Delhi to Build Hostels for 10,000 Students, Says CM Rekha Gupta

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Tuesday, 15 September 2026

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced plans to construct hostels for 10,000 students across the national capital, aiming to address the shortage of safe and affordable student accommodation. The proposed facilities will cater to both male and female students enrolled in colleges and universities across Delhi.

The announcement comes shortly after a building collapse in Satya Niketan claimed seven lives, raising fresh concerns about the safety of residential buildings and student accommodation in the city. The Delhi government has said the new hostels will provide secure living spaces equipped with essential facilities and appropriate security measures.

Key Highlights:

• Delhi to build hostels for 10,000 students across the capital
• Male and female students will get access to safe, affordable accommodation
• Government steps up action against unsafe and unauthorised buildings after the Satya Niketan collapse

CM Rekha said the initiative forms part of the government’s efforts to strengthen Delhi as an education hub by ensuring that students have access to accommodation alongside educational institutions.

“It is absolutely true that if we want to develop Delhi into a bigger education hub, it is essential to meet the need for hostels along with colleges and universities. Lakhs of students come to Delhi to study, but while they get admission, they do not get hostel accommodation,” Rekha said.

She added that the proposed hostels would remain accessible to students studying at universities and colleges in Delhi.

“The Delhi government has decided to construct hostels for 10,000 students, ensuring their safety, security and access to affordable housing. These hostels will cater to both male and female students. Any student enrolled in a university or college in Delhi will be able to avail of these facilities,” she added.

According to the CM, the government has already held discussions with relevant departments, identified potential locations and started drafting a policy framework for the hostels. The policy is expected to outline eligibility criteria, facilities, management arrangements and other operational requirements.

The Chief Minister said the government would design the hostels around students’ needs, including accommodation, food and safety.

“We have carefully considered the students' needs and the amenities required within these hostels. I assure you that we will build hostels where parents from across the country can leave their children with complete peace of mind, and where students - freed from worries about food or accommodation - can focus entirely on pursuing their dreams,” Rekha said.

The hostel plan also comes as the Delhi government intensifies action against unsafe and unauthorised buildings following the Satya Niketan incident. Authorities have launched a crackdown on illegally constructed buildings, while the MCD has strengthened enforcement against dangerous structures, unauthorised construction and violations of building regulations.

The civic body is also continuing its survey of paying guest (PG) accommodation across Delhi to create a database and assess compliance with building norms and statutory requirements.

The proposed hostels could reduce students’ dependence on unregulated PG facilities and other potentially unsafe accommodation. Officials will assess suitable locations based on student requirements and proximity to educational institutions before finalising the project.

The initiative aims to combine student safety, affordable housing and access to education, while giving students coming to Delhi a more reliable alternative to private accommodation.