International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 01 | Jan 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Affordable Housing Scenarios in India: Implementation & Challenges Mahima Chawla1, Ar. Vaibhav Kulshrestha2 1Master of Urban and Regional Planning Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Technical
University Lucknow, India,
2Senior Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Technical
University, Lucknow, India. ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Affordable housing has emerged as one of the
Despite continuous policy interventions, the gap between housing demand and supply remains substantial. Affordable housing in India has largely been addressed through scheme-based approaches focusing on unit delivery rather than integrated urban planning. As a result, many housing projects suffer from poor location efficiency, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to employment and services.
most critical challenges of urban development in India due to rapid urbanisation, population growth, and large-scale rural– urban migration. Despite the implementation of several national housing policies and schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U), Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs), and the recently launched PMAY–Urban 2.0, a substantial shortage of affordable housing for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG) continues to persist in Indian cities.
This study examines affordable housing from a planning perspective to understand why shortages persist despite strong policy frameworks and increasing financial allocations.
This paper aims to examine the concept of affordable housing in India, analyze its implementation through policy frameworks and schemes, and identify the key challenges affecting effective delivery. The study is based on qualitative and analytical assessment using secondary data sources such as government reports, policy documents, and published literature. Two case studies—In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR) in Ahmedabad and Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) housing in Mumbai—are analyzed to understand on-ground implementation outcomes from a planning perspective.
2. CONCEPT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING Affordable housing generally refers to housing that a household can afford without compromising expenditure on other basic needs such as food, healthcare, education, and transport. International agencies such as UN-Habitat define housing as affordable when housing costs do not exceed 30– 40% of household income.
The findings reveal that affordable housing challenges in India are not limited to financial constraints but are deeply rooted in land availability, peripheral location of projects, inadequate planning integration, governance fragmentation, and limited institutional capacity of urban local bodies. The paper concludes that a planning-led, integrated approach linking housing with land use planning, transport systems, and urban infrastructure is essential to achieve sustainable and inclusive affordable housing delivery in Indian cities.
However, affordability extends beyond unit cost. Housing that is poorly located, inadequately serviced, or disconnected from employment centres increases indirect costs and reduces overall affordability. In the Indian context, affordable housing is defined through income categories (EWS, LIG, MIG), unit size norms, and cost ceilings under government schemes. These definitions, while administratively useful, often fail to capture spatial and planning dimensions of affordability.
Key Words: Affordable Housing, PMAY-U, Urban Planning, Housing Policy, Slum Redevelopment, Governance, Indian cities
From a planning perspective, affordable housing must be understood as “housing plus services plus connectivity”.
1. INTRODUCTION
3. AFFORDABLE HOUSING IMPLEMENTATION IN INDIA
Affordable housing is a fundamental requirement for inclusive urban development. In India, rapid urbanisation and economic transformation have significantly increased housing demand in cities, particularly among low-income groups. As per national estimates, India faces an urban housing shortage of over 10 million units, with nearly half of this shortage concentrated among Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
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POLICIES
AND
India’s affordable housing framework has evolved from welfare-based housing provision to mission-mode, partnership-driven approaches. The National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy (NUHHP), 2007 provided a vision for inclusive housing but lacked strong implementation mechanisms.
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