India's urban transformation calls for huge investments: Puri

With 70 per cent of India's built environment for 2030 yet to take shape, its impending urban transformation represents significant opportunities for domestic and international investments, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Puri said on Tuesday.

"In terms of sheer numbers, the largest urban transformation of 21st century is happening in India," he said while inaugurating a two-day conference on Smart Cities in the national capital.

"India's unique pattern of urbanisation is not a corollary, but a driving force of this growth story," said Puri. "With 70 per cent of India's built environment for 2030 yet to take shape, its impending urban transformation also represents significant opportunities for domestic and international investments", he added.

To achieve sustainable growth, the cities will have to become more liveable and safer with clean air, adequate infrastructure, reliable utilities, and opportunities for learning and employment. The solution lies in inclusive urbanisation processes that prioritise quality of life for all, focusing especially on the needs of vulnerable urban groups for employment, housing, sanitation, healthcare and education.

"Most importantly, planning must incorporate long-term resource sensitivity and community involvement at every step, while benchmarking smart and measurable outcomes for all stakeholders", he said.

All 100 Smart Cities have established their special purpose vehicles, constituted city level advisory forums and appointed project management consultants, said Puri, indicating that all of them are in mission mode.

More than 130 domain experts and other stakeholders from industries, funding organisations and multilateral agencies were present on the occasion attended by Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal, MoHUA Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra, NDMC Chairman Naresh Kumar, Mission Director (Smart Cities) Kunal Kumar among others.

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