The Maharashtra government has approved the redevelopment of the 15.8-acre Worli Dairy land in Mumbai, paving the way for a world-class commercial-financial hub. The land parcel, previously reserved for the dairy development department, will now be handed over to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for large-scale development, including residential and recreational facilities.

The state has granted Class 1 occupancy rights under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, making MMRDA the sole owner of the land. This ensures the development authority has full control over the property, eliminating the need for additional government approvals for development rights or disposal of plots.

The move follows a precedent set earlier this month when a 4.16-acre plot in Nariman Point, allocated to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), was sold to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for Rs 34.71 billion.

Officials expect the Worli Dairy redevelopment to generate significant funds for MMRDA, which is currently facing a financial crunch while executing the metro projects across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

A notification inviting public suggestions and objections has already been issued. The project aligns with the state’s larger vision of positioning MMR as a global economic hub and creating employment opportunities. Earlier plans by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government—which included an exhibition centre, marine research institute, aquarium, and residential quarters for dairy staff—are now likely to be replaced with MMRDA’s new commercial vision.

As the Special Planning Authority (SPA) for the project, MMRDA will be responsible for drafting the development plan, finalising plot allocations, and issuing development permissions and NOCs.

News source: The Free Press Journal