Mumbai/Bhubaneswar: Odisha Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra on Friday visited affordable housing projects developed by CIDCO under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) at Kharkopar and Bamandongri in Navi Mumbai, as part of the State government’s efforts to explore modern technologies and innovative models for large-scale affordable housing.
During the exposure visit, Mahapatra studied CIDCO’s experience in developing housing for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG), with particular focus on fast-track construction, quality assurance, integrated township planning, sustainability and connectivity.
CIDCO officials briefed the minister and his delegation on the planning, design, financing and execution of the housing projects. The delegation observed the use of precast concrete technology, factory-manufactured structural components, mechanised construction and high-precision aluminium formwork systems.
These construction technologies enable faster project execution while improving quality and safety, reducing material wastage and optimising construction resources, officials said.
Mahapatra also reviewed sustainability measures incorporated into the housing developments, including storm-water drainage, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, landscaped open spaces and scientific solid-waste management. The integrated townships also include community infrastructure and essential amenities aimed at creating safe and liveable neighbourhoods.
A key aspect of the visit was CIDCO’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) approach, under which affordable housing is planned in close integration with metro corridors, suburban railway stations, bus services and major road networks. Such integrated planning helps improve access to employment and essential services while reducing travel time and transportation costs and promoting sustainable urban mobility.
Appreciating CIDCO’s systematic approach to project planning, execution and quality assurance, Mahapatra said the experience would provide valuable lessons for Odisha as the State expands affordable housing under PMAY-U and other urban development programmes.
He said providing safe, dignified and affordable housing to eligible urban families remains a key priority of the Odisha government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The minister emphasised that adoption of modern construction technologies along with integrated planning could accelerate housing delivery while ensuring quality, affordability and improved urban liveability.
Mahapatra further said the Housing and Urban Development Department would examine the feasibility of adopting precast and modular construction systems, aluminium formwork and other advanced engineering practices in suitable housing projects in Odisha.
He also stressed the need for structured knowledge exchange and technical collaboration between CIDCO and relevant Odisha agencies in areas such as construction technology, project management and integrated township development.
The visit was attended by Vijay Patil, Superintending Engineer, CIDCO; Karade and Mahesh Sapkale, Assistant Executive Engineer, CIDCO; Sunil Kumar Samantaray, Project Director, Tata Consulting Engineers (PMC); representatives of the project management consultancy; Karunanithi, Project Manager, Larsen & Toubro; and other technical officials.
The learnings from the exposure visit will be examined for suitable adaptation in Odisha’s future affordable housing projects, with the State government seeking to strengthen faster, technology-driven, sustainable and citizen-centric urban housing development.
