Odisha Urged to Fast-Track PMAY-U Projects with Focus on Quality, Inclusivity

Bhubaneswar, Apr 18 : The Odisha Government has been urged to accelerate the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) and its upgraded version, PMAY-U 2.0, with a strong emphasis on timely completion, quality standards, and beneficiary satisfaction.

During a review visit to Bhubaneswar on Saturday, Joint Secretary (Housing for All), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Kuldeep Narayan assessed the progress of key housing projects under the flagship scheme. His visit included inspections of multiple sites showcasing different verticals and innovative housing models.

Narayan first visited the Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) project at Buddha Vihar in Chandrasekharpur, where he evaluated the development of housing units aimed at providing affordable and quality living spaces for urban beneficiaries. He later inspected a Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) project at Hare Krushna Nagar near Saileshree Vihar, interacting with beneficiaries and appreciating the state’s efforts in facilitating individual house construction.

A key highlight of the visit was the Pragati Bihar slum redevelopment project under the BLC vertical of PMAY-U 2.0. The project stands out as an inclusive housing initiative, with 34 out of 44 sanctioned houses allotted to members of the transgender community. Designed as a model housing cluster, it incorporates sustainable and climate-responsive features.

The project has been developed with technical support from architect Ashok B. Lall in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It integrates thermally efficient designs, cost-effective construction techniques using sustainable materials, rooftop solar systems, and energy-efficient appliances. Narayan described the initiative as a progressive step toward inclusive and environmentally sustainable urban development.

Following the field visits, Narayan chaired a comprehensive review meeting at Kharvela Bhavan with Additional Chief Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Usha Padhee, along with senior officials from the department, Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The meeting assessed the overall progress of PMAY-U and PMAY-U 2.0 in Odisha, highlighting achievements, challenges, and areas requiring policy intervention. Discussions also focused on reforms and strategic measures needed for the effective rollout of the upgraded scheme.

Officials underscored the importance of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in advancing the government’s vision of “Housing for All,” with a renewed push to ensure efficient implementation across the state.