by Deepak Sawant 
Mumbai, India – A very important chapter in Mumbai’s housing history is opening now. After many decades of waiting, hundreds of families from the old Worli BDD Chawl have finally stepped into new, modern flats.
For years, these families lived in tiny, crowded rooms with little privacy and basic facilities. Today, they have shifted to spacious 500-square-foot 2BHK flats, all in the same area where they have lived for generations.
Recently, 556 families received the keys to their new homes. The event marks a big step forward in one of Mumbai’s largest redevelopment projects.
From Small Rooms to Modern Flats
Life in the old chawls was very difficult. Each family lived in just 180 square feet, often with several generations sharing the same space. There was no proper ventilation, no privacy, and bathrooms were usually shared by many families.
Now, each family has its own two-bedroom, hall, and kitchen flat (2BHK). These flats are almost three times bigger than their old rooms. Families now have proper kitchens, separate bedrooms for children, and private bathrooms.
Many flats are on higher floors, offering stunning views of the city. Some even have a clear view of the Arabian Sea and Mumbai’s new Coastal Road project.
One resident, standing proudly on the balcony of her new 33rd-floor home, shared her feelings:
“All my life, I have lived in a small, dark room. I never thought I would have a sea-facing house in Worli. This is like a dream come true for me and my family.”
The ₹17,000 Crore Redevelopment Plan
This transformation is part of a massive ₹17,000 crore government project to shift over 15,000 families from old, crumbling chawls into safe, modern high-rise buildings.
Two towers of 40 floors each are already complete. Several more towers are still under construction, and work is continuing day and night.
These new buildings are not just ordinary apartments. They have been designed with modern technology and focus on sustainable living. Facilities include:
- Rainwater harvesting systems to save water during monsoons
- Rooftop solar panels to generate clean energy
- Automatic lighting sensors in common areas to reduce electricity wastage
- Dedicated parking spaces, a facility chawl residents never had before
- Lifts and staircases that meet modern safety standards
For many residents, having these amenities is like entering a new world.
Generations of Waiting
The families of Worli’s BDD chawls have been waiting for decades to see this day. Many older residents spent their whole lives in the old buildings, hoping for a better home.
A woman whose family has lived in Worli for three generations said:
“My grandfather used to talk about these plans. My parents waited their whole life. Finally, we are the ones who got to see it happen. It’s a very emotional moment for all of us.”
Families were first moved into temporary housing while the new towers were being built. They could watch the construction day by day, which gave them confidence that the project was real and would not stop halfway.
Those Still Waiting
While the first 556 families have shifted, thousands more are still waiting for their turn. Many are still living in the old chawls, surrounded by construction activity, dust, and noise.
Life is difficult for them right now. There are health issues like mosquitoes and breathing problems due to the dust. But despite these hardships, most families say they are hopeful after seeing others move into new homes.
A resident who is still in an old chawl said:
“Yes, there are problems, but when we see our neighbors finally getting their flats, we feel happy. It gives us hope that soon it will be our turn too.”
The government has promised that every family will be shifted in a phased manner as new towers are completed.
History of the BDD Chawls
The BDD, or Bombay Development Department, built these chawls over 100 years ago, during the British colonial period. They were originally meant to house workers from Mumbai’s booming textile mills and other industries.
In those days, the chawls were seen as good housing because they were close to workplaces and affordable for low-income families. Over time, however, the buildings became overcrowded and fell into poor condition.
Each room was protected under the Tenancy Act, which meant families had legal rights to stay but could not easily sell or upgrade their property. This made redevelopment complicated and delayed progress for many years.
Property Values in Worli Skyrocket
Worli is one of Mumbai’s most prime locations, known for its luxury towers, sea views, and easy access to major business districts.
Before redevelopment, an old chawl room in this area would sell for ₹45 to ₹50 lakh. Now, with new modern flats replacing them, property prices have increased dramatically.
Currently, luxury flats in Worli sell for ₹60,000 to ₹1.25 lakh per square foot. The redeveloped BDD flats, while not at luxury rates, are expected to be valued at ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per square foot, which means each flat could be worth around ₹2 crore.
For many middle-class families, this is life-changing. They are not only moving into modern homes but also becoming owners of valuable property.
Tata Housing Leads the Project
The redevelopment is being carried out by Tata Housing, a trusted name in India’s real estate sector. Tata Housing has added several modern features to ensure that these flats meet international standards.
Key features include:
- Green spaces and landscaped gardens for families to relax and for children to play
- Secure entry points with CCTV cameras for safety
- Bright, airy flats designed to get natural light and fresh air
- Modern lifts and safety features for high-rise living
According to Tata Housing officials, the goal is not just to build apartments but to create a better lifestyle for families who have been living in difficult conditions for decades.
More Than Just a House
For the residents, this move is about much more than new walls and floors. It represents dignity, privacy, and a better future for their children.
In the old chawls, children had no proper space to study. Families had no privacy, and sanitation was a constant problem. With the new flats, many of these challenges are finally being solved.
A young mother who just moved in said with tears in her eyes:
“My children now have their own room to study and play. This is something I never had when I was growing up. Our lives have completely changed.”
Challenges Ahead
Even with this progress, many challenges remain. Moving over 15,000 families is a huge task. It will take several more years to complete the project fully.
Urban development experts are watching closely because this project could serve as a model for other areas of Mumbai where old chawls still exist, such as Parel, Byculla, and Lalbaug.
If successful, similar redevelopment projects could improve the lives of thousands more families across the city.
Boosting Mumbai’s Economy
The redevelopment is also bringing economic benefits to Mumbai.
- It has created jobs for thousands of construction workers, engineers, and suppliers.
- It is increasing property tax revenue for the city as property values rise.
- It is attracting investors, both Indian and international, to Mumbai’s real estate market.
- Most importantly, it is addressing the city’s housing crisis, especially for middle-income families.
Experts believe that projects like this are essential for Mumbai, where land is limited, and demand for housing is constantly growing.
Symbol of Mumbai’s Growth
The transformation of the Worli BDD chawls is more than just a construction project. It reflects Mumbai’s spirit – a city that is always changing, always moving forward.
From colonial-era chawls to modern high-rise towers, the journey of these families represents the progress of the entire city.
Standing on her balcony, looking at the Arabian Sea, one resident summed it up beautifully:
“For years, we only dreamed of this view. Today, it is ours.”
For the people of Worli, and for Mumbai as a whole, this project is a reminder that even the longest wait can end in hope and new beginnings.
Looking Ahead
As more families move into their new homes, the project will continue to shape the future of Mumbai’s housing. It shows how redevelopment can bring not just better living spaces but also stronger communities and a more sustainable city.
While there is still a long road ahead, the success of this first phase gives confidence that change is possible – and that Mumbai’s housing story is entering a bright new chapter.
Hello,
We are the official real estate consultants for the Aditya Birla Group and other renowned companies. For the past 25 years, we have been active in the Mumbai real estate market, specializing in the sale and rental of residential and commercial properties in the Worli area.
Currently, we have many clients who are interested in BDD Chawl flats. If you are considering renting out your flat, please get in touch with us – we can help you secure a rent of up to ₹90,000.
If you are looking to rent out or sell your property, do reach out to us without hesitation.
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