Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to model the Dharavi Redevelopment Project after modern housing in Singapore and Hong Kong.

This initiative represents a shift in urban planning for one of Mumbai's most densely populated areas. By prioritizing social infrastructure over commercial profit, the government aims to modernize the district without erasing the economic ecosystem that sustains thousands of small-scale industries.

During a review of the project, Fadnavis said the transformation must protect the existing social fabric of the area. He said, "The focus should remain on residents, their livelihoods, and Dharavi's unique culture rather than commercial gains."

The plan includes a phased approach to housing. Officials intend to hand over 10,000 rehabilitation homes by March 2028 [1]. This initial milestone serves as a precursor to the larger redevelopment effort, which the state expects to complete within a decade [1].

By referencing the housing models of Singapore and Hong Kong, the administration is signaling a move toward high-density, organized vertical living. This strategy is designed to alleviate the current overcrowding in Dharavi while ensuring that the area's unique culture and livelihoods are not displaced by purely commercial interests [1].

The project will require significant coordination between state officials and the residents of Dharavi to ensure that the transition to new housing does not disrupt the local economy. The government's focus on rehabilitation homes suggests a commitment to providing permanent tenure for those currently living in informal settlements [1].

“The focus should remain on residents, their livelihoods, and Dharavi's unique culture rather than commercial gains.”

The adoption of a 'Singapore-style' model indicates a transition toward state-led, high-density urban planning. By setting a specific target for 10,000 homes by 2028, the Maharashtra government is attempting to build trust with a skeptical resident population that has historically feared displacement by commercial developers. Success will depend on whether the state can integrate Dharavi's informal industrial economy into a formal high-rise structure.