The distribution of these flats to eligible residents is a significant milestone in the Maharashtra Government’s mission to provide rightful homes to the people of Mumbai. Just as earlier generations preserved gold for the future, these 500 sq. ft. 2BHK homes are treasures worth more than gold for today’s generation. Chief Minister Shri Fadnavis urged beneficiaries to treat them as an inheritance for future generations and never sell them.

The ceremony, held at Yashwant Natya Mandir in Matunga West, was attended by Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Guardian Minister of Suburban Mumbai; Adv. Ashish Shelar, Minister for Information Technology & Cultural Affairs and Guardian Minister of Suburban Mumbai; Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for Housing; Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council; Shri Milind Deora, Member of Parliament; Shri Sunil Shinde, MLA; Shri Sachin Ahir, MLA; Shri Kalidas Kolambkar, MLA; Shri Mahesh Sawant, MLA; Shri Kiran Pawaskar, Former MLA; Shri Sada Sarvankar, Former MLA; and Shri Milind Shambharkar, Chief Officer of the Mumbai Building Repair & Reconstruction Board. Symbolic keys, allotment letters, and sweets were handed over to sixteen residents by the dignitaries.

Chief Minister Shri Fadnavis highlighted that the BDD Chawl redevelopment is one of Maharashtra’s most ambitious projects, with MHADA as the nodal agency and the Mumbai Housing & Area Development Board executing the work. Residents who previously lived in 160 sq. ft. rooms are now moving into modern 2BHK flats with 500 sq. ft. carpet area and all essential amenities, free of cost. The project will have 34 rehabilitation buildings of 40 floors each, with 65% of the land allocated for rehabilitation. He recalled that the project had been stalled for 20–25 years due to various obstacles, but the government decided to execute it directly through MHADA, without private developers, issuing a global tender for high-quality construction. Provisions such as solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and waste management have been incorporated. The first phase, delivering 556 flats, is complete; the second phase is expected by October–November, and the third phase by December. MHADA will maintain the buildings for the next 12 years. Historical landmarks like Jamboree Ground and Ambedkar Ground will be preserved, and one of the old chawls will be converted into a museum. Police personnel will also receive homes at a subsidised cost reduced from ₹50 lakh to ₹15 lakh.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde emphasised that the project sets a new benchmark for redevelopment, with excellent quality materials, optimal space usage, and designs suited to residents’ needs. Modern facilities such as open spaces, gardens, playgrounds, and clubhouses are being provided, bringing the “walk-to-work” concept to life. He also instructed officials to ensure ownership of flats is registered in women’s names. Shri Shinde noted that the state is expediting metro networks, the Atal Setu, pothole-free roads, and beautification projects to boost connectivity and development across Mumbai and the MMR region.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar described the day as emotional for residents who have waited generations for proper housing. From living in 160 sq. ft. rooms, they are now moving into spacious 500 sq. ft. homes with modern amenities. Calling BDD Chawl a “mini India,” he recalled its historical role in the United Maharashtra movement, its cultural and political influence, and its association with revolutionaries such as Vasudev Balwant Phadke. He urged residents not to sell their homes and assured that funding for housing and redevelopment projects in Mumbai will not fall short.

Additional Chief Secretary (Housing) Shri Asim Kumar Gupta stated that this is Asia’s largest urban housing redevelopment project. MHADA has delivered 9 lakh homes so far and plans to build 8 lakh more in the next five years. Despite heavy rain, residents came out in large numbers to welcome the dignitaries. The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers, and other officials inspected flats up to the 40th floor and expressed satisfaction with the quality of construction. The event was hosted by Smt. Kalpana Sathe, with a vote of thanks by Shri Milind Borikar, Chief Officer of MHADA Mumbai Board.

The BDD Chawl redevelopment project covers 207 chawls over approximately 86 acres across Worli, N. M. Joshi Marg–Parel, and Naigaon, rehabilitating a total of 15,593 residential and non-residential units. In N. M. Joshi Marg–Parel, 14 rehabilitation buildings are being constructed for 2,560 units, while in Naigaon, work is underway on 20 buildings for 3,344 units. The project is a landmark example of transparent, high-quality redevelopment and a testament to the Maharashtra Government’s commitment to improving the lives of Mumbai’s citizens.