For thousands of low-income families in Delhi, the promise of a permanent roof has remained stuck in limbo for nearly a decade. Rows of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) flats built under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) stand vacant across the city, slowly decaying, vandalized, and unusable. Now, a long-delayed step may finally bring change.
The Delhi government has approved nearly ₹44 crore to repair and make usable more than 12,000 EWS flats that have been lying abandoned in several parts of the capital. The decision follows an assessment by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), which found that these homes, though structurally standing, require urgent repairs to become fit for habitation.
Why These Homes Were Left to Rot
Between 2009 and 2016, thousands of EWS flats were constructed across Delhi under JNNURM to rehabilitate slum dwellers and provide affordable housing. These flats came up in areas like Savitri Ghevra, Sultanpuri, Dwarka Sector-16B, and Jahangirpuri. However, delays in allotment, lack of basic services, legal hurdles, and poor maintenance meant that many of these homes were never occupied.
As years passed, unused buildings became vulnerable to water damage, broken wiring, clogged sewage lines, and unauthorised occupation. In some locations, missing doors, shattered windows, and damaged staircases turned housing blocks into safety hazards rather than homes.
According to officials, despite the construction of over 18,000 EWS flats under the scheme, only around 2,100 families were actually allotted homes. The remaining flats remained empty, worsening Delhi’s housing crisis rather than solving it.
Where the Money Will Be Spent
The ₹44 crore approval focuses on repairs across multiple locations. The largest chunk will go to Savitri Ghevra Phase-3, where 2,416 flats need major refurbishment. Funds have been earmarked for civil repairs, electrical works, and sewage treatment to ensure the flats meet minimum living standards.
Other key sites include:
- Sultanpuri Site-3, where over 1,000 flats require repairs due to prolonged neglect
- Dwarka Sector-16B, covering three different housing blocks with more than 2,000 flats
- Jahangirpuri flat complex, where around 7,400 flats need both repair and basic infrastructure development
The repair work is expected to be completed within six months, and tenders have already been issued. Officials say the phased approach will help speed up allotment once repairs are completed.
Why This Matters for Delhi
Delhi continues to struggle with a severe housing shortage for low-income families. While luxury apartments rise across the city, many daily wage workers, sanitation staff, and informal sector employees still live in cramped jhuggi clusters without secure tenure.
Reviving these EWS flats could directly benefit thousands of families currently living in unsafe or temporary conditions. It also reduces the need for new construction by using existing assets, which is more cost-effective and environmentally sensible.
Urban planners point out that abandoned housing also creates social problems. Empty buildings often become sites for illegal activities, posing security risks to nearby residents. Making these homes livable again could improve neighbourhood safety and revive local economies.
Lessons from a Policy Failure
The situation highlights deeper problems in urban housing policy. Building homes without ensuring timely allotment, basic services, and long-term maintenance defeats the purpose of affordable housing. Experts argue that coordination between construction agencies, municipal bodies, and rehabilitation departments has been weak.
There is also criticism over delayed decision-making. Had repairs been taken up earlier, costs would have been significantly lower. Years of neglect have not only increased expenses but also prolonged the suffering of families waiting for dignified housing.
Political and Administrative Push
The renewed focus comes after recent inspections by Delhi’s leadership, which directed officials to fast-track the revival of abandoned housing projects. The government has indicated that once repairs are completed, allotment will be prioritised for eligible slum-dwelling families.
Officials have also been asked to prepare a clear timeline for restoration and handover, along with ensuring access to schools, health facilities, roads, and public transport around these housing sites.
Final Take
While the approval of funds is a positive step, the real test lies in execution. Past experiences have made many residents sceptical about timelines and accountability. Ensuring transparency in tendering, quality of repairs, and fair allotment will be crucial.
If implemented properly, this initiative could become a turning point in Delhi’s affordable housing story. Thousands of empty flats could finally serve the purpose they were built for—giving families not just a house, but dignity and stability.
For a city battling inequality and overcrowding, turning abandoned concrete structures into living communities may be one of the most meaningful urban reforms Delhi can achieve in the coming months.
