Affordable Housing Scheme in Bhubaneswar Gains Pace; Citizens to Benefit Soon

State government promises homes priced between ₹15–50 lakh for low and middle-income families
Bhubaneswar: Everyday citizens in the capital city will soon have an opportunity to own homes without bearing a heavy financial burden, as the Odisha government accelerates its much-anticipated affordable housing scheme.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra announced that construction work has already started at multiple sites across Bhubaneswar. The first set of houses, he assured, will be handed over to beneficiaries in the near future.
“This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that ordinary people can secure a house in Bhubaneswar without going beyond their means,” the Minister said.
The affordable housing programme, being implemented through the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and the Odisha State Housing Board, primarily targets low and middle-income families. With property prices in the capital city often soaring beyond affordability, the scheme seeks to bridge the gap between demand and supply in the housing sector.
According to officials, the units will be priced between ₹15 lakh and ₹50 lakh, making them attainable for households who otherwise find it difficult to invest in property within the city. Allocation of houses will be done through a transparent lottery system, ensuring fairness in beneficiary selection.
The Housing and Urban Development Department is spearheading the project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, inviting private developers to collaborate with government agencies. Tenders have been floated to bring in accountability and timely delivery.
“The process has already begun, and the required land parcels have been identified. Some projects will proceed in PPP mode, while others will be taken up independently by the BDA. The Housing Board is also committed to extending such projects,” Mahapatra explained.
Officials said this hybrid approach will not only expedite construction but also maintain the quality and affordability of housing units.
While the scheme currently focuses on Bhubaneswar, the government has broader plans for expansion. With rapid urbanisation leading to congestion and housing shortages in other cities, the initiative will gradually be extended to other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across Odisha.
“Population growth in major towns is exerting pressure on available land and housing supply. Expanding this model to other cities will help in reducing housing gaps and ensuring equitable development,” Mahapatra added.
Urban planners see this initiative as a crucial step toward inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of city development are not limited to the affluent but also reach working-class families. Affordable housing is expected to reduce slum proliferation, stabilise rental costs, and improve the overall quality of urban living.
With Bhubaneswar emerging as a hub for education, IT, and service sectors, the demand for affordable homes has been steadily rising. By offering housing solutions in the ₹15–50 lakh range, the government hopes to provide a secure living environment for employees, small business owners, and service-class families.
As construction progresses, the first batch of beneficiaries is likely to move into their homes within the next few months. The government’s emphasis on transparency, fair allocation, and PPP collaboration is being seen as a positive shift in Odisha’s urban housing policy.
For thousands of aspiring homeowners in Bhubaneswar, this scheme offers not just four walls and a roof but also a promise of stability and dignity.