JAIPUR: The Rajasthan Housing Board (RHB) has significantly increased its revenue in FY26, surpassing ₹1,000 crore, largely due to successful commercial auctions and enhanced asset monetization, as stated by commissioner Rashmi Sharma in an exclusive interview with Ankit Sharma.
The autonomous body, primarily serving affordable and mid-income segments, is launching new residential schemes across Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Alwar, the NCR region near Bhiwadi, and selected emerging towns in Rajasthan. The board is also exploring innovative development models, including potential private partnerships, to expand its capacity while ensuring affordability. Below are edited excerpts from the conversation:
What was 2025 like for the Rajasthan Housing Board in terms of new launches and market response?
FY25 proved to be a robust year. We launched approximately 14 new schemes, marking a notable revival. The response has been positive, not only in Jaipur but also in smaller districts like Barmer, Baran, Dholpur, Bhiwadi, Alwar, and Udaipur, reflecting ongoing confidence from homebuyers in Housing Board projects.
Were most launches centered in Jaipur or also in smaller towns?
While Jaipur has a diverse range of offerings across various categories, including premium options, our commitment extends equally to smaller districts. Recent schemes have been geographically varied and received robust demand across different segments.
What are the plans for 2026—residential or commercial development?
Our main goal remains residential housing across various income levels. However, commercial development is essential for our self-sustaining model. When we devise a colony, we incorporate necessary infrastructure, such as roads and community facilities, along with commercial spaces that are auctioned to generate revenue. In FY25, successful commercial auctions significantly bolstered our financial position.
Can you share details about your revenue growth?
In FY25, our revenue stood at approximately ₹300 crore. For FY26, we’ve surpassed ₹1,000 crore, primarily thanks to commercial auctions and improved asset monetization.
How many new schemes do you plan for 2026?
We are currently in the planning phase, having identified land in Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and around Pushkar. We’re also assessing Kotputli and areas in the NCR region, including Bhiwadi. Some projects are already in the pipeline while others are in development.
The recent land price revisions were up to 26%. Has this affected affordability?
The revisions must be understood within the wider context of cost increases across the industry, including lands and building materials. Our price adjustments remain moderate in comparison to private developers and market rates. It’s worth noting that we follow an annual review process, adjusting prices based on project-specific developmental stages.
Despite these adjustments, our pricing remains competitive. We have also expanded the number of payment installments for higher-value homes to ease financial burdens on buyers.
Is the board shifting towards premium housing?
No. Since our inception, RHB has delivered about 2.65 lakh homes, predominantly in the EWS and LIG categories. Although premium projects might gain visibility in Jaipur, our focus continues to be on inclusive housing.
Are there plans to invite private developers for land development?
Traditionally, the housing board develops land through its own banks, working on projects directly. Recently, we have adopted various execution models, including EPC contracts. We are exploring options to create collaborative frameworks with private developers, while any potential participation is still under consideration and would require thorough stakeholder consultation.
Addressing stagnant inventory is a concern. What strategy is RHB implementing?
We have prioritized reducing unsold inventory through strategic outreach and marketing initiatives, including our ‘Budhwar Neelami’ weekly platform. For older units that remain unsold, we are assessing them individually, considering necessary price rationalizations to expedite sales.
Is there an enforcement wing being created to curb encroachments? What is the status?
The establishment of an enforcement wing is currently under review. Although our field team works diligently, more formal support is needed to address encroachments effectively. We plan to propose a structured enforcement mechanism to enhance the protection of Housing Board assets, aiming for implementation within the next financial year, subject to approvals.
