Low Cost Housing in India: A Review of Sustainable Materials and Construction Methods

Abstract

India faces a significant housing shortage, with an estimated urban housing deficit of over 18 million units. Low-cost housing has emerged as a critical area of research and practice, aiming to provide affordable, durable, and sustainable shelter to economically weaker sections and low-income groups. This review paper examines the various sustainable materials and construction methods employed in low-cost housing across India. The study evaluates traditional materials such as stone, brick, timber, and bamboo alongside modern alternatives including fly ash bricks, autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks, compressed earth blocks (CEB), geopolymer concrete, prefabricated panels, and recycled construction and agricultural waste materials such as rice husk ash and sugarcane bagasse ash. Construction methods reviewed include filler slab technology, precast and prefabricated construction, 3D printing, and incremental housing approaches. The paper also discusses the role of government initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), the Global Housing Technology Challenge (GHTC-India), and the Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC) in promoting affordable housing. The findings indicate that strategic selection of locally available materials, combined with modern construction techniques, can reduce housing construction costs by 20-40% while maintaining structural integrity and durability.