The Madhya Pradesh government has unveiled a transformative vision for Indore, setting a bold five-year deadline to transform it into a city free of slums. This ambitious urban renewal mission hinges on a massive housing construction drive under the central government's flagship Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) 2.0 scheme.
A Three-Pronged Strategy for Affordable Housing
The overarching goal for Indore under PMAY 2.0 is the construction of a staggering 1.5 lakh permanent housing units. According to Arth Jain, the Chief Executive Officer of Indore Smart City Development Limited (ISCDL), this target is being pursued through three distinct channels. The first involves the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) directly constructing flats. The second category comprises flats built for rental purposes, offering affordable housing options to tenants. The third pathway provides subsidies or financial assistance to eligible individuals for constructing their own houses.
The First Phase: 16,056 Flats at a Cost of ₹2,200 Crore
The initial and immediate focus of this mission is the construction of 16,056 flats in multi-storey apartment complexes within the next three years. Jain revealed that this current phase alone is projected to require an investment of approximately Rs 2,200 crore. The administration has strategically identified ten locations across the city for these high-rise buildings. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for five of these sites have already been prepared and submitted to the government for approval, indicating that groundwork is actively underway.
Clearing Encroachments for Holistic Development
This extensive housing project is not just about providing roofs over heads; it is a critical step towards resolving long-standing urban infrastructure challenges. The new apartments are specifically intended for the rehabilitation and resettlement of residents currently living in slum settlements. These settlements often exist as encroachments, obstructing vital development works and impeding the completion of roads outlined in the city's Master Plan. By moving residents into formal housing, the administration aims to clear these obstacles, enabling smoother execution of broader urban development projects and improving connectivity across Indore.
The drive to make Indore slum-free represents one of the most significant urban redevelopment initiatives in central India. With a clear five-year target, a defined three-year action plan for the first 16,000+ houses, and a structured approach under PMAY 2.0, the city is poised for a major transformation in its landscape and living standards.
