Mumbai’s slum cover: Areas such as Mankhurd-Deonar, Dahisar and Malad have seen large-scale encroachments, according to new findings by the SRA

Slums now occupy nearly 24% of Mumbai’s land and house more than half of its population, according to findings by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).

The survey also found that approximately 58 hectares of collector or government land had been encroached upon over the past 14 years. Officials noted that the total encroached area across land owned by other authorities could be significantly higher, as reported by the Hindustan Times newspaper.

To map the extent of encroachments, the SRA used satellite imagery and GIS, comparing images from 2000 with GIS data from 2011 and 2025.

The data has been shared with the Mumbai city and suburban collectorates. Additionally, the data will also be shared with the Mumbai Civic Body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other land-owning authorities, including private landlords and central government establishments, the report said.

Affected areas in the Mumbai real estate market

The SRA findings reveal that more than 8,000 square metres of mangroves behind the World Trade Centre at Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai were encroached upon between 2011 and 2025. In Mankhurd-Deonar, a nullah has been almost entirely taken over, with slum structures covering over 18,800 sqm.

Ganpat Nagar in Eksar has seen encroachments exceeding 22,000 sqm since 2011, while large patches in Malvani have also been occupied, according to the SRA findings.

The SRA findings reveal that areas covering patches such as Masjid Bunder, Dongri, and Bhendi Bazaar in south Mumbai have recorded the lowest percentage of slum encroachments since 2011, while suburban pockets such as Kurla, Deonar, Malvani, and Dahisar have seen a much higher rise.

Mumbai’s population and land size

According to data released by Knight Frank India in September 2025, Mumbai’s population is 13.4 million, and the city’s land area is 437 sq km, with a density of 30,600 per sq km.

All about the Slum Rehabilitation Authority

The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) is a government body responsible for implementing slum redevelopment projects in Maharashtra. Established in 1995, it enables private developers to provide free housing to slum dwellers while allowing them to build and sell additional apartments on the same land to recover project costs. Instead of rehabilitating slum dwellers, developers obtain additional construction rights, enabling them to build more flats to sell in the open market.

What are slums, and are they legal?

Slums in Mumbai are densely populated informal settlements where residents often lack secure housing tenure and basic services like sanitation, water, and drainage. They house a significant portion of the city’s population, providing affordable living close to jobs, and remain central to urban planning and redevelopment efforts.

According to SRA rules, slums that arose before January 1, 2000, are eligible for free rehabilitation housing under the SRA scheme. However, slums built between January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2011, are protected from eviction but are eligible for rehabilitation on a construction cost payment basis, and slums that have come up after the 2011 cutoff are considered illegal and liable for action.

Mumbai is a thriving city with a population of more than 20 million people. With so many areas to select from, it can be difficult to choose the right spot to live. However, if you’re searching for a dynamic and thriving neighborhood to reside in, Andheri is an excellent alternative. So, here are some reasons why Andheri is the best place to reside in Mumbai. Before you dive into the Andheri property market.

Convenient Location

Andheri is centrally located in Mumbai, with easy access to the rest of the city. Multiple finest residential complexes in Andheri offer simple access to the entire city. It is connected to the rest of the city by major railway stations at Andheri and Jogeshwari. Andheri is a Mumbai Metro station, making it easy to commute to other parts of the city quickly. It is also convenient for frequent travelers because it is near the airport.Long-Distance Bus and Rail

Food & Entertainment

Andheri is home to several of Mumbai’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars. This area has a wide range of restaurants, from quick food to luxury. Individuals looking to enjoy Andheri’s vibrant nightlife have a variety of options. The region has a huge number of theaters and multiplexes, including PVR Cinemas, one of Mumbai’s largest.

Education & Healthcare

Andheri is home to some of Mumbai’s most prestigious universities and colleges, including Bombay Cambridge International School, Hasanat High School, and Canossa High School. Furthermore, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Criti Care Multi Speciality Hospital & Research Centre, two of the city’s best medical institutions, are located in the area.Geographic Reference

Easy access to shopping centers.

Andheri is a shopper’s paradise, with malls, street markets, and boutiques to choose from. Infiniti Mall and Fun Republic are two of the area’s busiest recreation venues. Andheri has a thriving street shopping culture, including areas such as Juhu Market, noted for its antiques, and Lokhandwala Market, recognized for its fashion.

Cosmopolitan Culture

Andheri is a cultural melting pot with residents from throughout the country and around the world. Because of its worldwide culture, Andheri is a vibrant and diverse place to live. Furthermore, the region hosts a number of cultural events and festivals, making it an ideal site for experiencing different cultures. The location has excellent road and rail access and is close to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the Western Expressway. Real estate

Commits to Better Returns on Property

Because of its low home costs, Andheri attracts middle- and upper-middle-class residents. Aside from that, the region’s development promises higher real estate returns and rental rates.

To summarize, Andheri is without a doubt one of the top housing sectors in Mumbai for long-term investment. Its convenient location, delicious food, a variety of entertainment opportunities, high-quality education and healthcare facilities, and global culture make it an excellent choice for people seeking a vibrant and fascinating place to call home.

Kolkata Metro Line 1 was the country’s first wholly indigenous project, opening in 1984. The establishment of Line 1 was a historic event of great significance. It was created via a trial-and-error technique, with continuous learning and modifications. Let’s take a look at how this line affected the city’s transit system and real estate market.

The Blue Line, also known as the North-South Metro of the Kolkata Metro Railways, is the country’s oldest operating metro line. It was the first line constructed by the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC). This line was also the first in India to use an automated system for ticket sales and verification. Another notable accomplishment is that this route was India’s first underground railway. This line currently has a daily ridership of approximately 600,000 during the week and 380,000 on weekends.

Stations and interchanges on the Kolkata Metro Blue Line

The Blue Line has 26 stops and stretches 32.25 kilometers. The Blue Line connects seamlessly with other metro routes, offering unprecedented convenience. There are 26 operational stations along the 32-kilometer route between Dakshinwar and Kavi Subhash. There are nine elevated stations, two at-grade stations, and fifteen underground ones.

The Blue Line connects to all of the other lines, including Green, Yellow, Orange, Purple, and Pink. It connects Line 3 (Purple Line) at Esplanade with Line 6 (Orange Line) at Kavi Subhash. It will eventually connect Noapara’s Line 4 (Yellow) with Baranagar’s Line 5 (Pink).

Kolkata Metro Blue Line Route Map

Here’s a route map for the Kolkata Metro Blue Line

The timing and cost for the Kolkata Metro Blue Line

The Kolkata Metro begins operations at 6:50 a.m. from Dumdum, and the last train departs at 10:29 p.m. from Kavi Subhash. The Blue Line Metro runs around every four minutes. Kolkata Metro has the lowest starting fare in India, at Rs 5. Here is a price chart for the Kolkata Metro Blue Line based on distance:

Kolkata Metro Blue Line: Key insights and quick facts.

Here are some of the most notable attractions and characteristics of the Kolkata Metro Blue Line.
The manufacturing cost was about Rs 415 crore.

Initially, only four-car trains ran until 1986.
There were no magnetic gates or escalators. Revolving gates served as exits.
Trains ran on a single line.
The 15-kilometer portion between Birpara and Tollygunge took over 23 years to complete.
The last extension of the Kolkata Metro Blue Line took place on February 22, 2021.
Its operational speed is 55 km/h, with a maximum allowable speed of 80 km/h.

Effect on the Real Estate Market

The Kolkata Metro Blue Line has had a considerable impact on real estate, accelerating residential and commercial development. The Kolkata Metro Blue Line has had the following notable affects on the city’s real estate infrastructure:

The demand for homes and businesses has risen around metro stations such as Dum Dum, Belgachia, Shyambazar, Esplanade, and Tollygunge.

Property values along the Blue Line have grown considerably. Buyers pay extra for easy metro access, therefore Sealdah, Tangra, and Entally are more expensive than communities without it.

Rental rates for homes and offices have risen. Professionals, students, and businesses gravitate toward metro-connected communities, increasing demand for rentals.

Metro connectivity has converted districts such as Esplanade, Park Street, and Tollygunge into business centers.

To summary, the Kolkata Metro Blue Line has significantly improved city transit and traffic flow since 1984. It has fueled the real estate bubble, boosting demand, property values, and rental rates near metro stations. Business districts have expanded, and infrastructure has improved in the surrounding communities. With its smooth connections to other metro corridors, the Blue Line is important to Kolkata’s prosperity and mobility.