Odisha ACS Studies Global Best Practices in Affordable Housing During Chennai Visit

Chennai: In a move aimed at strengthening Odisha’s urban development framework through global best practices,Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha, undertook an exposure and knowledge-sharing visit to Chennai on February 12, 2026, to study affordable housing and urban habitat initiatives supported by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The visit focused on understanding innovative models of affordable housing delivery, institutional strengthening, financing mechanisms, and sustainable urban habitat development being implemented in Tamil Nadu, with a view to adapting suitable strategies for Odisha.

During the visit, Padhee, accompanied by senior officials of the Odisha Urban Housing Mission (OUHM), held detailed discussions with top officials of the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). The interactions centred on policy design, project structuring, implementation frameworks, and public-private partnership models that have contributed to Tamil Nadu’s success in the housing sector.

The delegation was briefed on the World Bank-supported Housing and Habitat Development Project, with an outlay of around USD 200 million, aimed at strengthening housing institutions and expanding access to affordable housing. A key highlight was the Tamil Nadu Shelter Fund (TNSF)—a social venture fund model that mobilises private capital to support housing for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) while promoting sustainable construction practices.

The visit also covered the ADB-backed Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Housing for the Urban Poor Sector Project, involving an investment of approximately USD 150 million. The project targets the development of nearly 6,000 housing units across multiple locations and prioritises relocation of families from high-risk zones to safer habitats, adoption of energy-efficient building designs, integrated waste management systems, and development of essential social infrastructure, including primary health centres and schools.

Later in the day, Padhee visited IIT Madras, where she delivered an Extra Mural Lecture titled “The Intersection of Technology, Policy, and Public Service.” Addressing students and faculty, she underlined the growing role of data-driven governance, artificial intelligence, and ethical leadership in addressing complex urban challenges such as housing shortages, sanitation, and congestion.

Encouraging young technocrats to consider careers in public policy and the Civil Services, she stressed that empathy, ethics, and emotional intelligence are as crucial as technical excellence in modern governance. The interaction concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session and guidance on Civil Services Examination preparation.

Reaffirming Odisha’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable urban growth, Padhee stated that the learnings from Tamil Nadu’s experience and academic engagement would help shape future-ready urban development strategies in the State.