CIDCO’s big push for mass housing in 2023

Come 2023 and CIDCO is all set to make yet another landmark by setting a target to construct nearly 67,000 homes, of which 7,849 flats in a township at Ulwe will be reserved only for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS). The lottery for the EWS township will happen in January.

CIDCO has pioneered mass housing under PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana), handing over, so far, 23,500 affordable homes in phase 1 and has targeted around 1.25 lakh flats for the EWS and Low-Income Group category, in particular.

"We have received a good number of applications so far and requests from the public to extend the December 23 online submission deadline, which may be considered by CIDCO. The online lottery is scheduled for the third week of January 2023, for allotting 7,849 EWS flats. It is for the first time such a large number of EWS flats have come up for lottery. The possession would subsequently happen, once the full payment is received towards the flat and with completion of other legal formalities, as per CIDCO norms, which would take another few months," said a senior CIDCO official.

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Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, vice chairman, CIDCO

"We are in the process of constructing 1,25,000 residential houses under various projects registered with MahaRERA, with state-of-art facilities worth approximate budget to the tune of Rs 30,000 crore. And we have already allotted over 23,500 flats during phase 1 and have a target of allotting 67,000 flats in phase 2. Construction work is underway in full swing in Kharghar, Taloja belt," said Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, vice chairman and MD of CIDCO.

"The flagship housing projects have become the talking point even at international platforms for path-breaking achievements of making national records of making 96 apartments [12 storeys] in 96 days by using precast technology, at the rate of one apartment per day," he said.

Designed by architect Hafeez Contractor, the buildings are earthquake-resistant. The buildings also conform to the National Building Code norms and each includes two large-size staircases, two lifts and firefighting system, he said. "We have also focused on keeping 15 per cent of the plot area as an open area and common parking provision for the residents. Comprehensive maintenance of 5 years covers maintenance of lifts, electrical equipment, mechanical works, daily cleaning, garbage collection, garden maintenance etc. To provide hassle-free living, CIDCO is also taking the responsibility of waterproofing the terrace, water tank, w/c bath, etc. for 10 years from contractors concerned," explained Dr Mukherjee.

Each of the 322-sqft EWS flats costs R35 lakh. However, due to its strategic location and construction by L&T, the response has been overwhelming, the officer said. The project is located close to Bambandongri and Kharkopar railway stations, and is connected through a highway and Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link. It is also near the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Private developers in the area are selling similar flats at double the CIDCO rate.

Flashback 2022

Jan 16; CIDCO launched a scheme of 5,730 flats in Taloja. Vacant units at Dronagiri, Ghansoli, Kalamboli and Kharghar were added to the scheme, taking the total to 6,508. Of these flats, 1,905 were reserved for EWS.

August 31: CIDCO launched 4,158 apartments available in its housing complexes at Dronagiri, Kalamboli, Taloja and Kharghar nodes. Of these, 404 apartments were made available for the EWS category under PMAY.

October 24: CIDCO announced its plan to allot 7,849 flats at Ulwe. It has received 12,000 applications so far. The draw will happen in the third week of January 2023.