In a significant step towards reshaping India’s urban trajectory, a high-level strategic consultation on the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) was convened at the India Habitat Centre, shortly after the release of its operational guidelines on April 15, 2026.
The meeting, chaired by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, brought together Ministers and senior officials from States and Union Territories to deliberate on implementation strategies for this landmark initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Odisha’s Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra described the UCF as a catalyst for a “new take-off” in India’s urban transformation, aligned with the vision of Narendra Modi for Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He emphasized that the Fund would harness market-based mechanisms and private investment to foster self-reliant, growth-driven cities.
Highlighting Odisha’s proactive approach under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, he identified the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Puri–Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER) as a key growth engine. A robust pipeline of “investment-ready” projects is being developed to deliver world-class infrastructure, enhance climate resilience, and generate large-scale employment.
Adding a strategic perspective, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development,Smt Usha Padhee, outlined a comprehensive roadmap for Viksit Odisha @ 2036, aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, detailing priority sectors and implementation frameworks. She underscored the importance of convergence-driven planning, data-led governance, and institutional capacity building to ensure timely execution of large-scale urban projects. Emphasizing outcome-oriented reforms, she highlighted Odisha’s focus on creating scalable, investment-ready urban ecosystems anchored in sustainability and innovation.
With a central outlay of ₹1 lakh crore earmarked for urban infrastructure, the consultation focused on project prioritization, streamlined approvals, and efficient fund utilization. Key thrust areas included Integrated Command and Control Centres, municipal digitization, drone-based land management, Transit-Oriented Development, dumpsite remediation, and strengthening of core urban infrastructure.
Senior officials from H&UD department including Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, Additional Secretary Satrughna Kar, Financial Advisor-cum-Additional Secretary Shikha Biswal, Commissioner Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Chanchal Rana & Commissioner Puri Municipal Corporation Sneha Arugula also participated in the deliberations.
The consultation marks a pivotal step in advancing high-impact urban investments and reinforces the Government of India’s commitment to building sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready cities.
