Dharavi Redevelopment to Get 3.3-km Mithi River Promenade, New Parks and Cycling Tracks
MUMBAI | August 5, 2026: The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is set to offer more than just new homes. Under the proposed master plan, residents could soon get access to a 3.3-kilometre public promenade along the Mithi River, featuring landscaped walkways, cycling tracks, gardens and recreational spaces. The initiative aims to transform one of Mumbai's most densely populated areas into a greener and more livable urban neighbourhood.
The riverfront development will become a key part of the broader redevelopment project, combining housing, public infrastructure and environmental restoration.
A new riverfront for Dharavi residents
According to the proposed master plan, the Mithi River promenade will include:
- Landscaped pedestrian walkways.
- Dedicated cycling tracks.
- Public gardens and green spaces.
- Seating areas.
- Open recreational zones.
The project is designed to provide residents with accessible public spaces while improving the overall environment along the river corridor.
Redevelopment goes beyond housing
While the primary objective remains the rehabilitation and redevelopment of Dharavi, the master plan also focuses on improving the quality of urban life.
The overall project proposes:
- Modern residential buildings.
- Better road connectivity.
- Upgraded civic infrastructure.
- Commercial and business spaces.
- Community facilities.
- Public open spaces.
Urban planners believe integrating housing with parks, transport and social infrastructure will create a more balanced and sustainable neighbourhood.
Nearly 40,000 trees to be preserved
One of the major environmental highlights of the proposal is the preservation of nearly 40,000 existing trees across the redevelopment area.
In addition to protecting existing green cover, authorities also plan to introduce new landscaping and open spaces that could help:
- Improve biodiversity.
- Reduce the urban heat effect.
- Enhance air quality.
- Create healthier public spaces for residents.
Mithi River restoration also gets a boost
The Mithi River has long struggled with pollution, encroachments and flooding.
Although the redevelopment project is primarily focused on urban renewal, the planned riverfront is expected to complement ongoing environmental improvement efforts by creating a managed and accessible waterfront while supporting ecological restoration.
Why this matters for Mumbai
For decades, Dharavi residents have lived with limited access to parks, playgrounds and open public spaces.
If implemented as proposed, the river promenade could become one of the biggest public infrastructure upgrades within the redevelopment project, offering residents safer walking areas, cycling facilities and recreational spaces while increasing the overall livability of the neighbourhood.
The project also reflects a growing trend in urban planning where large housing redevelopment projects are being combined with environmental conservation and community-focused public infrastructure.
What happens next?
The Mithi River promenade remains part of the proposed master plan for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. As the redevelopment progresses, authorities are expected to implement the riverfront and associated public infrastructure alongside housing and civic development works.