Former VP M. Venkaiah Naidu Launches India Infrastructure Report 2023, emphasizes urban planning’s crucial role
The India Infrastructure Report 2023, focusing on Urban Planning and Development, was unveiled virtually on 4 December 2023 by former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu. The report, a collaboration between the IDFC Foundation, iDeCK, and NIUA, marks a significant milestone in the acclaimed India Infrastructure Report (IIR) series.*
Speaking at the virtual release event, M. Venkaiah Naidu emphasized the vital role of urban planning in nation-building and its integral connection to growth. Stressing the need for sustainable all-round development, Naidu underscored the importance of the report in providing solutions for making Indian cities sustainable.*
The former Vice President described the report as a compendium of knowledge, expertise, and experience, featuring 25 well-researched papers written by seasoned authors in the urban planning sector. The report’s roadmap for urban redevelopment, efficient planning for Greenfield cities, and creating a link with neighbouring states aim to enhance urban development.*
Naidu highlighted key aspects of IIR 2023, including Planning and Governance, Smart Initiatives, PPPs and Financing, Housing and Migration, Public Service Delivery, Integrating Infrastructure, and Urban Redevelopment. He also pointed out the report’s insights into the transformative role of digital technology, financial dimensions of urban development, and effective urban governance components.*
Drawing from his experience as the former Union Minister for Urban Development, Naidu praised the past IIRs as valuable sources of information. He expressed confidence that the IIR 2023 would contribute to inclusive socio-economic development, propel growth, and support Bharat’s ascent as one of the top three largest economies.*
Amitabh Kant, Sherpa, G-20, also addressed the occasion. Dr. Debolina Kundu, Director-National Institute of Urban Affairs, and experts from various organizations participated in the event.
The India Infrastructure Report (IIR) 2023 features 25 chapters by prominent figures in the urban development and policy ecosystem, offering insights into the current state of urban development in India. An annual publication, IIR has played a crucial role in identifying and analyzing various aspects related to contemporary themes in infrastructure development, making it an invaluable resource for policymakers, investors, academics, financiers, and multilateral agencies.*
Key highlights of the India Infrastructure Report 2023:
– Focus on the transformative potential of digital technology in shaping India’s urban landscape, with emphasis on ‘smart cities’ and performance ranking criteria.
– Examination of financial dimensions of urban development, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), financial sustainability of urban local bodies, and the efficacy of municipal bonds.*
– Insights into urban transportation planning and urban redevelopment, crucial components of effective urban governance, covering transit-oriented development, efficient urban goods movement, and floor space and land price regulation in India.
