Short answer: Often yes, but the numbers may not work. Buildings in the Mumbai airport's funnel zone can be redeveloped, but height limits can stop the new building from using all the floor space (FSI) the plot is allowed. That makes many projects unviable for developers. In September 2026 the state began considering a proposal to let developers use that unused FSI on another project. As of 1 November 2026 it is still a proposal. Nothing has been notified.
What the funnel zone is
Planes approaching and leaving Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport need clear air. So buildings under the flight path have height limits set by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Large parts of Vile Parle, Santacruz and Kurla fall in or near this zone, as Hindustan Times reported on 23 September 2026.
Whether a particular building on Dadabhai Road is affected depends on its exact plot and the permitted height there. Being on a street does not decide it.
[DHAVAL: Confirm from the AAI colour-coded zoning map which stretches of Dadabhai Road are height-limited before publishing. If none are, rename the post to "Vile Parle West" and name only streets you have confirmed.]
Why height limits stall redevelopment
FSI decides how much floor area can be built on a plot. A redevelopment pays for itself when the developer can build enough extra area to sell, after rehousing existing members. Under a height limit, the developer may be entitled to more area than it can physically build.
HT's example: if a project is entitled to 10,000 sq ft but the height limit allows only 7,000 sq ft, 3,000 sq ft goes unused. For many old, low-rise societies, that gap is the difference between a viable offer and no offer.
What the state is considering
According to officials quoted by HT on 23 September 2026:
- A developer could use the unused FSI from a funnel-zone redevelopment on another project elsewhere in Mumbai ("clubbing").
- The idea is modelled on Regulation 33(7), clause 22, which lets developers combine separate cessed MHADA projects into one plan.
- The Urban Development Department has asked the BMC, as Mumbai's planning authority, for a report on where this FSI could be used and whether it can merge with nearby projects.
- The state will decide after that report.
Vile Parle MLA Parag Alavani told HT the BMC report was awaited. Earlier options discussed over the years included converting unused FSI into tradable TDR and relaxing height limits. A policy decision has been pending for several years.
What this does not change yet
- No new rule exists. Until the state notifies a decision, developers price offers on today's rules.
- Height limits stay. The proposal moves unused FSI elsewhere. It does not let your building go taller.
- Each plot is different. Two buildings on the same road can have different permitted heights.
- Society rules still apply. Any redevelopment must follow the co-operative department's 30 September 2026 order on choosing a developer.
What owners on Dadabhai Road should do now
- Check your plot's permitted height. The AAI publishes colour-coded zoning maps, and the BMC hosts AAI's guidance on reading them (AAI CCZM guidelines). An architect can confirm it for your survey number.
- Do not sign on old assumptions. An offer made under today's rules may look different if clubbing is approved. Ask any developer how their offer changes if it is.
- Get your papers ready. Conveyance, structural audit, member list and any earlier developer correspondence.
- Watch for the BMC report. It is the next real step. We will update this page when it lands.
If you own in an older building on or near Dadabhai Road and want to know whether redevelopment is realistic for your plot, send us the address and society details. We will check the height position and tell you what kind of offer to expect today. Call or WhatsApp Dhaval Seth at Khojmaster Property Consultants on 9321058605. Our office is on St Francis Road, Vile Parle West. MahaRERA-registered advisory (A51800047853).
Based on press reports cited above as of 1 November 2026. The proposal is not notified policy. General information, not legal or planning advice.