THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 21, 2026
In a major policy thrust to accelerate affordable housing across urban
centres, the Government of Odisha has rolled out PMAY-Urban BANDHU (Beneficiary
Assistance for Nurturing Development of Housing Units) in the Financial Budget
2026–27, positioning it as a focused intervention to deepen and expand the
impact of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban.
The PMAY-Urban BANDHU initiative has been designed to deliver targeted
assistance to beneficiaries belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS),
while also bringing eligible landless urban families into the housing net. By
addressing existing implementation gaps and strengthening institutional
mechanisms, the programme seeks to complement the ongoing PMAY-U framework,
enabling faster project execution and broader coverage across municipalities
and urban local bodies.
A key structural reform under the initiative is the assured annual earmarking
of 50 acres of State land, a move expected to significantly ease land
availability constraints that have historically slowed affordable housing
projects in cities. This steady land pipeline will support projects under the
Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) vertical of PMAY-U 2.0 and create a
more predictable execution environment for implementing agencies.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the initiative, Additional Chief
Secretary Usha Padhee said, “PMAY-Urban BANDHU strengthens the housing mission
by ensuring steady land availability for affordable housing. The earmarking of
50 acres of State land annually under the AHP vertical of PMAY-U 2.0 will
accelerate housing delivery for EWS families and advance the goal of wider
pucca housing coverage in urban Odisha.”
The programme is also expected to improve convergence among departments,
streamline approvals, and enhance coordination between state agencies and urban
local bodies, thereby reducing project timelines and improving delivery
efficiency.
Reinforcing the State’s commitment, the Chief Minister has approved a
budget allocation of ₹120.00 crore for PMAY-Urban BANDHU in the Financial
Budget 2026–27. The provision signals a sustained policy focus on inclusive
urban development and affordable
housing as a core infrastructure priority.
Aligned with the State’s long-term vision document, “Viksit Odisha for
Viksit Bharat,” the initiative targets achieving pucca housing access for 90
percent of households by 2029, positioning housing as a critical driver of
improved public health, educational outcomes, livelihood security, and balanced
urban growth.
