Cluster Redevelopment and Affordable Housing to shape Mumbai’s Future

06 Feb 2025 CW Team

The Government of Maharashtra is accelerating efforts to expand affordable housing, with a focus on large-scale development under the MMR Growth Hub Project. As part of this initiative, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) will construct eight lakh homes by 2030, in alignment with NITI Aayog’s recommendations. This announcement was made today by Deputy Chief Minister and Housing Minister Eknath Shinde, who emphasized the government’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable homes to citizens.

The computerised housing lottery, organised by the MHADA Konkan Housing Board, took place at Kashinath Ghanekar Auditorium in Thane. The draw was conducted at 1:00 PM in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Housing Minister Shri Eknath Shinde, along with Transport Minister Shri Pratap Sarnaik. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shinde emphasized the government’s commitment to providing affordable and high-quality homes for all sections of society. He stated that MHADA is making homeownership a reality for thousands of families, ensuring that quality housing remains accessible and affordable.

Shri Shinde further noted that MHADA’s transparent housing allocation process has gained widespread public trust, as demonstrated by the overwhelming response to the lottery. This edition received 24,711 applications for 2,147 homes and 117 plots. He directed MHADA officials to ensure that successful applicants receive possession of their homes at the earliest, while maintaining strict quality standards. He also announced that the government is preparing to introduce a new housing policy, which will include affordable housing, rental housing, and hostels for senior citizens, working women, and students. Special provisions will also be made for housing mill workers and police personnel.

The computerised lottery draw was conducted using IHLMS 2.0, a fully digital, automated, and interference-free system. Only applicants who met the eligibility criteria were included in the draw. The winners will receive an official intimation letter, followed by a provisional allotment letter upon completion of formalities.

Shinde also announced that Asia’s largest cluster redevelopment project is being implemented in Thane, which will result in the construction of thousands of new homes. He further stated that the government is expediting slum redevelopment, integrating Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects, and resolving stalled MHADA redevelopment schemes to enhance the overall housing stock. The Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar Project in Ghatkopar was highlighted as a key example of these efforts.

Delivering the keynote address, MHADA Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Sanjeev Jaiswal stated that MHADA aims to release approximately 30,000 homes annually across various housing boards, with lotteries planned every three to six months. This marks the third computerised lottery conducted by the MHADA Konkan Board in the past 18 months, following the Pune Board’s lottery for 3,662 homes last week. Mr. Jaiswal further informed that under the upcoming state housing policy, amendments have been proposed to Development Control Rules (DCR) under sections 33(5), 33(7), 33(9), and 33(24) to accelerate the construction of affordable housing. Provisions for rental housing are also being introduced.

The lottery event witnessed an enthusiastic response from home seekers. To ensure accessibility, the event was broadcast live via MHADA’s official YouTube and Facebook channels, attracting over 11,000 live viewers. The final list of successful applicants will be published at 6:00 PM on housing.mhada.gov.in, and winners will also receive notifications via SMS and email.

The event was attended by Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, MHADA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Anil Wankhede, MHADA Chief Engineer Mahesh Jeswani, Chief Engineer Shivkumar Aade, Konkan Board Chief Officer Revati Gaikar, Mumbai Board Deputy Chief Officer Vandana Suryawanshi, and Mumbai Repair and Reconstruction Board Deputy Chief Officer Umesh Wagh. The program was anchored by MHADA Deputy Engineer Abhaykumar Kulkarni.

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