Pune: In a major boost for affordable housing, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is set to restart a housing project in Ravet under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The project, which had previously been halted due to legal and land acquisition issues, is now in the final stages of the tendering process.

Originally, PCMC had planned to build 3,664 housing units across Chikhali, Borhadewadi, and Ravet under PMAY. As part of this, 934 flats in Ravet were allocated through a lottery system, with beneficiaries making the required payments. However, land acquisition issues and a legal challenge in the Bombay High Court led to a stay order, ultimately causing the project’s cancellation in October 2020.

After a four-year legal battle, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of PCMC, clearing all hurdles. However, due to escalating construction costs, the original project had to be abandoned. PCMC has now revived the project and is preparing to begin construction on the same land.

With construction material costs skyrocketing, the cost of housing units has also surged. Previously, a 1 BHK unit was priced at ₹7.5 lakh, but new prices are expected to range between ₹9 lakh and ₹9.5 lakh.

Project Specifications

• Location: Ravet, 2.5 hectares

• Number of buildings: 5

• Housing units: 934 to 1,000

• Estimated cost: ₹170–180 crore

• Project timeline: Initial work to start in 3 to 4 months

• Financial backing: Central & state governments

"The rising cost of materials has impacted the project budget, leading to higher home prices. However, we are expediting the tender process, and construction is expected to start in the next three to four months."

— Sunil Dangde, Project Engineer, PCMC