Maharashtra is set to introduce a revolutionary housing policy, emphasizing the "walk to work" concept in industrial zones. The policy is expected to come into effect next financial year. The new policy comes after 17 years and aims to enhance land availability for developers and streamline project approvals. Key features include rental housing for migrant workers, and specialized colonies for seniors. While there were proposed policies in 2015 and 2021, they were never approved. The present policy, shaped through consultations with developers and consumer groups, seeks to address Maharashtra's evolving housing demands in industrial cities like Nashik, Aurangabad, and parts of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Maharashtra is poised to introduce a novel housing policy, after 17 years, aimed at addressing the evolving needs of its residents. The policy is expected to come into effect next financial year.
Central to this revamped strategy is the objective of facilitating land availability to developers, expediting project approvals, and streamlining existing incentives. A key highlight of the initiative will be its commitment to the "walk to work" paradigm, especially in industrial sectors. Set to be implemented in the forthcoming financial year, this approach will prioritize regions such as Chakan, key zones under the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) in cities like Nashik and Aurangabad, as well as segments of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Evolving from its predecessor in 2007, which is now deemed outdated, the state government has been meticulous in its planning this time around. While there were proposed policies in 2015 and 2021, they never saw the light of day with formal state cabinet approval. This new policy, however, has been shaped by extensive consultations. Several meetings have been held with relevant stakeholders, including developer bodies and consumer advocacy groups. Additionally, an expert consultant has been onboarded to infuse the draft with insights from the latest global construction trends and technologies, ensuring a resident-centric blueprint that champions affordable housing.
This new policy promises to be a game-changer, with plans that range from establishing a dedicated university for producing skilled manpower to catering to the unique housing needs of migrant workers and senior citizens.
Another prominent feature of this forthcoming policy is its emphasis on rental accommodations for the working demographic, especially migrant laborers. According to official sources, these townships are likely to be developed and maintained by property developers. This approach underscores the government’s intent to offer quality living conditions to this segment, which forms a significant chunk of the state’s workforce.
In conclusion, Maharashtra's proactive approach to revisiting its housing policy after nearly two decades is a commendable stride toward accommodating the state’s changing demographics along with evolving industrial and housing needs. By emphasizing innovations like the walk-to-work concept and focusing on key demographics like migrant workers, the state is positioning itself as a forerunner in addressing urban housing challenges in the 21st century.