Cleared during the third meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) convened by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the approvals are a significant stride toward the long-standing national goal of ‘Housing for All’. The new homes will cater primarily to the economically weaker sections (EWS), low-income groups (LIG), and lower middle-income families, addressing both the affordability challenge and the pressing demand surge in urban centres.
This is a welcome move that reinforces the government’s commitment to inclusive urban development and housing for all. As India continues its rapid urbanisation, initiatives like PMAY-U are not just about infrastructure—they are about building resilient, economically vibrant communities, said Amit Goenka, Chairman and MD at Nisus Finance
Originally launched in 2015, PMAY-Urban has evolved from a basic housing initiative into a holistic urban transformation programme, aligning itself with sustainable and inclusive development goals.
The recent approval by the authorities on the construction of 2.35 lakh urban homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0) comes as a relief to homebuyers looking for affordable homes and gives a boost to the central Government’s “Housing for All’ initiative, according to Ashish Narain Agarwal, Founder and CEO at PropertyPistol
Under the current iteration, PMAY-U 2.0 has shifted gears from volume-driven construction to climate-responsive, tech-enabled urban housing. This significant allocation not only addresses the critical need for affordable housing but also underscores the government's renewed commitment to urban resilience and inclusive development, said , Dr. Mohit Ramsinghani, Business Head at Bombay Realty (Wadia Group)
The focus now extends beyond mere shelter to the integration of sanitation, clean water access, renewable energy, green infrastructure, and digital connectivity—elements crucial to a net-zero, resilient urban future.
These newly sanctioned homes are not just about building structures; they are envisioned as community-centric habitats that promote inclusive growth and environmental accountability. The construction will leverage eco-friendly materials, modular designs, and energy-efficient practices, dovetailing with the broader national missions such as Smart Cities, AMRUT, and the National Urban Digital Mission.
This isn't just a policy slogan—it's a fundamental promise to uplift millions who have long lived on the margins of our cities without safe, stable shelter. By approving such a large number of homes, the government is reinforcing its intent to make affordable housing a reality, not just a long-term goal. These homes aren’t merely structures of brick and mortar—they represent dignity, security, and opportunity for lakhs of families, said Ravi Ramesh Pilani, Managing Director at Pilani Realty.
However, urban planning experts and policy watchers caution that these well-meaning targets risk derailment unless execution bottlenecks—particularly in land acquisition, fund allocation, and multi-agency coordination—are swiftly resolved. Critics point to previous delays that hampered progress, particularly in high-density cities where land is scarce and governance is fragmented.
Yet, the renewed emphasis on private sector participation and digital monitoring mechanisms is seen as a step in the right direction. By incorporating real-time dashboards, geo-tagging, and data-driven oversight, the government aims to ensure transparency, faster delivery, and reduced corruption.
Crucially, PMAY-U 2.0 now positions itself at the intersection of urban equity, environmental justice, and economic revival. As millions migrate to cities in search of opportunity, such housing schemes offer more than shelter—they provide dignity, safety, and a sustainable future. Industry stakeholders believe that if implemented at scale and speed, the programme can generate local employment, cut urban emissions, and establish a replicable model for equitable city-building in the Global South.
With this approval, India edges closer to reimagining its urban skyline—not as a vertical sprawl of concrete, but as an ecosystem where affordability, sustainability, and inclusivity converge. For the 2.35 lakh families awaiting these homes, this is more than a roof over their heads; it is a promise of transformation.
