Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, has called for the implementation of a mandatory durability certification system for all buildings in India. The proposal aims to instill greater confidence among consumers regarding the safety and quality of new structures, while simultaneously elevating construction standards across the industry.
Ensuring Quality and Consumer Trust
Speaking at the inaugural session of the four-day Bharat Buildcon 2026 event in New Delhi, Minister Khattar emphasized that buildings should be designed and constructed based on clearly defined durability standards. This certification mechanism would indicate the expected lifespan of every structure, providing crucial information to prospective buyers.
"A durability certification system would provide confidence to consumers regarding the safety and quality of structures while encouraging higher construction standards across the industry," Khattar stated.
The minister's call comes amidst increasing complaints from homebuyers who have reported issues with the quality of new residential projects, including instances of plaster falling from ceilings. Modern buildings are typically designed for a lifespan of 60-70 years, but Khattar urged exploration into technologies that could deliver significantly longer-lasting structures where feasible.
Meeting Urbanization Demands and Future Construction
Khattar also highlighted the urgent need to accelerate the pace of construction nationwide to keep pace with India's rapid urbanization. He stressed the importance of not just speed, but also quality, durability, sustainability, and affordability in all new infrastructure projects.
With India's urban population projected to grow substantially, the demand for housing, infrastructure, and civic amenities is set to soar. The minister suggested that over one crore urban homes would need to be built annually to meet these growing requirements.
Furthermore, Khattar underscored the critical role of the affordable housing segment, which has seen a decline in recent years. He insisted that housing solutions must cater to all socio-economic strata, from economically weaker sections to middle-income families and premium segments.
To achieve these ambitious goals, the Union Minister advocated for the wider adoption of emerging construction technologies. He specifically mentioned prefabricated construction systems, 3D printing, and engineered bamboo as innovative solutions capable of improving construction speed, quality, and environmental sustainability.