Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has stated that the Maharashtra government is open to considering a higher “potential FSI” for buildings in Mumbai’s airport funnel zone, acknowledging the redevelopment challenges in these areas due to strict height restrictions. 

The buildings impacted are primarily located in Vile Parle, Santacruz, and Kurla. Deputy CM Shinde, who also handles the Urban Development and Housing portfolio noted that the state’s funnel zone policy is, for the first time, offering transfer of development rights (TDR) for redevelopment projects, rather than for land acquisition. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai raised the issue in the Assembly, pointing out that suburban FSI was as high as 2.7, and the limited TDR available left little scope for redevelopment.

The Airports Authority of India’s high-frequency towers in Andheri will likely be relocated within six to eight months, easing redevelopment.  An area in Gorai has been designated for setting up transmission towers currently located in Dahisar, while a site in Madh has been identified for relocating the towers from Juhu.