New Delhi, November 26, 2024: According to a swot analysis conducted by the Delhi Consortium think tank, Delhi would need 3 million new houses for 15 million increased population by 2041. The estimated opportunity for the real estate housing developers stands at a minimum of INR 1.5 lakh crore, considering each unit will be INR 50 lakhs. The Think Tank has stressed the need for bold reforms in the draft Master Plan for Delhi 2041 (MPD-2041), focusing on sustainable and inclusive housing solutions.
With Delhi’s population expected to reach 35 million by 2041, concentrated within a limited 1,486 sq. km land area, the city faces the challenge of creating over 3 million housing units to meet the projected demand. Currently, over 60% of the population resides in inadequate settlements, and 47,000 individuals remain homeless.
Ramesh Menon, Founder and Director of the Delhi Consortium Think Tank, stated, “Delhi is at a turning point, with its population growing and resources finite, we must make bold decisions to unlock land, rethink housing typologies, and prioritize inclusive urban planning. Policies like land pooling, transit-oriented development, and regeneration will not only address the housing crisis but also redefine Delhi as a city of opportunity, equity, and sustainability. The MPD-2041 is our blueprint to transform Delhi into a model metropolis for the nation.”
Delhi’s immense potential to evolve as the tertiary service sector capital of India is another focal point. With a high literacy rate of 87% and a gross enrolment rate in educational institutions that surpasses the national average, Delhi is well-positioned to attract knowledge-driven industries. Strategic developments of knowledge-based industrial parks, integrated ‘Walk to Work’ spaces, and mixed-use mass land developments can improve employment and economic growth while addressing housing demands.
Efficient land use is critical to Delhi’s future. Redevelopment strategies such as TOD and sustainable slum rehabilitation are essential for unlocking underutilized spaces and reducing congestion. Rental housing models, including build-to-rent and rent-to-own, should also be prioritized to serve the needs of Delhi’s transient population of professionals, students, and low-income workers. Furthermore, the Central National Capital Region (CNCR) is expected to accommodate 20% of Delhi’s housing demand, necessitating a collaborative approach to ensure balanced regional growth.
To meet the estimated demand for 3 million housing units, Delhi must adopt a multi-pronged strategy, leveraging its limited land resources while addressing the housing needs of its diverse population. With 60% of Delhi’s dwellings already classified as congested, there is an urgent need to address overcrowding and inadequate living conditions. Additionally, 583 unauthorized colonies (UACs), many situated on public land, are awaiting resolution, contributing to the city’s growing housing challenges.
The Consortium also highlights the importance of in-situ slum rehabilitation models, ensuring that the 49% of Delhi’s population living in unauthorized colonies and slums are not displaced from their economic hubs. The focus should be on improving living conditions in these areas without disrupting residents’ access to their livelihoods.
Delhi consortiums believes that MPD-2041 represents a unique opportunity for Delhi to shape a future that is equitable, sustainable, and inclusive, by focusing on innovative housing solutions, land optimization, and economic growth.
MPD-2041 outlines a spatial development framework through five key policy directions aimed at optimizing land use and revitalizing urban spaces. These include the Land Pooling Policy in Zones L, N, and P to unlock new residential and mixed-use areas, the Green Development Area Policy to integrate environmental sustainability, and the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Policy to capitalize on mass transit networks. The plan also emphasizes the regeneration of planned and unplanned areas, ensuring both formal and informal settlements are modernized to meet contemporary urban needs.
About Delhi Consortiums
Delhi consortiums have professional entities and domain experts in the domain of Real estate, who have come together to serve the stakeholders, to develop Delhi into a ‘global megapolis’, as per the vision document of MPD2041.With a strong team, founder members have been part of the Delhi NCR developmental planning & execution since the past 25 years and have deep rooted knowledge of the subject.
Delhi Consortiums are a private corporation and undertake assignments on behalf of and for all stakeholders, including landowning community, financial investors, international urban planners, and developer entities. The mission of Delhi Consortiums is to Connect people to Government – Companies – Institutions – Investors – Stakeholders & Position Delhi as the most promising Urban Development Investment Destination.
