India plans to launch ’world’s cheapest homes’‎

The Indian manufacturer of the world’s cheapest car has announced a "flat-pack" house intended to cost just $700 and aimed at rural areas, BusinessGhana reported.

The Tata Group, maker of the $2,200 "Nano" car, says the prefabricated houses will come as a kit consisting of roofs, doors, windows, etc, which can be erected or assembled quickly, The Hindu reported.

"It is quick house built in seven days if you have a patch of land. Basic model of 20 square meters (215 square feet), with flat roof will cost around 500 euros ($700)," Sumitesh Das, head of the global research program of Tata Steel, said.

"The main challenge it may face is supply chain management due to shortage of production of panels," he said.

The life of the house will be 20 years although that may improve with additional research, he said.

"At present, the housing project is in the pilot stage in 30 locations spread across the country and we are in discussions with various agencies like Coir Board, Jute Board and also state governments," Das said.


/APA/