MoHUA Minister Calls for National Housing Exchange and Integrated Urban Planning

The Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, recently addressed the International Conference on Evolving Landscape of Housing Finance, organised by the National Housing Bank and the Asia Pacific Union for Housing Finance. Held on 12th and 13th February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, the conference focused on 'Inclusivity, Stability and Sustainability' in housing finance.

Key Proposals and Directives

During his address, the Minister highlighted several key areas for reform and innovation:

National Housing Exchange

Shri Manohar Lal proposed the exploration of a 'National Housing Exchange–like mechanism'. This system would be backed by comprehensive data on available housing across various locations. The objective is to enable citizens to identify suitable homes closer to their workplaces and facilitate mutually beneficial property exchanges, thereby reducing commute times.

Integrated Urban Planning

The Minister underscored the critical need for integrated urban planning, specifically mentioning transport-linked housing development and forward-looking policy innovations. He called for the development of robust urban infrastructure through the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model for housing, aiming to make housing more accessible and sustainable.

Addressing Future Housing Demand

Shri Manohar Lal cited findings from a joint study by NITI Aayog and MoHUA, which projected India's urban population to exceed 850 million by 2050, up from 500 million in 2021. This significant demographic shift, he noted, will substantially increase the demand for affordable housing nationwide.

Role of Financial Institutions

To meet this burgeoning demand, the Minister urged financial institutions, including banks, housing finance companies, and the National Housing Bank, to collaborate effectively. He called upon them to extend greater credit support to expand the housing stock across the country.

Concluding his remarks, Shri Manohar Lal reiterated the Government's commitment to the vision of 'Housing for All', ensuring every eligible citizen has access to a dignified home.