NEW DELHI: Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal stated on Tuesday that India’s urban transformation is now entering a “decisive phase”, emphasizing that the journey to Viksit Bharat by 2047 relies on the development of strong, secure, and sustainable cities.
During the inauguration of the 18th edition of ‘Municipalika’ at Bharat Mandapam, the minister noted that approximately 40% of India’s population lives in urban areas, with projections indicating a rise to around 800 million over the next 25 years.
“Cities are responsible for nearly 70% of GDP and close to 90% of revenues. The path to Viksit Bharat demands robust, secure, and sustainable urban centers,” he remarked at the event. He highlighted the importance of coordinated governance, clear policies, infrastructure investment, and technology integration.
Highlighting key government initiatives, Manohar Lal pointed out that programs like the Swachh Bharat Mission and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban, as well as efforts in rental housing promotion, metro rail expansion, and electric mobility, are enhancing urban infrastructure and service delivery.
He mentioned that Integrated Command and Control Centres have been established in 100 cities, supported by over 84,000 CCTV cameras, to improve safety and governance. The government’s goal is to achieve 5,000 km of metro connectivity by 2047, he added.
Emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability, the minister shared that the government aims to promote electric vehicle adoption, lower pollution levels, and create greener, more livable cities.
The three-day event, organized by Fairfest Media in collaboration with the Good Governance India Foundation, brings together representatives from over 300 cities to discuss safe, smart, and sustainable urban solutions.
