The Affordable Rental Housing Scheme is emerging as one of the most important pillars in reshaping India’s urban development model. As cities like Mumbai continue to grow, the need for accessible, safe, and well-planned rental housing for students, workers, migrants, and mobile professionals has become more urgent than ever. In a forward-looking address, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani highlights how Maharashtra can transform its rental ecosystem through stronger policies, better execution, and inclusive participation from public and private stakeholders. He emphasizes that meaningful change goes beyond drafting policies true impact comes from on-ground implementation supported by CSR initiatives, charitable trust reforms, improved FSI norms, and long-term financial models that make rental housing viable and scalable.

The Affordable Rental Housing Scheme plays a crucial role in this transformation by enabling sector-specific rental projects, encouraging co-living, student housing, worker housing, and tech-community accommodation. Dr Niranjan Hiranandani draws global comparisons, noting that nearly half of the U.S. population lives in rental homes, highlighting the potential India can unlock by adopting a similar approach. He also stresses the need for stronger participation from corporates, institutions, and financial agencies to build sustainable rental ecosystems that support economic growth and workforce mobility.

With government support, evolving urban planning strategies, and visionary leadership, the Affordable Rental Housing Scheme can make metropolitan cities more inclusive and accessible for millions. This initiative offers a roadmap for India to strengthen its housing infrastructure and redefine how future generations live, work, and thrive in urban centres.