The Centre will allocate Rs 1 lakh crore from the Urban Challenge Fund to redevelop cities across India. Union Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, announced the initiative at the National ULB Conference in Manesar. He stated that the funds would be used to improve urban infrastructure and living conditions. The minister emphasised the necessity of urban local bodies becoming self-sufficient while maintaining transparency and accountability in their operations.
Khattar noted that India’s urbanisation rate has climbed from 20% in 1970 to 36% today. It is expected to reach 50% by 2047, emphasising the critical need for structured urban development. He referred to a recent Memorandum of Understanding inked with Spain to share successful urban development strategies.
The minister emphasised that many villages that have expanded into towns still lack adequate drainage and sewerage systems.
He emphasised the necessity of adequate workforce training and efficient resource utilisation in addressing the challenges of growing urbanisation. Khattar stated that urban progress should be consistent with environmental sustainability.
The minister stated that India’s metro network currently spans 1,000 km across 21 cities, which is similar to the United States, and emphasised continued plans to expand these networks while upgrading the traffic system and planning for e-mobility.
