Led by CEO Dr Mahendra Kalyankar, the Authority gains support from CREDAI-MCHI, NAREDCO and BDA for its structured, transparent and time-bound approach to tackling bottlenecks in urban redevelopment
With over half of Mumbai’s population living in slums or unstructured housing, the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has taken a decisive step forward in revamping its processes to accelerate slum redevelopment projects. Led by CEO Dr Mahendra Kalyankar, SRA is leveraging technology to improve transparency, reduce approval delays, and enhance confidence among developers and citizens alike.
As part of a recent interaction with real estate and infrastructure associations CREDAI-MCHI, NAREDCO, BDA, and PEATA Dr Kalyankar extended an invitation to visit the SRA office to present the latest digital initiatives and streamline long-pending challenges in slum rehabilitation.
What began as a request from developers for Ease of Doing Business turned into a session of shared optimism, with SRA’s presentation showcasing wide-ranging reforms already underway. These include the use of a STQC-certified website in over 25 languages, modular access systems for officers and stakeholders, and blockchain integration to securely store file approvals. Chatbots, auto-DCR systems, and real-time mapping are among the tools now being used to promote efficiency and reduce human error.
Dr Kalyankar has also set a bold internal target to digitally map every slum structure in Mumbai by the end of this year, creating a real-time inventory that will guide future project planning.
A notable development is the automation of Annexure-2s, the critical document listing legitimate slum dwellers eligible for rehabilitation. The new system enables instant generation using data drawn from Aadhar, electoral rolls, electricity bills, and PAN details a process that previously took several months. This automation, coupled with Aadhar linkage for verification, ensures one-flat-per-household eligibility and removes duplication across projects.
Industry leaders attending the session expressed strong support for SRA’s structured and tech-led vision.
Sukhraj Nahar, President of CREDAI-MCHI, shared that although his company had never entered the slum rehab space due to concerns over feasibility and red tape, the presentation changed his view. The integration of technology and the proactive mindset of the Authority has created the right environment for private players to consider these projects, he said, adding that CREDAI would conduct a workshop to encourage participation from its members.
Rajan Bandelkar, Vice Chairman of NAREDCO, praised the SRA’s transparency and determination: The reforms are restoring developers’ faith in the system. We are witnessing a governance model that’s accountable and ready to deliver on its promise of a slum-free Mumbai.
Abhay Chandak, Vice President, NAREDCO Maharashtra, cited successful examples such as the eviction of nearly 1,000 structures in a Worli project within weeks, as evidence of how newly defined SOPs and implementation of Sections 33 and 38 of the Slum Act are making tangible impact.
Vikram Mehta, President of the BDA, emphasized that redevelopment must go hand-in-hand with prevention. He noted the creation of a dedicated encroachment tracking cell using satellite data to monitor and flag illegal construction a step that reinforces the dual goals of slum clearance and containment.
Throughout the session, SRA’s leadership reiterated its mission to create a transparent, efficient and humane redevelopment ecosystem. The Authority acknowledged past criticisms, including judicial rebukes over delayed implementation, but stressed that this version of SRA powered by digitisation and collaborative intent is built to overcome historical inefficiencies.
As urban Mumbai continues to evolve, the SRA’s 2.0 avatar may well be the turning point in realising the long-standing goal of equitable rehabilitation not just in policy, but in delivery.
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