Transforming Mumbai’s skyline: SRA projects reshaping housing and urban redevelopment | Representative Image
Mumbai: Mumbai’s ambitious Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects are reshaping the city’s real estate sector, offering a transformative solution to the acute housing shortage in India’s financial capital. These initiatives have become a cornerstone of urban redevelopment, delivering the highest number of ongoing and rehabilitated homes and attracting prominent developers from across the country.
The surging demand for affordable housing has elevated the importance of SRA schemes, which convert slum areas into modern residential and commercial spaces. Under this redevelopment model, private developers construct homes for slum dwellers in exchange for developing parts of the land for commercial use. Several major real estate players are now spearheading this transformation.
Highlighting the significant impact of SRA projects, Domnic Romell, President of CREDAI-MCHI and Director of Romell Group, noted, “Since its inception in 1995, the SRA has completed over 2,300 projects, providing housing to more than 2.5 lakh families. Currently, approximately 1,700 rehabilitation projects are ongoing.”
Romell elaborated on the in-situ rehabilitation model under Development Control Regulation 33(10), which allows slums to be redeveloped on their existing sites. “This approach has attracted both local and national developers, leading to the transformation of informal settlements into formal housing,” he explained.
However, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including project delays and eligibility disputes, which have occasionally left families without suitable housing solutions.
Despite these hurdles, SRA projects have revitalized neighbourhoods and contributed to the stabilization of Mumbai’s property market. By addressing housing shortages and enhancing living conditions, these initiatives are shaping the future of the city’s real estate sector.
Among the notable contributors to SRA development, the Chandak Group is currently building over one million square feet of rehabilitation projects across Mumbai. A spokesperson for the company emphasized the dual impact of these efforts: “We are committed to the SRA vision of providing dignified living spaces to the underprivileged. This milestone is not just a business success but a social achievement. Our developments integrate slum residents into the city’s broader infrastructure with improved facilities, better transportation, and a stronger sense of belonging.”
Transcon Developers also reached a significant milestone by handing over 148 SRA units to residents of the Sai Durga SRA Co-operative Housing Society in Santacruz. Shraddha Kedia-Agarwal, Director at Transcon Developers, remarked, “SRA redevelopments have always been central to Mumbai’s housing transformation. The record number of rehabilitated homes addresses the city’s housing crisis and uplifts entire communities. These projects do more than change physical spaces—they enhance the quality of life for countless families.”
Focusing on quality and community, Samyak Jain, Director of Siddha Group, stated, “Our goal is to create more than just basic shelters. We prioritize high-quality living spaces with modern infrastructure, amenities, and a sense of community. The growing sophistication of SRA developments reflects the rising demand for well-planned, holistic housing solutions.”
As Mumbai continues to grapple with its housing crisis, SRA initiatives have emerged as a pivotal solution, turning slums into vibrant urban spaces while promoting economic growth and social equity. The success of these projects underscores the potential of public-private partnerships in urban development.
With record numbers of rehabilitated homes and numerous projects underway, SRA developments are poised to redefine Mumbai’s urban landscape. This transformation heralds a future where every Mumbaikar can aspire to dignified living conditions and access to modern amenities, marking a crucial step toward inclusive growth and a more equitable city.
