• Slum dwellers to get well-equipped, modern homes through cluster redevelopment
Mumbai, October 14: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that under the cluster redevelopment initiative, slum dwellers of Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamaraj Nagar will finally have their dream of owning a home fulfilled within two years. “The dream of these residents will no longer remain on paper — within two years, modern, fully equipped homes will stand here,” he said.
The foundation stone for the Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamaraj Nagar slum redevelopment project in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region was laid by Chief Minister Fadnavis. Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar, MP Sanjay Dina Patil, MLAs Ram Kadam, Parag Shah, Mihir Kotecha, former corporator Parmeshwar Kadam, and several local representatives were present.
Government-led redevelopment for the first time
Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that after 45 years of hardship, the long-awaited dream of the citizens of Ramabai Ambedkar and Kamaraj Nagar is finally being realized. “This project is being executed directly by government agencies, without the involvement of private developers,” he said. The redevelopment is being carried out jointly by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) and the MMRDA, marking the first such collaboration.
The government has already provided two years’ advance rent and arranged temporary housing for the residents. The CM directed MMRDA and SRA to complete the construction within two years.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who first conceptualized cluster redevelopment, said that the government has now approved a large-scale cluster redevelopment policy for Mumbai. “Through this, slum dwellers will not only get homes but also access to playgrounds, gyms, schools, and health centers — realizing Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision of equality,” he said. “Even if the profit is less, we are committed to developing slums through cluster redevelopment. Around 50 acres of land clusters have already been identified,” he added.
Dharavi Redevelopment to Provide Homes and Workspaces
CM Fadnavis said that the government is working to make Mumbai slum-free through cluster redevelopment. “Along with housing, other civic amenities will also be provided to slum dwellers,” he stated. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project, covering India’s largest slum, will be completed within seven years, benefiting around 10 lakh families who will get rightful homes. Additionally, 2 lakh artisans will be allotted space for workshops within the area.
“The government is working with the welfare of the last person in mind, as envisioned by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution. Development creates employment and brings transformation to common lives — our government is dedicated to that mission,” Fadnavis added.
He further assured, “Within two years, modern, well-equipped buildings will rise in Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamaraj Nagar — and we will return here to inaugurate them.”
Memorial for Mata Ramabai Ambedkar to be Built – Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
Deputy CM Shinde announced that alongside the memorial for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, a memorial for Mata Ramabai Ambedkar will also be built as part of the cluster redevelopment project in Ramabai Nagar.
Shinde said, “For 40–45 years, people here lived in extremely difficult conditions. Today marks the end of their struggle. In the next three to four years, the lives of 17,000 families will be transformed. Though Diwali is next week, for these residents, the real Diwali has come today.”
He recalled that this project had been under consideration for 15 years — initiated during former CM Prithviraj Chavan’s tenure but gaining momentum under Devendra Fadnavis. “There is no private builder here — the MMRDA is implementing this project, ensuring quality homes are delivered on time. When I was Chief Minister, I personally came to distribute rent cheques worth ₹150 crore, which built the residents’ trust that homes would indeed be delivered,” he said.
“A New Era of Dignity Begins” – Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar remarked, “Ramabai Nagar and Kamaraj Nagar are not just slum clusters — they are symbols of struggle, dignity, and determination. The labor and sweat of the workers and families here have contributed immensely to the growth of Mumbai, the financial capital of India. This area has been a center of social awakening, transformation, and activism in Maharashtra. With today’s redevelopment launch, a new chapter of self-respect begins here.”
Pawar further announced that the state government has approved a special scheme for renovation and preservation of nine educational institutions and two hostels functioning under ‘The People’s Education Society’, founded by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Under this scheme, a total of ₹500 crore (₹100 crore per year for five years) will be provided. “This decision honors Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy and empowers the weaker sections of society,” he said.
MMRDA Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee presented an overview of the project, while SRA CEO Mahendra Kalyankar delivered the vote of thanks.
Project Location and Features
The project site, adjacent to the Eastern Express Highway, is well-connected to the airport, suburban railway stations, and major roads. It is located 2.5 km from Ghatkopar station, 4.8 km from Mumbai Airport, 12 km from the Bandra–Worli Sea Link, and 9.5 km from the Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu. The upcoming Eastern Freeway extension will further enhance connectivity and accessibility to the area.
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