BDD Redevelopment: First 556 Homes Handed Over To Residents, Marking New Chapter In Mumbai’s Housing Transformation

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar Lead Historic Key Handover Ceremony At Worli

Mumbai witnessed a landmark moment in its housing history as 556 families of the iconic BDD chawls received keys to their newly built rehabilitation flats under the long-delayed BDD Redevelopment Project. The ceremony, held at Yashwant Natya Mandir, Matunga, was led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

Chief Minister Fadnavis described the event as “the beginning of the realization of Mumbai’s dream homes”, adding that after decades of delay, the government had decided to execute the project directly through MHADA, ensuring modern amenities such as solar power, rainwater harvesting, and scientific waste management. He stressed that these homes were not just structures but “golden investments for future generations”, urging beneficiaries not to sell them.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde called the redevelopment “a new benchmark in quality and sustainable housing”, highlighting the use of high-grade materials, modern designs, and resident-focused planning to ensure durability of over 100 years. He emphasized that ownership rights should also prioritize women, reinforcing empowerment.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar termed the key distribution “an emotional moment”, pointing out the transition from 160 sq. ft. cramped chawl rooms to 500 sq. ft. modern flats. He underscored the chawls’ historical role in shaping Maharashtra’s social, cultural, and political movements, likening them to “Mini India.” He assured that adequate funding will continue for Mumbai’s redevelopment projects, including Dharavi, which is being planned as a “new city” with 10 lakh residents rehoused and industrial revival.

The event was attended by Ministers Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Ashish Shelar, Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, MPs Milind Deora, MLAs Sunil Shinde, Sachin Ahir, Kalidas Kolambkar, and senior MHADA officials. Families beamed with joy as keys and sweets were handed over symbolically to 16 residents on stage.

Prior to the distribution, CM Fadnavis and both Deputy CMs inaugurated and inspected the two newly completed towers in Worli, climbing up to the 40th floor to review construction quality.

With this milestone, the government has taken a major step toward fulfilling the long-pending dream of rehousing thousands of BDD chawl families, while also signaling progress on Dharavi redevelopment and other urban renewal projects across Mumbai.