BMC Elections 2025 Highlight Mumbai’s Persistent Housing Crisis

Mumbai, India: Affordable housing has emerged as the most pressing issue in the 2025 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, as Mumbai’s ever-growing population continues to grapple with skyrocketing real estate prices and inadequate housing facilities. Representing one of the wealthiest municipal bodies globally, with an annual budget exceeding ₹45,000 crore, the BMC faces increasing pressure to deliver tangible solutions to the city’s housing crisis.

According to a report by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), nearly 50% of Mumbai’s population lives in slums, highlighting the glaring disparities between luxury high-rises and informal settlements.

Key Challenges in Housing

1. Slum Rehabilitation

• Areas like Dharavi, Govandi, and Mankhurd are plagued by overcrowding and poor sanitation. Despite the ambitious Dharavi Redevelopment Project, progress has been slow, leaving residents uncertain about their futures.

2. Escalating Real Estate Prices

• With Mumbai ranked as one of the most expensive cities in India, owning a home remains out of reach for many middle-class families. Reports suggest that the average cost of housing in Mumbai has increased by 12% since 2023.

3. Limited Affordable Housing Projects

• Government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) have only met 35% of their targets in Mumbai, with delays in project approvals and land acquisition slowing progress.

Political Promises on Housing

Shiv Sena (UBT)

• The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction is emphasizing slum rehabilitation and promising faster implementation of affordable housing projects under state schemes.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

• The BJP has proposed the construction of 100,000 low-cost housing units by 2027, leveraging private partnerships and central government funding.

Congress and NCP

• These parties are advocating for transparent housing policies and tenant-friendly redevelopment laws to ensure fair compensation and relocation for slum dwellers.

Voter Sentiment

A recent survey by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) found that 68% of Mumbai voters consider affordable housing their top concern, surpassing issues like public transport and environmental sustainability. The younger demographic, particularly first-time voters, is demanding long-term policies that address both affordability and infrastructure.

The Path Forward

As political parties vie for control of the BMC, voters are becoming increasingly critical of unfulfilled promises from previous campaigns. The housing issue encapsulates a larger debate about Mumbai’s identity—whether it can truly evolve into an inclusive metropolis that caters to all its residents.

While manifestos outline ambitious plans, the real test will be in execution, making the 2025 elections a defining moment for the city’s housing future.