Maharashtra Leaders Launch Major Slum Redevelopment Projects

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alongside deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, inaugurated the foundation-laying ceremony for the Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Kamaraj Nagar Slum Redevelopment Projects on October 14, 2025, in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. This initiative aims to provide new housing for over 17,000 families currently residing in slum conditions, marking a significant step in urban development and social welfare.

The event welcomed various dignitaries, including Maharashtra Ministers Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Ashish Shelar. During the ceremony, Shinde announced plans for a memorial dedicated to Ramabai Ambedkar, the wife of famed social reformer Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, which will be integrated into the redevelopment efforts. He emphasized the importance of this occasion, stating, “Today marks the end of a 40-year struggle for the people living here. In the next three to four years, over 17,000 families will have new homes. This is their real Diwali.”

The redevelopment project, initially proposed 15 years ago during the administration of former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, gained momentum under Fadnavis’ leadership. The project is being executed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), ensuring that the housing delivered will meet quality standards and timelines set forth by the government.

Shinde shared his commitment to building trust among residents by recalling the distribution of Rs 150 crore in rent cheques to assist families during the transition. He further assured that the MMRDA and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) are dedicated to completing the projects as promised. “This is just the trailer. The full picture of redevelopment is yet to come,” he noted, hinting at additional projects under the state’s cluster redevelopment policy.

Shinde also outlined broader housing goals, including the provision of affordable homes for the working class, hostels for students, and residences for police personnel and mill workers. “Mumbai does not need obstacles to development but those who carry the torch of progress. This is the Mahayuti government, a government that makes decisions,” Shinde emphasized, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to enhancing living conditions for all citizens.

The event featured participation from various local leaders and officials, including MMRDA Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee and SRA CEO Mahendra Kalyankar. Shinde concluded the ceremony by reaffirming the government’s dedication to upholding the values championed by Ambedkar, stating, “The sea may dry up, but we will never forget the contribution of Babasaheb Ambedkar.”

This redevelopment initiative represents a pivotal moment for the residents of Ghatkopar, aiming to transform their living conditions and foster a sense of community and stability.