The Dharavi Redevelopment Project has announced that beneficiaries will not have to pay maintenance fees for the first 10 years “to ensure a financially viable future for residents”.

Under the “Dharavi Redevelopment Project,” “residents will not face any financial burden. The state government has ensured that the new housing units are provided either free of cost, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), or through a rent-purchase scheme. all designed to provide maximum benefits at the most affordable rates,” a statement said.

Dharavikars will not have to pay any electromechanical maintenance charges for the first 10 years to ensure a smooth transition, the project said, adding, “During this period, the promoter will take full responsibility for the maintenance of the societies. Additionally, the state government has planned to allocate 10% of the built-up area of ​​the rehabilitation component to commercial spaces, thereby creating a revenue-generating model.

It is common for cooperative societies in India to charge specific service fees from the owners and members for the maintenance of the societies. The same is followed even in Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) buildings.

“For Dharavikars, however, maintenance will become almost free for life. The first 10 years come with free maintenance, and revenue from monetizing 10% of the commercial space can cover their long-term maintenance costs. The statutory fund per building will be deposited by the developer with the competent authority,” the officials said.

“This innovative approach ensures that Dharavikars not only benefit from better housing but also enjoy a worry-free lifestyle in planned and sustainable communities,” said a DRP-SRA official.

Residents will benefit from 24/7 water and electricity, private toilets and kitchens, representing a significant improvement from their current conditions. Those who settled before 2000 will receive 350 sq ft houses, 17 per cent larger than those offered in other slum rehabilitation projects, they added.

“The project is designed to improve entire neighborhoods, not just Dharavi. Residents who do not qualify for housing in Dharavi will be resettled on additional plots across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). These new townships will introduce schools, hospitals, shopping centers and other essential amenities, which will also improve the quality of life in the surrounding areas,” said the DRP-SRA official.

The 2022 tender of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project addresses the shortcomings of previous development efforts by focusing on financial and infrastructural sustainability. This tender also makes provisions for residents on upper floors who are not normally considered for slum rehabilitation projects.

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