Odisha to Launch Affordable Rental Housing Policy to Curb Slum Expansion

The Odisha government is preparing to roll out a comprehensive rental housing policy aimed at providing affordable accommodation for low‑income families, migrant workers, and urban job seekers.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra highlighted that the lack of affordable housing has been a major driver of slum growth in cities, and this initiative seeks to address that challenge.

Under the new framework, rental housing projects will be developed across towns and cities, with Bhubaneswar as a key focus.

The government also plans to map vacant houses and integrate them into the rental system, ensuring better utilisation of existing infrastructure.

Special emphasis will be placed on migrant workers and rural families moving to urban areas for employment and education.

Officials expect the policy to improve living standards, reduce informal settlements, and promote inclusive urban development by combining new construction with the reuse of unused properties.