Urban heat island mitigation drives India’s largest municipal cool roof deployment for low-income housing.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a phased cool roof programme targeting 50,000 low-income homes across Mumbai’s informal settlements over a three-year implementation period. High Solar Reflective Index (SRI) elastomeric coatings will be applied to tin sheet and concrete rooftops — the dominant construction typologies in areas such as Dharavi, Govandi, and Mankhurd, where summer indoor temperatures routinely exceed 42°C.
The programme integrates with Mumbai’s Heat Action Plan and draws on thermal performance data from the pilot phase covering approximately 400 homes in Govandi. Measured indoor temperature reductions of 4–6°C under peak afternoon conditions are the programme’s primary health metric, alongside projected annual electricity savings of ₹2,000–3,000 per household for those with air conditioning units.
Industry Implications and Market Context
This programme represents one of the largest municipal cool roof contracts in South Asia and is creating a validated case study for AEEE, BEE, and state governments considering similar mandates. Manufacturers with SRI-certified cool roof products and application capacity in the Mumbai metropolitan area are the primary beneficiaries.
What Happens Next?
Phase 1 tender process is expected to open in Q3 2026, with contractor pre-qualification in progress. Watch for tender announcements from BMC’s Environment and Urban Sustainability Cell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SRI (Solar Reflective Index)?
SRI is a composite measure of solar reflectance and thermal emissivity. Coatings with SRI > 82 qualify for LEED certification and deliver the thermal performance gains targeted by the BMC programme.
Which areas of Mumbai are included in the BMC programme?
Phase 1 focuses on Govandi, Mankhurd, and Dharavi — densely populated areas with high tin sheet and concrete rooftop prevalence and significant heat mortality risk during summer months.
Where can I find more information?
AEEE (Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy), BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency), and the BMC Environment Cell publish programme details and technical specifications for cool roof coatings.
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