Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) on Friday opened the online application process for allotment of flats under its much-awaited Ekamra Residency housing project at Subudhipur, with the window remaining open till Oct 31.While the launch generated interest among prospective homebuyers, the pricing of the apartments triggered disappointment among many middle-class families. According to the scheme details, the cost of the units ranges between approximately Rs 78 lakh and Rs 96 lakh.In the first phase, the BDA has offered 496 apartments, comprising 208 2BHK units and 288 2BHK-plus-study.Spread over 7.34 acres, the residential project has been designed with amenities such as covered parking, community centre, gymnasium, rooftop swimming pool, power backup, lifts, security arrangements and common recreational spaces.Several prospective buyers pointed out that despite the relatively modest carpet area of around 665sqft and 878sqft, the flats have been priced beyond the reach of a large section of lower and middle-income households.Real estate experts said that flats with such carpet areas generally fall within the Lower Income Group category. However, the prices quoted under the project are comparable to those of larger apartments in private developments.“The project offers quality infrastructure and modern amenities, but the pricing may make it difficult for many middle-class families to own a home here,” said real estate expert Bimalendu Pradhan.The BDA officials, however, maintained that the project has been developed with modern facilities and quality construction standards, while also benefiting from its location and connectivity to major roads, educational institutions and healthcare facilities.According to the BDA, applicants are required to pay an application fee of Rs 10,000, along with an earnest money deposit of Rs 2 lakh at the time of submitting their applications. The online allotment system will facilitate application submission, scrutiny, lottery, provisional allotment and payment processes.