Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Dharavi Redevelopment Uses Technology to Build Resident Trust
Dharavi is being redeveloped with new homes, roads, open spaces and services.
Before moving, residents will be able to visit a centre showing what the new neighbourhood may look like.
They will see a full-sized model of the planned 350-square-foot homes.
They can also take a digital tour of the future area.
An AI helper called Dharavi Didi will answer questions at any time.
It can communicate in Marathi, Hindi and English.
Technology is also being used to create a digital copy of Dharavi for planning.
Officials say many structures and households have already been recorded.
The project includes financial and moving support for families during the transition.
A new Dharavi Experience Centre will let residents explore sample homes and a digital walkthrough of the planned redevelopment.
The centre’s first phase will include a full-scale model of the proposed 350-square-foot homes and displays on Dharavi’s history and community life.
An AI assistant called “Dharavi Didi” answers questions about surveys, eligibility, documents, benefits and timelines in Marathi, Hindi and English.
A digital twin built using drone surveys, LiDAR, GIS and household surveys is mapping existing structures and planning infrastructure.
Officials say more than 99,000 structures have been numbered, nearly 93,000 households documented and over 53,000 letters of intent issued.
- Who
- Dharavi residents, the Dharavi Redevelopment Authority/Slum Rehabilitation Authority, and Adani Navbharat Developers are involved; Knight Frank also commented on the project.
- What
- A large Dharavi redevelopment project is using an experience centre, an AI assistant and a digital twin to inform residents and plan construction.
- When
- The experience centre is expected to open shortly; surveys, documentation and redevelopment preparations are already underway.
- Where
- Dharavi, Mumbai, across a redevelopment area of 621 acres.
- Why
- The technology is intended to reduce misinformation, explain rehabilitation benefits and secure residents’ participation in the redevelopment.
- Redevelopment area
- 621 acres
- Proposed home size
- 350 square feet
- Structures numbered
- More than 99,000
- Households documented
- Nearly 93,000
- Letters of intent issued
- More than 53,000 tenements
- Long-term plan
- Nearly 160,000 rehabilitation and renewal tenements
- Transition support
- One year’s rent in advance, shifting assistance and brokerage support