Koraput: The concept of multi-storey residential apartments, which are generally spotted in big cities, is rapidly catching up in small towns in tribal hinterland of Koraput and Rayagada districts.

While many residential projects have been completed in the past two years, a large number of apartment ventures is under various stages of construction in Jeypore, Koraput and Semiliguda of Koraput district and in Rayagada and JKPur of Rayagada district.

Industry insiders says the apartment culture is fast picking even in the urban areas of the tribal-dominated districts owing to scarcity and soaring price of those in the towns.

"These days, preference of customers changed from buying land to apartments and planned constructions where they get security, 24x7 power back-up, clean and green environment, modern lifestyle - and all at affordable price," said Subash Rout, owner of a construction firm of Jeypore.

It had introduced the multi-storey apartment culture in Jeypore in 2014. At present, over 500 dwelling units by various firms are under construction in Jeypore alone.

"The salaried employees have disposable money but don't have time to construct house, hence they prefer apartments. Apart from apartments, also people perfer simplex and duplex houses," said Babu Achary, another real estate developer at Jeypore.

Jeypore being the largest business centre of south Odisha, next to Berhampur, makes it a preferred destination for people from neighbouring districts to invest and own a house here. Apartments are available at a price between Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,500 per sqft.

Rayagada, considered as an industrial hub of south Odisha, is emerging as another real estate centre. Also, added to its advantage is the better railway communication and the town's proximity to Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. While in past couple of years as many as 15 apartments with over 600 dwellings have been completed in the town, several others are in the pipeline.

"There are huge takers of apartments here. Businessmen of rural areas and salaried employees of private sectors form the largest section of our clients. Also, people buy apartments as they consider it as a safe and profitable investment," said Venkateswar Rao, a developer.

Depending on the locality, the per square feet price of an apartment starts from Rs 2,000 in Rayagada town.