Mumbai, 21 May: The Dharavi Redevelopment Plan is full of big ideas and infrastructure-related surprises, but one that could prove to be a gamechanger is the introduction of a multi-modal transport hub. Sources familiar with the project say that plans are in motion to turn Dharavi into Mumbai’s first, and possibly only, location with a Metro interchange station linking all existing Metro corridors and much more in the future.
“There is a proposal to build a Dharavi Central Metro Station which could become the key east-west-north-south connector and the main interchange point for commuters using different modes of transport. It’s being planned as a multi-level station, and if it comes through, it will completely change how people move across the city,” a source said.
Dharavi already sits at a unique transit crossroads – with east-west and north- south corridors intersecting, making it an ideal location for a city-level transport interchange. It lies near Metro Line 3, Western and Central Railways, and is within three kilometers of the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail terminal.
The redevelopment plan reportedly places mobility at the heart of its design, using Dharavi’s central location to its advantage. Historically, what has been a traffic bottleneck is set to become a model of efficient, integrated urban transport.
“With the population density expected post-redevelopment, improving public transport here isn’t just important – it’s essential. The proposed extension of Metro Line 11 into Dharavi is expected to elevate the neighbourhood into a transit-oriented development, making public transport more accessible than ever before,” the source added.
The multi-modal hub is being planned at the intersection of Metro Line 11 and key city roads, integrating rail, metro, feeder buses, and even non-motorised transport like cycling and walking routes.
“This won’t just be a Metro station,” the source explained. “It will be a place where people can switch between different kinds of transport smoothly, linking Dharavi with the rest of Mumbai and significantly enhancing last-mile connectivity.”
To support this, feeder bus routes are also being planned, connecting local neighbourhoods with Metro and train stations, so that no commuter is left behind.
“The aim is to bring all of this together – the Metro, the buses, the trains – and make Dharavi a shining example of what inclusive, sustainable, and future- ready transport looks like,” the source concluded.
