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India Gazette
15 hours ago
- Business
- India Gazette
"Ward-level accountability is key...": MoHUA Additional Secy D Thara
New Delhi [India], June 20 (ANI): As India braces for an influx of 70 million new urban residents over the next two decades, government officials and industry leaders are calling for a strategic pivot in the country's urban development narrative--from rebuilding to revitalisation. 'Infrastructure must be delivered--if the private sector can do it better, let them,' said D Thara, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, said. She was delivering the keynote address at a CII conference on Exploring Urban Dynamics: Outlook 2030' held in the capital on Friday. There is a disconnect between India's economic ambitions and the capacities of its urban local bodies, Thara said, urging the private sector to be proactively engaged in the urban development of the country. This becomes even more important as urban India is set to see an estimated 70 million new urban residents in the next two decades by 2045. This poses challenges and opportunities as the country will see the creation of many more cities, calling for a pragmatic, revitalisation-first approach to urban development. She underlined the need for targeted interventions to upgrade existing cities, backed by significant investment. The proposed Urban Challenge Fund, she explained, is intended to catalyse this transformation with a mix of 25 per cent public sector seed funding, 50 per cent market capital, and 25 per cent state contribution. 'It's not about building afresh,' she said, 'it's about fixing what already exists--legacy infrastructure, greenfield areas, and urban governance systems.' Prasad Gadkari, Executive Director & Chief Strategy Officer at NIIF, echoed the importance of enabling frameworks to unlock capital. 'A robust pipeline of projects, predictable revenue streams, and standardised bidding processes are essential,' he said, noting NIIF's readiness to back urban infrastructure initiatives through scalable public-private partnerships. Abedalrazq Khalil, Practice Manager for Urban and Land at the World Bank, placed India's urbanisation in global perspective. 'By 2050, 800 million people are expected to live in Indian cities. Cities must be enablers of growth--but many are not yet ready.' He emphasised the need for integrated planning and livability as critical to attracting private investment. Transport integration also featured prominently, with the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) cited as a model for enabling distributed urban employment. In-situ slum redevelopment and smaller-scale, private-led urban initiatives were also discussed as vital components of revitalisation. The conversation repeatedly returned to the need for local capacity. 'Ward-level accountability is key,' said Thara, pointing to the need for institutional support to empower smaller municipalities to tap funds such as those managed by NIIF. Regulatory enablers, including those supporting Transit-Oriented Development and flexible work models, were also cited as tools for urban regeneration. Sriram Khattar, Co-Chair, CII National Committee on Real Estate and Housing, noted that urban PPPs, once uncertain, have now gained credibility. Dr Debolina Kundu, Director of NIUA, added that effective urban governance, capacity building, and low-carbon infrastructure would be essential pillars of India's urban strategy to 2050. (ANI)
Hans India
17 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
India's urban headcount likely to surge by 70 million in next 20 years
New Delhi: India Inc. must take up infrastructure building in cities in partnership with municipal corporations as the country is expected to add 70 million new urban residents in the next two decades by 2045, a senior official said on Friday. Addressing a CII conference here, D Thara, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, said that there is a disconnect between India's economic ambitions and the capacities of its urban local bodies, so the private sector needs to be proactively engaged in the urban development of the country. 'India is a rich nation with poor municipalities,' she remarked. She was delivering the keynote address at a CII conference on 'Exploring Urban Dynamics: Outlook 2030'. She said the growing urban population poses challenges and opportunities as the country will see the creation of many more cities, calling for a pragmatic, revitalisation-first approach to urban development. She underlined the need for targeted interventions to upgrade existing cities, backed by significant investment. The proposed Urban Challenge Fund, she explained, is intended to catalyse this transformation with a mix of 25 per cent public sector seed funding, 50 per cent market capital, and 25 per cent state contribution. 'It's not about building afresh,' she said, 'It's about fixing what already exists - legacy infrastructure, greenfield areas, and urban governance systems.' Prasad Gadkari, executive director & chief strategy officer at NIIF, echoed the importance of enabling frameworks to unlock capital. 'A robust pipeline of projects, predictable revenue streams, and standardised bidding processes are essential,' he said, noting NIIF's readiness to back urban infrastructure initiatives through scalable public-private partnerships. Abedalrazq Khalil, Practice Manager for Urban and Land at the World Bank, placed India's urbanisation in a global perspective. 'By 2050, 800 million people are expected to live in Indian cities. Cities must be enablers of growth, but many are not yet ready,' he said. He further emphasised the need for integrated planning and livability as critical to attracting private investment. Transport integration also featured prominently, with the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) cited as a model for enabling distributed urban employment. In-situ slum redevelopment and smaller-scale, private-led urban initiatives were also discussed as vital components of revitalisation.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Namo Bharat corridor in Meerut to unlock real estate potential with transit-led Growth
Meerut leads India in implementing Transit Oriented Development (TOD) zones, integrating them into its 2031 Master Plan. This initiative combines urban development with transit projects, creating potential real estate prospects in the area. The Meerut Development Authority (MEDA) has allocated 3,273 hectares for TOD, with 2,442 hectares divided into seven TOD zones and two special development area (SDA) zones along the Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro routes. "While the majority of the land is privately held and we will earn revenue through FSI, we are also planning a 300-hectare township where we will auction land to private developers," Vijay Kumar Singh, town planner at MEDA told ET. "We are doing the zonal planning in consultation with NCRTC ." The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is constructing India's inaugural Namo Bharat corridor connecting Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut. This represents India's first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) train service. "By harnessing the potential of transit-oriented development and value capture financing, NCRTC is enhancing the financial sustainability of the Namo Bharat project," said Shalabh Goel, managing director, NCRTC said according to the report. "This integrated approach is poised to redefine the future of transportation infrastructure, fostering vibrant, liveable communities and generating economic value that benefits both the region and its residents." The SDA zones comprise 458 hectares in Meerut South and 373 hectares in Modipuram, situated at opposite ends of the Meerut metro section. Uttar Pradesh established its TOD policy in 2022. International cities including Stockholm, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo have effectively utilised TOD to support public transport and improve urban planning, resulting in enhanced economic productivity and living standards. The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor spans 82 km, with 68 km in Ghaziabad and Meerut districts. The infrastructure will additionally support local metro services in Meerut. The 2017 National Metro Rail Policy emphasised viewing urban mass transit projects as transformation initiatives rather than mere transport projects. It required states to explore various revenue options for long-term financial viability. The housing and urban development ministry introduced value capture financing policy, enabling states and union territories to utilise their assets, including unused land, for infrastructure development. According to UP's TOD policy, areas within 500 metres of city mass transit systems and 1.5 kilometres alongside intercity transit systems like Namo Bharat constitute TOD zones. These zones permit taller, mixed-use developments including residential, commercial, and office spaces with public facilities. The base floor area ratio will increase from 2.5 to 4 in developed areas and 5 in undeveloped areas. Ghaziabad has identified its TOD zones and included them in its master plan, awaiting state government approval for implementation.
New Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
From bustling bus hub to chaos, disorder: Mismanagement cripples Sarai Kale Khan ISBT
NEW DELHI: Once a bustling transit hub, the old Sarai Kale Khan ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal) now stands largely deserted. The operations were moved to a new site a few kilometres away nearly four years ago to make room for the ambitious Delhi-Meerut RRTS (Regional Rapid Transit System) project. However, the transition hasn't been smooth. The shift has created logistical headaches for bus operators and commuters alike, with steep toll taxes for parking and penalties exceeding Rs 100 for halts beyond 25 minutes. Most buses now park outside the official premises, leading to chaos and congestion in the surrounding areas, particularly on the main road. The road leading to the Sarai Kale Khan bus stand has become a notorious stretch for traffic jams, primarily caused by buses parked illegally in a bid to avoid hefty penalties. From the Sarai Kale Khan petrol pump to the stretch where the road splits — one part heading to the highway, the other towards the bus stand — the area is choked with traffic at almost any time of day. The buses, trying to avoid the 25-minute parking limit inside the terminal, end up blocking the road and worsening the congestion.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
State govt's adamant stand only hurdle blocking AIIMS: Gopi
Kochi: Union minister of state for tourism and petroleum Suresh Gopi said that the only reason for the delay in declaring AIIMS for Kerala is the state govt's insistence on a single proposed site. Addressing a news conference held as part of the first anniversary celebrations of the third NDA govt on Tuesday, Gopi said that the AIIMS project would be a reality soon in Kerala, and he promised that the foundation stone will be laid for the project before his term as MP ends. "The Union govt has requested three location options. I don't understand the state's rigidity on proposing only a single location. But I assure you, the foundation stone will be laid at a suitable site before my term as MP ends," Gopi said. While responding to a question over the safety concern regarding ship accidents off the Kerala coast, he expressed concern over the accidents involving two cargo ships within a short span of days, calling it a matter that warrants serious attention. "If the state govt seeks assistance, the Centre is ready to intervene. For now, the Centre is keeping a close watch on all developments related to these accidents," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dublin: We Need People to Try Latest High-Tech Hearing Aids - Free Learn More Undo 'Coastal rail link still viable' On transport infrastructure in the state, Gopi reiterated the feasibility of a coastal rail corridor connecting Edappally and Tirur. "When I proposed extending the Kochi Metro to Thrissur, many mocked the idea. Now, the line is reaching Angamaly. Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is the most suitable urban transit solution for the state. A coastal rail link connecting Edappally, Kodungallur, Chavakkad, and Tirur is still viable," he said. On the semi-high-speed rail project proposed by Metro Man E Sreedharan, Gopi said the railway ministry is still examining the proposal, although no final decision has been made. The minister emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India is progressing towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. "The Modi govt pulled over 25cr people out of poverty. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana ensured food security for more than 81cr people. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, over 40 lakh houses were built for the underprivileged, and more than 10.33cr women received free LPG connections through the Ujjwala Yojana," he added.
