Centre Clears Relocation of Dahisar Airport Radar, Paving Way for Major Urban Redevelopment

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has formally approved the relocation of the high-frequency radar station situated at Dahisar in Mumbai, bringing closure to a long-running issue that has constrained urban development in the city’s northern suburbs. The radar, operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), has for years imposed strict height and construction restrictions across Dahisar and surrounding areas, leaving thousands of residents stuck in ageing buildings and halting large-scale redevelopment projects.

With the Centre’s clearance, the radar will now be shifted to Gorai, a comparatively less dense location, marking a significant policy intervention aimed at balancing aviation safety with urban growth.

Just a day before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has officially agreed to relocate its high-frequency radar from Dahisar to Gorai. | X @AAI_Official & File Pic | Free Press Journal

Official Approval and the Role of the State Government

The decision was communicated through official correspondence from the Civil Aviation Ministry to the Maharashtra government, confirming that the AAI has agreed to the relocation plan. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the development public, stating that the state government will provide around 20 acres of land at Gorai free of cost to facilitate the shift. The state has also committed to bearing the expenses related to relocation and supporting infrastructure, addressing one of the key reasons the project remained delayed for several years.

This coordination between the Centre and the state government has been presented as a decisive step towards unlocking stalled urban potential in north Mumbai.

Why the Radar Shift Matters for Dahisar

The presence of the radar station at Dahisar resulted in stringent aviation-related height curbs over a wide radius. These restrictions made redevelopment projects financially unviable and technically complex, despite the pressing need for safer housing and modern infrastructure. As a result, redevelopment proposals worth several thousand crore rupees remained frozen, directly affecting thousands of families living in dilapidated buildings.

With the radar’s relocation, these restrictions are expected to be eased, opening the door for long-awaited redevelopment, improved housing stock, and better civic amenities in Dahisar, Borivali, and nearby localities.

Land Use Plans After Relocation

According to the current plan, the Dahisar land, which spans approximately 64 acres and remains under AAI ownership, will be partially repurposed for public use. Around 29 acres are proposed to be developed as a public garden, while the remaining land may be utilised for redevelopment in line with applicable regulations and urban planning norms. Authorities believe this balanced approach will help meet both environmental and housing needs in a densely populated part of the city.

Political Debate Around the Announcement

The radar relocation also became a point of political contention after opposition leaders questioned earlier claims about the move, dismissing them as unverified assurances and demanding formal approvals. The Centre’s written confirmation has now directly addressed these claims, placing the decision on official record and reducing ambiguity around the project’s status.

The timing of the announcement has also drawn attention, as Mumbai approaches crucial civic elections, with urban redevelopment and housing emerging as key public concerns.

Broader Implications for Mumbai’s Urban Planning

Urban planners and real estate experts see the Dahisar radar relocation as a potential template for resolving similar infrastructure-related bottlenecks elsewhere in Mumbai. Discussions are already underway regarding the future relocation of another radar installation near Juhu’s DN Nagar, which has also limited redevelopment in its vicinity.

If implemented smoothly, these moves could collectively free up significant land, accelerate housing projects, and improve living conditions in some of Mumbai’s most congested areas.

The MGMM Outlook

The Centre’s clearance to relocate the Dahisar airport radar removes one of the most persistent structural barriers to redevelopment in north Mumbai. For years, aviation-related height restrictions tied to this radar stalled renewal projects across Dahisar and surrounding areas, forcing thousands of residents to remain in unsafe, ageing buildings despite an urgent need for modern housing and infrastructure. The decision to shift the radar to Gorai reflects a pragmatic approach where aviation safety is maintained while recognising the realities of urban density and growth. The coordinated effort between the Centre and the Maharashtra government, including land allocation and cost-sharing, highlights a long-overdue alignment between infrastructure policy and civic needs.

Beyond Dahisar, the move carries wider implications for Mumbai’s urban planning framework. Unlocking redevelopment potential in congested suburbs can ease housing pressure, improve living conditions, and make better use of scarce urban land, including through planned public spaces. The official confirmation also settles political disputes that had clouded the issue, bringing clarity and certainty to residents and developers alike. If executed efficiently, the radar relocation can serve as a precedent for resolving similar bottlenecks elsewhere in the city, signalling a shift toward more responsive and people-centric urban governance.

(Sources: OpIndia, Times of India, Free Press Journal)