Mumbai: Reliance Foundation on Sunday announced the establishment of Nita Mukesh Ambani Anant Ashray, a first-of-its-kind 100-acre integrated township in Karjat near Mumbai, envisioned as a lifelong home for orphaned children, senior citizens and persons with developmental disabilities. The proposed not-for-profit project aims to provide a secure, inclusive and compassionate environment for more than 5,000 residents.
The initiative was announced by Reliance Foundation Founder and Chairperson Nita Ambani, who also performed the Bhumi Pujan and groundbreaking ceremony at the project site. The township will be developed in phases, subject to statutory approvals.
Conceived under Reliance Foundation's philosophy of "We Care," the project seeks to create a community where residents can live with dignity, purpose and independence while receiving comprehensive healthcare, education, rehabilitation and lifelong support.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nita Ambani said the initiative was deeply personal for her family and reflected their commitment to building a loving home for children without families, persons with disabilities and elderly people requiring long-term care.
She said the vision was to create a community where compassionate healthcare, emotional support and family-like warmth come together, allowing residents to live close to nature, pursue education and employment opportunities, build friendships and celebrate life with dignity.
Expressing particular concern for families caring for children with lifelong disabilities, she said the township would offer reassurance to parents by ensuring that their children would always have a safe home and a caring community even after they are gone.
Designed as an inclusive township rather than a conventional care institution, Nita Mukesh Ambani Anant Ashray will feature residential neighbourhoods, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, recreational spaces, gardens, farms and vocational centres. Together with caregivers, medical professionals, support staff and their families, the township is expected to support a community of nearly 15,000 people.
Residents will live in family-style homes under the care of dedicated house parents and caregivers, with each individual receiving a personalised development and care plan covering healthcare, education, employment, social engagement and overall well-being. These plans will be reviewed regularly to ensure continued support throughout every stage of life.
The township will comprise eight residential villages, each named after a sacred Indian river and designed with distinct colours, symbols and sensory gardens to help residents navigate independently and comfortably.
Reliance Foundation said the project would also benefit surrounding communities through access to its proposed temple, hospital, sports facilities and cafés, while nearly 1,000 local residents are expected to receive therapy, educational opportunities and employment. Outreach programmes, respite care and community healthcare services are also planned for neighbouring districts.
Among the proposed facilities are specialised hospitals offering developmental medicine, epilepsy care, palliative care and special-needs dentistry; rehabilitation centres providing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and hydrotherapy; inclusive educational institutions; sports and creative arts facilities; vocational training centres; an animal companionship farm developed with support from Vantara; mobile medical clinics; family respite homes; a national disability-care training academy; and a dedicated hospice wing with a remembrance garden.
According to Reliance Foundation, the township aims to address the growing need for long-term specialised care for people with developmental disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and complex medical conditions, while also providing a permanent home for orphaned children and senior citizens requiring continuous support.
The Foundation said the project aspires to become a place where every individual, regardless of age or ability, can live with dignity, security and a sense of belonging in a lifelong family-like community.