Delhi Approves ₹44 Crore to Revamp Long-Vacant EWS Flats
In a significant step toward addressing Delhi’s affordable housing crisis, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board has approved ₹44.24 crore to refurbish thousands of defunct flats meant for economically weaker sections across the city. These flats, built over a decade ago, have remained unused and deteriorating, even as the demand for affordable housing continues to grow.
The move is being seen as a long-overdue effort to bring abandoned public housing back to life and ensure that eligible families finally receive permanent homes.
Why These EWS Flats Were Lying Vacant
Built Under a Major Housing Mission
The flats were constructed under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, a central government programme launched to modernise cities and provide affordable housing to low-income and slum-dwelling families.
Between 2008 and 2016, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board built over 18,000 EWS flats across several locations, including Dwarka, Sultanpuri, Savda Ghevra, Bhalswa and Jahangirpuri.
Despite this large-scale effort, only around 2,100 flats were allotted. The remaining units stayed vacant due to delays in allotment, policy issues and lack of maintenance planning.
Years of Neglect Took a Toll
With no residents and little upkeep, the vacant flats suffered extensive damage over time. Structural wear, broken fittings, water seepage and theft of electrical and plumbing equipment made many units unfit for immediate occupation.
The abandoned buildings also became vulnerable to encroachment and unauthorised use, turning a welfare initiative into a growing urban problem.
How Much Will the Revamp Cost?
₹80 Crore Estimated for Full Refurbishment
An assessment by DUSIB revealed that refurbishing 12,880 EWS flats across Delhi would require nearly ₹80 crore. This includes repairs to buildings, electrical work, water supply, sewage systems and surrounding infrastructure.
Of this total amount, ₹44.24 crore has been approved in the latest board meeting, allowing work to begin on priority sites.
Focus on Savda Ghevra First
2,416 Flats to Be Repaired in North Delhi
A major share of the approved funds will go toward repairing 2,416 flats in Savda Ghevra. Around ₹27.49 crore has been allocated to restore the flats and make them livable, while an additional ₹3.15 crore will be spent on electrical work.
Officials said the repairs will be treated as a one-time refurbishment project and are expected to be completed within six months. Once finished, the flats will be handed over to eligible residents.
Sewer and Water Facilities to Be Fixed
To ensure proper sanitation, DUSIB will also provide ₹13.6 crore to the Delhi Jal Board for sewage treatment plant work in the Ghevra area. Officials said fixing water and sewage systems is essential before people move in.
Repair Plans for Other Areas
Sultanpuri Flats Need Structural Work
A survey of five-storey towers in Sultanpuri’s C-block showed that 1,060 flats require repairs costing around ₹14.79 crore. These repairs are necessary to address structural issues and restore basic facilities.
Along with housing repairs, the government plans to develop social infrastructure in the area. This includes Arogya Mandir clinics, community halls and schools to support residents once the flats are occupied.
Dwarka and Jahangirpuri Also on the List
In Dwarka Sector 16B, three housing sites have been assessed for repairs. One site with 980 flats will require ₹4.84 crore, another with 736 flats will need ₹7.33 crore, and a smaller cluster of 288 flats will cost ₹3.16 crore to refurbish.
Jahangirpuri will see development work worth ₹7.88 crore, covering parks, roads, sewer lines and walkways around 7,400 flats. Officials said improving the surroundings is just as important as fixing the buildings.
Work to Be Carried Out in Phases
Step-by-Step Approach to Avoid Delays
Officials confirmed that the refurbishment will be carried out in phases rather than all at once. This approach is expected to help manage costs, ensure quality and prevent further delays.
Priority will be given to sites that are closer to being ready for occupation, with infrastructure work running parallel to building repairs.
Political Attention Brings Fresh Urgency
Chief Minister Inspects Abandoned Flats
The issue of vacant EWS housing gained momentum after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently inspected the abandoned housing project in Bhalswa. The site has nearly 7,400 flats that have remained unused since their construction in 2016.
During her visit, she directed officials to speed up repairs and prepare a time-bound plan for redevelopment and allotment. She emphasised that eligible slum-dwelling families must receive permanent homes with basic civic facilities.
A Model for Future Redevelopment
Cabinet minister Ashish Sood said the redevelopment at Bhalswa will follow standardised construction practices and strict timelines. He added that this model will be used as a template for repairing similar EWS housing complexes across Delhi.
The government hopes that a structured approach will prevent such large-scale housing projects from falling into neglect again.
Why This Revamp Matters
Housing Demand vs Wasted Resources
Delhi continues to face a massive demand for affordable housing, especially for families living in slums and informal settlements. At the same time, thousands of government-built homes have remained empty for years.
Bringing these flats back into use could provide immediate relief to thousands of families without the need for new land or fresh construction.
Restoring Trust in Welfare Housing
The prolonged neglect of EWS flats had become a major issue during recent Delhi assembly elections, raising questions about planning and accountability.
The new repair and allotment push is being seen as an attempt to restore public trust and ensure that housing schemes truly benefit their intended recipients.
What Happens Next?
Allotment After Repairs
Once repairs are completed, the flats will be allotted to eligible beneficiaries, primarily families currently living in slums or unsafe housing conditions.
Officials said transparent allotment processes and regular maintenance will be key to preventing similar problems in the future.
Final Thoughts
The approval of ₹44 crore for refurbishing defunct EWS flats marks an important step toward correcting a long-standing housing failure in Delhi. While much work remains, the initiative offers hope that thousands of abandoned homes will finally serve their purpose.
If implemented on time and with proper oversight, this revamp could transform neglected structures into liveable neighbourhoods and give thousands of families the dignity of a permanent home.
