The National Urban Conclave 2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar on October 25, 2026, with a set of actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening urban governance, improving infrastructure planning and enhancing municipal service delivery in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The two-day conclave brought together representatives from the Union and State Governments, urban local bodies, industry, academia and knowledge institutions to discuss solutions to India’s evolving urban challenges.
During the valedictory session, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal highlighted the progress made through national programmes such as AMRUT, Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban and PM SVANidhi. He emphasised the need for affordable housing near employment centres and public transport, circular construction practices, scientific remediation of legacy waste and sustainable urban infrastructure. He also noted that more than half of the country’s legacy waste had been remediated.
Rajiv Gauba, Member of NITI Aayog, called for comprehensive reforms in urban governance, planning and municipal finance. He stressed the need to empower smaller cities, devolve greater administrative and financial powers to urban local bodies, strengthen municipal revenue generation and promote mixed-use development, higher-density planning and transit-oriented development. He also highlighted the potential of initiatives such as the Urban Challenge Fund and City Economic Regions in supporting urban transformation.
Key Recommendations for Urban Development
Discussions across seven technical sessions focused on translating policy deliberations into practical urban solutions.
The Right to Walk session recommended integrating pedestrian infrastructure into statutory plans and street development projects, securing pedestrian right-of-way, improving accessibility and establishing dedicated funding mechanisms.
The session on Water, Waste and Resource Efficiency called for integrated planning of water supply, wastewater and solid waste management. Recommendations included promoting water reuse, circular resource recovery, improved performance monitoring and sustainable financing through public-private partnerships, municipal bonds and climate finance.
On affordable housing, participants recommended reserving land for housing, integrating residential development with public transport and employment centres, developing rental and transit housing models, and streamlining approvals. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and Transferable Development Rights (TDR) incentives were also identified as potential mechanisms for cross-subsidisation.
The session on Integrated Urban Development and Infrastructure Delivery emphasised GIS-based shared databases, corridor-based development, coordination between agencies and land-based financing. Another session on urban service delivery recommended shifting the focus from infrastructure creation alone to measurable service outcomes, supported by digital monitoring, citizen feedback and performance-based contracts.
Recommendations on model building bye-laws included simplifying approvals through digital platforms, introducing risk-based scrutiny and self-certification, rationalising density and parking norms, encouraging green construction, and incorporating climate resilience and disaster safety standards.
The session on Model Municipal Law called for stronger municipal autonomy, clearly defined executive powers for Mayors with five-year tenures, improved fiscal capacity, adequate technical staffing and greater participation of Ward and Zonal Committees.
New Digital Platforms and Urban Initiatives Launched
The conclave also witnessed the launch of several initiatives aimed at improving urban management and institutional capacity.
The Used Water Marketplace under AMRUT 2.0 will connect urban local bodies with industries, institutions and other potential users of treated wastewater. The platform will enable local bodies to list the quantity and quality of treated water available for sale, supporting its productive reuse.
The Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) Portal was introduced as a common digital interface for project submission, appraisal, tracking and monitoring by states, Union Territories, urban local bodies and implementing agencies. An Online Interactive Municipal Finance Data Hub was also introduced to facilitate knowledge exchange and provide digital information on municipal revenue and expenditure.
Other initiatives included the commencement of development of 18 selected Street Food Hubs under PM SVANidhi, the children’s book Swachhata Ke Superheroes, and CPWD Nirman, a digital platform for monitoring Central Public Works Department projects. CPWDway, a digital learning platform covering construction practices, technical specifications and architectural innovations, was also introduced.
An internship initiative through AICTE’s National Internship Portal will enable undergraduate engineering and architecture students to access opportunities with CPWD, gaining practical exposure to government infrastructure projects, construction technologies and project management.
Additionally, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen technical cooperation in the circular use of treated wastewater.
Focus on Implementation and Accountability
Satendra Singh, Secretary, Department of Urban Development, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, stressed that the effectiveness of urban development must be assessed by the quality of services delivered rather than project completion alone. He underlined the importance of institutional capacity, inter-agency coordination, municipal finances and accountability.
The recommendations emerging from the conclave are expected to inform the next phase of urban reforms, with emphasis on integrated planning, sustainable financing, stronger urban institutions and citizen-centric service delivery. Their implementation will be crucial in enabling Indian cities to become more inclusive, resilient, efficient and prepared for future urban growth as the country advances towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
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