India looks to build much-needed low-cost homes in Mumbai, but challenges persist

MUMBAI: Labourer Joginder Kumar lives in his father-in-law’s cramped apartment, located in a tenement on the fringes of India’s most popular area.

He makes less than US$ 200 per quarter, which is a meager wage that must also provide for his wife and two children. Additionally, he is unable to purchase a home for them, let alone book one.

I have to cover medical expenses and additional costs. Groceries are costing more by the evening. How may we control? Whatever I earn is used for our fundamental demands”, he told CNA.

Mumbai, where Kumar lives, has become the region’s most expensive city for cover. Indians have long sought employment in the commercial hub, which has resulted in a community boom of more than 21 million.

Some citizens of the country, who make an average of US$ 650 per month, are now unable to purchase a house.

Average house prices in Mumbai increased 10 % on the year in the next quarter of 2024, reaching about US$ 119, 000, according to home organization Square Yards.

According to experts, this has forced many people to live in impoverished neighborhoods like Kumar.