In a potential boost for high-rise construction and the structural steel sector, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that the state is actively considering raising the Floor Space Index (FSI) in Mumbai’s airport funnel zones. These include densely populated areas like Vile Parle, Santacruz, and Kurla, where construction height is currently limited due to air traffic and flight path safety regulations.
Speaking in the state Assembly, Shinde confirmed that local MLAs have submitted proposals requesting enhanced FSI or Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) models for these zones. The government is reviewing these suggestions in consultation with the Urban Development and Civil Aviation departments to find a workable solution that maintains safety while enabling redevelopment.
Currently, residents and builders in these zones face restrictions that limit the number of floors that can be built, often resulting in under-utilized plots in high-demand areas. Increasing the FSI would allow for taller buildings and denser redevelopment, unlocking vertical space for both residential and commercial projects. This shift is expected to significantly increase the demand for structural steel, which is a key material in the construction of modern high-rise buildings.
Urban planning experts view the proposal as a necessary step to address Mumbai’s housing shortage and aging infrastructure, particularly in prime suburbs that are overdue for redevelopment. If implemented, the revised FSI policy could lead to a surge in construction activity, creating jobs and improving urban livability in these constrained zones.
While the proposal is still under evaluation, its approval could serve as a blueprint for balancing aviation safety with Mumbai’s vertical expansion goals.
