by “For this, on the one hand we need to nurture megacities and their hinterlands to become current centres of economic growth. On the other hand, we need to facilitate Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to take on the mantle in the future,” finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her speech.
An expert panel will be set up to suggest policy interventions, capacity building, governance and implementation for sustainable urban development to keep up with the rapid urbanisation, she said.
The design of Metro rail systems will be ‘reoriented’ to meet Indian requirements. The new focus will be on connecting Mass Urban Transport Corridors with the railway network, and on promoting public transport in urban areas, which will be complemented by clean tech and governance solutions, special mobility zones with zero fossil-fuel policy, and EV vehicles.
The FM said the Centre will provide support to the states for this mission. “Modernisation of building byelaws, Town Planning Schemes, and Transit Oriented Development will be implemented,” she said.
The government will designate five institutions as centres of excellence to develop India-specific knowledge in urban planning and design, and to deliver certified training in these areas. These centres will be provided funds of Rs 250 crore each. The AICTE will also take the lead to improve syllabi, quality and urban planning courses in other institutions.
