The Thane Cluster Development Project, a significant urban revitalization program that will dwarf the Dharavi Redevelopment Project in scale and scope, is due to be launched by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Thane cluster development project will occupy 1,500 hectares, which is larger than the Dharavi Redevelopment Project's 240 hectares. The project will entail the reconstruction of old and decaying structures, as well as legal and illegal residential structures, in six Thane neighborhoods: Kopri, Rabodi, Hazuri, Lokmanya Nagar, Tekdi Bungalow, and Kisan Nagar. Shinde will open a cluster development office at the Kashish Park housing complex before beginning construction on the first two Urban Renewal Clusters 5 and 6 in Kisan Nagar, which are part of URP 12. The project will be implemented in six areas during the first phase of development, including Kopri in Thane East, Rabodi, and Hazuri, Lokmanya Nagar, Tekdi Bungalow area in Panchpakhadi, and Kisan Nagar, and will include the redevelopment of old and dilapidated buildings, as well as legal and illegal residential buildings. The first two clusters will be built on 7,753 and 19,275 square meters of land, respectively. “The two clusters in Kisan Nagar where work will start are located on both sides of the pipeline,” said Thane municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar. “We will use the open areas so that there is no transit camp required. The project is expected to benefit 30,000 families. CIDCO has been appointed as the implementing agency, and they have awarded the tender to B G Shirke and company.” The qualifying applicants will receive a free 323-square-foot home as well as the option to relocate from a decaying home to a secure and planned township complex. Each sector will feature amenities such as a library, gymnasium, health center, community center, creche, and senior citizen area. The cluster scheme was created by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor. “The main difference between a cluster project and a slum rehabilitation project is that not only the plot, but the entire layout benefits from the redevelopment,” said Bangar. “There are reservations for a school, hospital and a 40-metre-wide road.” The government has also enlisted the help of the state-owned Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Ltd (Mahapreit), which works on affordable housing projects among other things, to carry out a third cluster. “The formal decision on Mahapreit’s appointment will be announced in a day or two,” said Bangar. “This will mean that actual construction will start on three clusters.” The state also wants private developers to participate in cluster development, therefore a cabinet meeting earlier this week approved a decision to decrease premiums for cluster development projects by half. See also: Maharashtra govt asks SRA to give Rs 300 bn for Dharavi redevelopmentAdani Properties awarded the Dharavi redevelopment project