In 1989, renowned geographer David Harvey described the shift in urban governance from managerialism to entrepreneurialism: cities became tools for economic development, aligning spatial actions with economic goals. Over 35 years later, this analysis remains relevant, particularly in the context of Dharavi. As a globally famous homegrown settlement, Dharavi is now at the center of a massive redevelopment project that seeks to transform it into a ‘world-class’ neighborhood. But is this vision of a ‘world-class city’ the right path forward, or could Dharavi offer an alternative model for urban development — a ‘world-grown city’?

Global aspirations and future urban development of a homegrown neighborhood.

In 2022, Adani’s conglomerate was awarded the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), involving an investment of over Rs 5,000 crore (just under $600 million), with the goal of transforming Dharavi into a modern, upscale neighborhood. By the end of 2024, the DRP was renamed Navbharat Mega Developers — ‘Nava Bharat’ means ‘New India’ — reflecting the project’s broader ambitions.

Dharavi has been the focus of various redevelopment plans over the past century, with the first ‘Dharavi Development Scheme’ dating back to 1920, inspired by London’s hygienism. As an urban megaproject with global aspirations, the DRP aims to create infrastructure that positions Dharavi, and Mumbai, as a symbol of modernity and globalization. Such projects often seek to rebrand areas like Dharavi by adopting urban models from cities, like Dubai or Shanghai, with the goal of integrating Mumbai into the global economy and enhancing its reputation as a world-class city.

Framed as an urban policy, the DRP is based on political arguments — like Dharavi’s location in the middle of Mumbai and how the space could be used in a more ‘efficient’ way, or the fact that this project primarily exists to improve Dharavi’s residents’ living conditions — depicting a precise vision of what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ regarding urban development. This top-down, linear perception of what development should be, is formed through ‘modern urban aesthetics’ (spaced-apart buildings with an architectural mix of steel, concrete and glass), the presence of global companies and upper and middle-class workers, and spaces for leisure and hedonistic consumption. 

© Noah Kohlmann. (2025). Dharavi as a world-class city, with condominium towers and green areas. Image generated by FLUX 1.1 [pro] Ultra

The transformation of Dharavi’s spatial representations, with ‘world-class’ aspirations, is also intended to attract new investments and business opportunities in Mumbai, India’s largest city and a key player in the world’s fastest-growing economy. The ‘world-class’ aesthetic and infrastructure are understood to project desirable individual experiences, such as leisure and consumption, aligned with the speculative goals of urban development. As a public-private partnership, the DRP is not a philanthropic endeavor; it is expected to generate revenue for both Adani’s group and the government (they wouldn’t have invested several millions otherwise), aligning with a specific vision of economic growth through spatial transformation. However, the current residents of Dharavi are unlikely to afford living in the redeveloped neighborhood, even if they retain ownership of their apartments. Instead, the project appears to target a different socioeconomic class to inhabit the area.

Costs of modernity: erasing Dharavi’s identity and its homegrown economy

To implement the DRP, developers propose a ‘human-centered approach’ that involves starting from scratch: essentially erasing Dharavi from the map. This process is not just physical but also symbolic. For instance, the portrayal of Dharavi in Slumdog Millionaire has created a specific and, according to residents, inaccurate image of the neighborhood. This is a representation that doesn’t align with politicians’ vision of what Mumbai should look like. Therefore, Dharavi must cease to exist so a postcard can emerge as a representation of a ‘New India’ (the same one as in the project’s title). The goal is not just to transform Dharavi but to enhance India’s global image. By finally executing a project like the DRP, Dharavi is expected to become a benchmark for similar initiatives and contribute to the broader ambition of making Mumbai ‘slum-free.’ The ‘New India’ and its global reputation are, at least partially, based on the success of this project.

However, erasing Dharavi also means deleting what has made this place, its community and identity. From the project’s name (‘Dharavi’ was replaced by ‘New India’) to the expected new neighborhood’s toponym (‘Lower BKC’, BKC being Mumbai’s financial hub), Dharavi and its representations must be replaced by the so-called ‘world-class’ imaginary of what a global city must be. Homes, livelihoods and identities are being sacrificed for a vision of modernity that excludes the very people who support Mumbai. As an immensely violent process, ‘making Mumbai slum-free’ means exclusion, rising inequalities, psychological issues and so-on. 

Finally, Dharavi itself produces a GDP of over $1 billion and is home to 3,000 small and medium-scale businesses. Industries like leather finished goods, textiles, and plastic recycling export goods to global markets, including Dubai, London, and the United States. Within its 600 acres (2.5 km²), Dharavi embodies globalization—not through skyscrapers or luxury malls, but through its organic, community-driven economy. 

This global connectivity challenges the assumption that Dharavi needs to be ‘redeveloped’ to achieve international relevance. Dharavi is already integrated to globalization, albeit one that operates outside the mainstream frameworks of Wall Street and Davos. Its success lies in its ability to balance local needs with global economic integration, a model that could inspire alternative approaches to urban development.

‘World-grown’ city: an alternative vision

The notion ‘world-grown city’ (cited in the title of this article) could reflect Dharavi's dual identity: a homegrown neighborhood deeply integrated into global economic activities. This statement stands as a counterpoint of the ‘world-class city’ which prioritizes external recognition and wealth. ‘World-grown’ could emphasize organic, community-driven development, that embodies globalization with its thriving industries and exports but through an economy that prioritizes local needs over superficial modernity. 

© Noah Kohlmann. (2025). Streets of Dharavi.

Success would simply need to be measured differently, not by reaching the top of global rankings or having the highest tower, but by measuring the quality of life of its residents. It could also include a thriving economy and global exports of industries, but it would be judged on the impact of such endeavors rather than the financial benefits. It would embrace progress without sacrificing the unique character and cohesion of homegrown settlements.

This article does not aim to provide concrete solutions for the DRP but instead to propose an alternative perspective and critic of the DRP and its mainstream vision of what is considered ‘good’ in urban development. Dharavi’s identity as a homegrown neighborhood has been shaped over decades, creating a community-driven economy that supports thousands of people and contributes to Mumbai’s growth. ‘Modernity’ and homegrown settlements are not mutually exclusive; they can coexist and even complement each other to achieve sustainable, equitable development. 

Dharavi’s story is not just about one neighborhood; it is about the future of urban development in a globalized world. The challenge lies in reimagining urban development in a way that respects the identities, aspirations, and needs of local communities. Dharavi does not need to be erased to become a global city. Instead, it could serve as a model for a new kind of urbanism—one that values people over profit, sustainability over spectacle, and community over commodification. 

Relevant references:

Harvey, D. (1989). From managerialism to entrepreneurialism: the transformation in urban governance in late capitalism. Geografiska Annaler: series B, human geography, 71(1), 3-17.

Ong, A. (2011) Introduction: worlding cities, or the art of being global. In: Roy, A. & Ong, A. (eds) Worlding cities: Asian experiments and the art of being global. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, 1–26.

Pinto, J. (11.12.2022). Dharavi Koliwada: Where people are pushed to the edge. Hindustan Times.