Delhi Housing Policy Overhaul Targets Urban Redevelopment and Transit Accessibility

The Delhi government has formally approved the Delhi Slum and JJ Cluster Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2026. This framework marks a significant transition toward large-scale, public-private partnership redevelopment efforts. The initiative is projected to impact an estimated 4 lakh families residing in various informal settlements across the city, according to government reports. A critical component of this updated policy is the extension of the eligibility cut-off date for permanent housing, which has been moved from January 1, 2015, to January 1, 2025. This change is intended to broaden the pool of residents eligible for rehabilitation benefits.

Expanding Residential Infrastructure Near Transit Corridors

Parallel to the slum rehabilitation efforts, the Centre has notified the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Policy 2026. This regulation focuses on infrastructure and residential density near major transit routes, mandating that 65% of the permissible Floor Area Ratio (FAR) within 500 meters of Metro and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors be reserved for affordable residential housing. The policy specifically defines these affordable units as having an area of 100 square meters or less. The TOD framework encompasses a development area of 207 square kilometers, which includes 80 square kilometers of previously excluded territories such as unauthorised colonies, allowing for a maximum FAR of up to 500 to facilitate high-density projects.

Support for Unauthorised Colonies and Affordable Housing

Urban development strategies also extend to the regularization of existing communities. As part of a broader development effort, 1,511 unauthorised colonies, which house approximately 45 lakh residents, have been regularized on an 'as-is, where-is' basis. Residents in these areas are receiving ownership rights through the issuance of Conveyance Deeds. Furthermore, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has introduced the Apna Ghar Awaas Yojana 2025, a scheme providing 7,500 discounted residential units. These integrated approaches are designed to address housing needs while balancing transit connectivity and land usage requirements, aiming to reshape the residential landscape for a significant portion of Delhi's population. Future implementation will be guided by these newly established regulatory parameters.