Affordability of Housing in Tier-2 Cities: Evaluation of Existing Housing Models and Strategies for Inclusive Access Study area- Jabalpur

Abstract

This study focuses on assessing housing affordability and identifying priority areas for intervention in Jabalpur through a combination of spatial analysis, primary surveys, and data driven planning techniques. The research aims to examine the existing housing conditions, evaluate the effectiveness of current affordable housing schemes, and propose a sustainable and inclusive housing model. The study is undertaken in the context of rapid urbanization, increasing population pressure, and the growing demand for affordable housing among Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG) in Jabalpur. The research is based on both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was collected through household surveys conducted across selected Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) sites to understand socio-economic conditions, accessibility issues, housing satisfaction, and livelihood impacts. Secondary data includes ward-level population statistics, slum data, development plan maps, and housing scheme reports obtained from government sources. The study also incorporates spatial datasets such as density maps, slum distribution, and infrastructure availability to support analysis. The methodology adopted includes spatial analysis using GIS, weighted overlay (Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis), and field-based survey interpretation. Key parameters such as overcrowding, slum population, slum density, and household density were analyzed and integrated using a weighted overlay technique to generate a composite suitability map. This helped in identifying priority wards requiring immediate housing intervention. The study further evaluates the relationship between housing location, accessibility, and livelihood opportunities to understand the limitations of existing housing policies. The findings show that housing stress in Jabalpur is concentrated in central areas with high overcrowding and slum population, while many affordable housing projects are located on the periphery, leading to higher travel costs, livelihood disruption, and low occupancy. The analysis highlights a strong link between housing location and affordability, emphasizing the importance of proximity to employment and infrastructure. To address this, the study proposes a Mixed-Income Cross-Subsidized Housing Model, where revenue from LIG, MIG, and HIG supports EWS housing, focusing on location efficiency, livelihood integration, and inclusive planning.