Thane Cluster Development Scheme: CM Shinde To Launch One Of The Largest Urban Renewal Projects In Greater Mumbai Today

The highly anticipated, Thane cluster development scheme will be inaugurated today (5 June) in the presence of Maharashtra's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) stated that this would be one of the biggest projects in the continent, and it is an ambitious project of Eknath Shinde, reports the Free Press Journal.

After years of existing only on paper, the long-awaited implementation of this plan will at last bring fulfilment to the residents of Thane who have been living in dilapidated and unauthorised buildings for a long time.

As per reports, the project is poised to become one of the largest urban renewal projects in Greater Mumbai, even bigger and more complex than the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) in terms of gross area.

While the DRP is spread over 240 hectares, the Thane cluster development will be implemented on 45 urban renewal plans (URPs) spread across a gross area of 1,500 hectares.

The Initial Phase Of The Redevelopment Project

Chief Minister Shinde is scheduled to inaugurate an office dedicated to cluster development at Kashish Park housing complex, followed by the commencement of construction for the initial two Urban Renewal Clusters — namely Clusters 5 and 6 in Kisan Nagar, which are part of URP 12.

In the first phase of development, the project will be executed in six areas — Kopri in Thane East, Rabodi, Hazuri, Lokmanya Nagar, Tekdi Bungalow area in Panchpakhadi, and Kisan Nagar.

This phase will focus on the comprehensive redevelopment of old and dilapidated buildings, including both authorised and unauthorised residential structures.

The construction for the first two clusters will span across 7,753 square metres and 19,275 square metres, 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.

By utilising open spaces, there will be no need for a transit camp. The project is expected to benefit 30,000 families. The implementation responsibility has been assigned to CIDCO, and they have awarded the project's tender to B G Shirke and Company.

As part of the redevelopment initiative, qualified beneficiaries will be provided with a 323-square-feet residence — offering them an opportunity to move from their deteriorating homes to a secure and well-planned township complex.

Each sector of the complex will incorporate various amenities such as a library, gymnasium, health centre, community centre, creche, and dedicated space for senior citizens. The cluster scheme has been designed by architect Hafeez Contractor.

According to Bangar, 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.

The government has also roped in the state-owned Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Ltd, which, among other things, also undertakes affordable housing projects, to execute a third cluster.