Thane: Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are set to witness the construction of 30 lakh homes over the next 15 to 20 years, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on September 23 while launching the Siddheshwar Nagar-Ramabai Nagar cluster redevelopment project in Thane.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Thane Municipal Corporation’s project, Shinde said, “The government is promoting cluster redevelopment in Mumbai, Thane, Mira-Bhayandar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan-Dombivli, Ulhasnagar and other MMR cities to provide better housing and infrastructure.”

He said amendments to the Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) had helped speed up cluster redevelopment and Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects.

Spread across nearly 20 hectares, the Siddheshwar Nagar-Ramabai Nagar project will provide safe and quality housing to around 6,000 families. The development will include 23 civic amenities under the ‘City Within the City’ concept, including wider roads, gardens, playgrounds, healthcare facilities, community halls, digital libraries, women empowerment centres and smart street lighting.

“Cluster redevelopment is not just about constructing houses; it is about creating better homes, facilities, employment opportunities and an improved quality of life,” Shinde said.

Referring to the redevelopment of old and unsafe buildings in Thane, he said the initiative was the outcome of two decades of efforts. He added that the first phase of the Kisan Nagar cluster project was nearing completion and residents would soon receive possession of their new homes.

Shinde also stressed the need for commercial spaces in cluster projects to promote the ‘walk-to-work’ concept and announced plans to redevelop and beautify Siddheshwar Lake. The event was attended by elected representatives and senior civic officials.