TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

Transportation plays a major role in development and function of an area. An efficient transit system is essential for growth and ease of functionality of a city. In Indian cities development of transit systems is initiated after the saturation of city where the problems of land acquisition and traffic congestion (due to construction) arise. A lot of complications occur in the design of transit corridors. So it is always better to have a well and preplanned transit system which is integrated with the growth and development of the city. For any type of land use maybe it is residential or commercial or industrial accessibility is very important for all kind of activities.

In present day trend, there are a large number of commuters in the cities who travel through the length and breadth of the city daily for various purposes like employment, education, and business or for services etc. A consistent amount of circulation takes place in a city to make its economy and to serve its residents the efficiency of the transit systems is equally important to save time, fuel and money. Transit oriented development enables us to reduce the commuting time between city and suburban areas and enables positioning of different zones so as to reduce the necessity of transporting goods or services for large distances. Thus a well planned transit system can save time and money and accelerate the economy and thereby the development of the city.

Urban Heat Island

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is a critical urban environmental issue, exacerbating the impacts of global warming and climate change on urban populations. It not only poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable communities, but also increases energy consumption due to higher cooling demands, contributing to greater carbon emissions. Moreover, the UHI effect influences local ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and altering natural processes. This article delves into various definitions of the UHI effect, elucidating its complex nature and the range of factors that contribute to its intensity.

 

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is a climatic phenomenon observed in urban areas, where temperatures are significantly higher than in surrounding rural areas. This discrepancy in temperature is attributed to human activities and urban development, which alter land surfaces and environments. The term “Urban Heat Island” originates from the visual representation of temperature distribution maps, where urban areas are depicted as “islands” of higher temperatures amidst cooler rural “seas.” First identified in the early 19th century by Luke Howard, the UHI effect has grown in relevance and urgency with the accelerating pace of global urbanization and climate change. It matters profoundly in today’s world as it exacerbates the impacts of global warming in densely populated areas, affecting millions of lives by increasing heat stress, energy consumption, and air pollution levels.

Urban Planning and Public Policy for Building Liveable Cities

 

SUSTAINABLE URBAN GROWTH MEASURES

As per 12th Schedule of the Constitution of India, urban planning including urban planning & urban development is the function of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)/ Urban Development Authorities. Government of India supplements the efforts of the States through schematic interventions/ advisories. It provides financial and technical support to the States.

The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India has issued Urban and Regional Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines, 2014 (https://mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/URDPFI%20Guidelines% 20Vol%20I(2).pdf). The Chapter - 6 “Sustainability Guidelines” of URDPFI guidelines 2014 deals with various aspects of sustainable urban development.

Under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), a sub-Scheme ‘Formulation of GIS based Master plans for 500 AMRUT cities’ is being implemented by MoHUA. The Sub-Scheme aims at geo data base creation and formulation of GIS based Master Plans. At present, 461 AMRUT Cities in 35 States including Maharashtra are on boarded under the scheme and Master Plans for 229 towns have been finalized so far, which include 44 towns of Maharashtra. Under AMRUT 2.0, the sub-scheme Formulation of GIS based Master Plans has been extended to cover Class-II Towns with population of 50,000 - 99,999. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with National Remote Sensing Centre and Survey of India for creation of geo database.

MoHUA is supporting States/ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in capacity building activities through various Schemes of the Ministry such as AMRUT, for improving the capacities of ULB functionaries, elected representatives, etc., Under AMRUT, against the target of 45,000 functionaries, 57134 functionaries have already been trained so far. Under AMRUT 2.0, capacity building programs are conducted for all stakeholders including contractors, plumbers, plant operators, students, women and citizens.

MoHUA has designated 4 Institutes in different regions as Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Urban Planning and Design, which inter alia impart certified trainings/ certified courses to Civil Servants, State Town Planners, Municipal Officials, practitioners/professionals, young students etc. These centres have been provided endowment funds of ₹ 250 crore each.

Besides, MoHUA has also designated 6 institutes as AMRUT Funded Centre of Urban Planning for Capacity Building. The role envisaged for these institutes inter alia includes subject specific trainings to Municipal officials/ Town and Country Planning officials, augmenting capacity building of State / Local authorities and hand hold them in urban planning.

All States/ UTs including Maharashtra can avail the training facilities of these centres.

The Government has announced the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI) in 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25, under which States are incentivized for taking the urban planning reforms. The details of urban planning reforms under SSACI are as under:

Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2022-23 – Part – VI (Urban Planning Reforms). The reform components included Modernization of Building Bylaws by removing contradictions and optimizing land use, Adoption of modern urban planning tools like Transferrable Development Rights (TDR), Implementation of Local Area Plans (LAP) and Town Planning Schemes (TPS), Implementation of Transit-oriented Development (ToD). Further States were incentivized for Creation of Sponge Cities, Removing Taxation for running the Buses for Public Transport.

Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24 – Part – III (Urban Planning Reforms). The reform components included Augmentation of human resources by hiring qualified urban planners, Implementation of Town Planning Scheme (TPS)/ Land Pooling Scheme, Modernization of Building Bylaws, Promoting in-situ slum rehabilitation, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Transferable Development Rights as planning tool, Strengthening natural ecosystems of urban areas through urban planning, development of waterfronts etc.

Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25 – Part – XIII (Urban Planning Reforms). The reform components include implementation of Town planning Schemes / Land Pooling Scheme, rationalization of Building Bye-laws/ Zoning initiatives, comprehensive parking paradigm, creative re-development of cities, Planning of Peri Urban areas, Transit Oriented Development, Technology based reforms, climate sustainability through urban planning, comprehensive mobility plan for ease of transit in NE/ Hilly states etc.

Gender Equality And Empowerment Of Women For Urban Planning

 Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is implementing Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), which was launched on 25 June 2015. Smart elements, components and technologies are part of AMRUT projects and this aims to promote sustainable urban development. AMRUT guidelines provides for smart elements such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) as part of the water supply and sewerage projects. As reported by States/UTs 230 Water supply projects and 146 Sewerage projects have been implemented with SCADA.

Technology Sub-Mission is an important component of AMRUT 2.0 to encourage start-up ideas and private entrepreneurship, and commissioning them into the pilot projects. As reported by Stat/UTs under AMRUT 2.0, 1482 water supply projects, 241 Sewerage projects are approved with SCADA.

MoHUA is supporting States/ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in capacity building activities through various Schemes of the Ministry such as Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), for improving the capacities of ULB functionaries, elected representatives, etc., which includes all sections of the society including women. Under AMRUT, against the target of 45000 functionaries, 57134 functionaries have already been trained so far.

Under AMRUT 2.0, capacity building programs are conducted for all stakeholders including contractors, plumbers, plant operators, students, women and citizens.

MoHUA has designated 4 Institutes in different regions as Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Urban Planning and Design, which inter alia impart certified trainings/ certified courses to Civil Servants, State Town Planners, Municipal Officials, practitioners/professionals, young students etc. These centres have been provided endowment funds of ₹ 250 crore each.

Besides, MoHUA has also designated 6 institutes as AMRUT Funded Centre of Urban Planning for Capacity Building. The role envisaged for these institutes inter alia include subject specific trainings to Municipal officials/ Town and Country Planning officials, augmenting capacity building of State / Local authorities and hand hold them in urban planning.

Under AMRUT 2.0, Ministry has also launched AMRUT Mitra initiative which involve women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in water demand management, water quality testing, water infrastructure operations, and other water sectoral projects. So far, 1762 projects worth ₹140 crore have been approved under this initiative.

The National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), a central sector scheme of Government of India was launched on 21st January, 2015 and was implemented in twelve cities. No city in Chhattisgarh was covered under this scheme. The mission has ended on 31st March, 2019 and no new projects/cities were taken up after 31st March, 2019.

Under Smart Cities Mission (SCM), 3 cities namely, Atal Nagar, Bilaspur, and Raipur have been selected from the State of Chhattisgarh. A total of ₹1351.63 crore have been released to the smart cities in the State of Chhattisgarh under SCM, which includes release of ₹488 crore to Atal Nagar, ₹428.75 crore to Bilaspur and ₹434.88 crore to Raipur.

Indore to set up India’s First PPP Green Waste Processing Plant

 Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, Indore is poised to achieve a major milestone with the launch of India’s first green waste processing plant, developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Indore is all set to make a significant leap towards environmental sustainability with the launch of India’s first PPP-model based green waste processing plant under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban. This groundbreaking initiative, aims to revolutionize the city’s waste management system by converting green waste into valuable resources. This project underscores the city’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in tackling urban waste challenges.

The facility will not only process green waste but also generate revenue, with the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) earning approx. Rs 3,000 per tonne in royalty for supplying wood and branches. Built on a 55,000 square feet land in Bicholi Hapsi, the plant will recycle wood and branches to produce wooden pellets, serving as an alternative to coal and promoting energy conservation.

Branches of large trees will be redirected to the Green Waste Processing Plant at City Forest, where they will be repurposed into valuable products. In addition, green waste generated from the premises of major institutions will be directly collected and sent to the facility, with a fixed fee structure in place. Every day, the bustling city of Indore generates approximately 30 tons of green waste—wood, branches, leaves, and flowers. As the seasons change, especially during autumn, this volume can soar to 60 to 70 tons.

Partnering with the Indore Municipal Corporation, Astronomical Industries Private Limited embarked on an ambitious initiative to transform the city’s green waste into something both sustainable and valuable—a fine sawdust that could be used across a wide array of industries. With a detailed plan in place, the idea is to dry the green waste over a span of three to four months. During this time, the moisture content would decrease by 90%, preparing the material for the next stage. As the months pass by, the green waste, once damp and cumbersome, would become light and brittle, almost ready for transformation. cutting edge machines will then help to break it down into fine dust particles - saw dust. Once an unremarkable byproduct of timber mills, now has a second life, contributing to a sustainable, circular economy.

The saw dust can be transformed into eco-friendly fuel, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional burning methods. It can be used to craft durable packing materials that reduce the need for plastic. Furniture manufacturers find it useful as a composite material, lending strength to products like chairs and tables. Fertilizers made from the sawdust enriches the soil, helping farmers grow healthier crops. And in the food industry, the sawdust can be moulded into disposable plates, offering a biodegradable alternative to plastic and Styrofoam.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the IMC will play a pivotal role by providing and transporting land and green waste to the plant. Meanwhile, the private company will take on the responsibility of setting up the remaining infrastructure, including sheds, electricity, and water facilities. The private firm will also oversee the complete installation and operation of the plant, ensuring its smooth functioning from start to finish.

Other private firms have set up the Meghdoot and sub-grade plants, spanning an area of 10,000 to 15,000 square feet in Sirpur. These facilities are dedicated to processing garden waste, such as leaves and small twigs, sourced from the municipal corporation. As part of this initiative, composting is also being carried out in specially designed compost pits located within the municipal gardens, further enhancing waste management efforts. Wooden pellets, produced from green waste, are utilized across various industries, including the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), where they serve as an eco-friendly alternative for energy production and other applications.

The goal of this initiative is to efficiently manage green waste, promote environmental sustainability, and create additional revenue streams for the Municipal Corporation. It also plays a crucial role in controlling the Air Quality Index (AQI). By improving waste management practices, this initiative will enhance hygiene, reduce pollution, and curb the unnecessary burning of waste, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

The project will also provide an alternative source of coal, contributing to AQI control while offering an effective solution for cleanliness and environmental protection. This initiative aligns with the vision of Garbage-Free Cities under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, advancing efforts toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban environment.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWOR UNDER ARHCs SCHEME

 Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs) as a sub-scheme of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U) to provide dignified living to urban migrants/poor near their workplace. This scheme is implemented through two models:

1. Model-1: Utilizing existing Government funded vacant houses constructed under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) to convert into ARHCs through Public Private Partnership (PPP) or by Public Agencies,
2. Model-2: Construction, Operation & Maintenance of ARHCs by Public/Private Entities on their own available vacant land.

Beneficiaries of ARHCs are urban migrants/poor from Economically Weaker Section (EWS)/Low Income Group (LIG). They include labour, urban poor (street vendors, rickshaw pullers, other service providers etc.), industrial workers, and migrants working with market/trade associations, educational/health institutions, hospitality sector, long term tourists/visitors, students or any other persons of such category.

Under Model-1, so far, 5,648 existing Government funded vacant houses have been converted into ARHCs in different States/Union Territories (UTs). Under Model-2, MoHUA has approved proposals for 82,273 new ARHC units in 7 States, of which 35,425 have been completed and remaining are under different stages of initiation/construction. These ARHCs provide dignified living with all civic amenities to the eligible beneficiaries at an affordable rate.  A total of ₹173.89 crore of Technology Innovation Grant (TIG) has been sanctioned, of which ₹83.26 crore has been released under ARHCs.

As per scheme guidelines, the initial affordable rent of ARHCs is fixed by the local authority based on a local survey. Subsequently, rent is enhanced biennially by 8%, subject to a maximum increase of 20% in aggregate, over a period of 5 years, effective from the date of signing the contract. The same mechanism is followed over the entire concession period i.e. 25 years.

As per the operational guidelines of ARHCs, various benefits/incentives were proposed by the Government to encourage proactive participation of Public/Private Entities in the construction and management of ARHCs. The operation guidelines are available at https://arhc.mohua.gov.in/filesUpload/Operational-Guidelines-of-ARHCs.pdf.

So far, the Ministry has not conducted any assessment of ARHCs. However, based on the learning from the experiences of 9 years implementation of PMAY-U, MoHUA has revamped the scheme and launched PMAY-U 2.0 ‘Housing for All’ Mission with effect from 01.09.2024 for implementation in urban areas across the country to construct, purchase and rent a house by 1 crore additional eligible beneficiaries at affordable cost through four verticals i.e., Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) and Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS). ARH vertical of PMAY-U 2.0 aims to construct rental housing projects for EWS/LIG beneficiaries including migrant workers and other poor who do not want to own a house but require housing for short term basis. The scheme guidelines of PMAY-U 2.0 are available at https://pmay-urban.gov.in/uploads/guidelines/Operational-Guidelines-of-PMAY-U-2.pdf.

UPGRADATION OF STPs

 Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was launched on 25 June 2015 in selected 500 cities (485 cities including 15 merged cities) and towns across the country. The Mission focuses on development of basic infrastructure, in the selected cities and towns, in the sectors of water supply; sewerage and septage management; etc.  Further, AMRUT 2.0 was launched on 01 October 2021 in all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)/ cities, enabling the cities to become 'self-reliant' and 'water secure'. Providing universal coverage of sewerage and septage management in 500 AMRUT cities is one of the major focus areas of AMRUT 2.0.

Under AMRUT, 890 sewerage/ septage management projects worth ₹34,505 crore have been grounded through which 4,447 Million Litre per Day (MLD) sewage treatment capacity (new/augmented) has been created of which 1,437 MLD capacity has been developed for recycle/reuse. 

Under AMRUT 2.0, 592 sewerage/septage projects worth ₹67,607.67 crore have been approved by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) so far. Approved projects cover 6,739 MLD sewage treatment capacity (new/augmentation) of which 2,093 MLD sewage treatment capacity is for recycle/reuse. 

MoHUA has also launched "Jal Hi AMRIT" initiative under AMRUT 2.0 reforms, which aims to incentivize States and Union Territories (UTs) to efficiently manage sewage treatment plants for recyclable treated water meeting environmental standards on sustained basis. The focus of this initiative is to build capacity and incentivizing qualitative improvements in the treated discharge effluent. This initiative is targeted to create opportunities for suitable reuse of water, contributing to the overall goal of water security through increasing water availability under the Mission.

Urbanisation, Slums and Incidence Of COVID-19 : Undertaking Reforms

Rajiv Awas Yojna - Guidelines for Slum free City Planning

 

Infrastructure Development in India

 Public infrastructure is the backbone of economic development, enhancing connectivity, trade, and overall quality of life. India, the world's fifth-largest economy, has made remarkable progress in infrastructure development over the past decade.

The total infrastructure investment in India has significantly increased, with public and private sector contributions shaping the growth trajectory. India's total infrastructure spending has grown exponentially, with budget allocations rising to ₹10 lakh crore in 2023-24.

PM Gati Shakti

The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP), launched in 2021, is designed to bring together various Ministries, including Railways and Roadways, to ensure integrated planning and coordinated execution of infrastructure projects. The initiative aims to provide seamless and efficient connectivity for the movement of people, goods, and services across various modes of transport, thereby enhancing last-mile connectivity and reducing travel time. This project has onboarded 44 Central Ministries and 36 States/UTs and a total of 1,614 data layers have also been integrated, by October 2024. A milestone of assessing 208 big-ticket infrastructure projects worth Rs. 15.39 lakh crores, of various Ministries adhering to PM Gati Shakti principles has been achieved.

India’s World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking improved by 6 places from 44 in 2018 to 38 out of 139 countries in 2023. To complement PM GatiShakti, National Logistics Policy was launched in September 2022. 26 states have notified their State-level logistics policy, so far.

Highways and Roads

India has the second largest road network in the world and its National Highways span a total length of 1,46,145 km, forming the primary arterial network of the country. The Government of India has undertaken several initiatives to enhance and strengthen the National Highways network through flagship programmes such as the Bharatmala Pariyojana which includes the subsumed National Highway Development Project (NHDP), the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East Region (SARDP-NE), and many more ongoing projects.

• India's National Highway (NH) network expanded from 65,569 km in 2004 to 91,287 km in 2014 and 1,46,145 km in 2024.
• NH stretches with four or more lanes grew 2.6 times from 18,371 km in 2014 to 48,422 km in 2024.
• Operational High-Speed Corridors increased from 93 km in 2014 to 2,138 km in 2024.
• NH construction pace rose 2.8 times from 12.1 km/day in 2014-15 to 33.8 km/day in 2023-24.

• Capital expenditure (including private investment) surged 5.7 times from ₹53,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹3.01 lakh crore in 2023-24 (highest ever).

Bharatmala Pariyojana

Launched in 2017, the Bharatmala Pariyojana envisages development of about 26,000 km length of Economic Corridors, which along with Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) and North-South and East-West (NS-EW) Corridors are expected to carry majority of the freight traffic on roads. It also envisages development of ring roads / bypasses and elevated corridors to decongest the traffic passing through cities and enhance logistic efficiency. A total of 18,926 km of roads have been completed under project by November 2024.

Further network of 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks is planned to be developed as part of Bharatmala Pariyojana, with a total investment of about Rs. 46,000 crore, which once operational, shall be able to handle around 700 million metric tonnes of cargo.

Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), was launched by the Government of India, in 2000, to provide connectivity to unconnected habitations as part of a poverty reduction strategy.

In 2006-2007, 1,07,370 km of roads were completed under the PMGSY, with a total expenditure of ₹10,769 crore. In 2014-15, 4,19,358 km of roads were completed with a total expenditure of ₹130,149 crore and in 2024-25, 7,71,950 km of roads were completed with a total expenditure of ₹ 331,584 crore.

Civil Aviation

India's aviation sector is experiencing a meteoric rise, fueled by soaring demand and the government's unwavering commitment to its growth through supportive policies. This dynamic shift has propelled India to the forefront of the global aviation ecosystem, becoming the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world.

• The number of operational airports in India in 2014 were 74. By September 2024, the number had increased to 157.
• Over 15% of India’s pilots are women, significantly higher than the global average of 5%.
• Marking a new record, domestic air passenger traffic crossed 5 lakhs for the first time in a single day on November 17, 2024.
• The number of Flying training organisations (FTOs) in June 2016 was 29. This number increased to 38 with 57 bases by December 2024.
• In terms of aircrafts, the numbers have increased from around 400 in 2014 to 723 in 2023, despite the impact of Covid-19.

Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik)

By reviving existing airstrips and airports, UDAN, launched in 2016, aims to bring essential air travel access to previously isolated communities and boost regional economic development. With a ten-year operational plan, UDAN intends to ensure equitable access to air travel for all Indians. As of 31 Dec 2024-

• 147.53 lakh passengers have availed of the benefits of the scheme.
• More than 2.93 lakh flights have operated under the UDAN scheme so far.
• 619 RCS routes have so far commenced operations connecting 88 airports including 13 heliports & 2 water aerodromes.

Shipping and Ports

The Maritime Sector in India comprises of Ports, Shipping, Shipbuilding, Ship repair and Inland Water Transport Systems. In India, there are total 12 government owned major ports and approximately 217 minor and intermediate ports. Indian Shipping Industry has over the years played a crucial role in the maritime sector of India’s economy. Approximately 95% of the country’s trade by volume and 70% by value is moved through Maritime Transport.

 

• Cargo handling capacity has increased from 800.5 million tonnes per annum in 2014 to 1,630 million tonnes per annum in 2024. Vis-à-vis 2014, this is an 87% improvement.
• India has reached 22nd rank in International Shipment category as against 44th rank in 2014.
• Turn Around Time (TRT) of major Ports has reduced from around 94 hours in FY-2013-14 to only around 48.06 hours in FY 2023-24.
• The average ship berth-day output vis-a-vis FY 2014-15 have improved by 52%.
• Tourist footfall in 2022-23 for ocean cruise has risen to 3.08 Lakhs and for light house has risen to 12.3 lakhs compared to the year 2014-15.
• The number of ships/vessels increased from 1,250 in 2014-15 to 1,526 in 2023-24, culminating in a 22% increase.
• Number of employed sea-farers are:



Railways

Indian Railways achieved a historic milestone, transporting over 3 crore passengers in a single day on November 4, 2024. On this day Indian Railways carried a record number of 120.72 lakh non-suburban passengers. This included 19.43 lakh reserved passengers and 101.29 lakh unreserved non-suburban passengers. Similarly, the suburban traffic reached a record 180 lakh passengers, making it the highest single-day passenger figure of the year.

• The manufacturing of Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches has increased from 2,209 coaches in year 2006-2014 to 31,956 coaches in year 2014-2023.
• The provision of Bio-toilets in coaches has been increased from 3,647 coaches in year 2006-2014 to 80,478 coaches in year 2014-2023.
• The Production units of Indian Railways are producing only LHB coaches from April-2018 onwards and trains operated with ICF coaches are being converted so as to run with LHB coaches.
• In 2005-06, 33,540 km and in 2014-15, 41,038 km of running tracks were electrified.
• During 2004-14, 14,985 RKM of rail track work was done whereas during 2014-23, 25,871 RKM of track laying work has been done. In the year 2022-23, per day 14 km track was laid.
• Rail connectivity to four states of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur & Mizoram provided after 2014 (Meghalaya in November 2014, Arunachal Pradesh in February 2015, Manipur (Jiribam) in May 2016 & Mizoram (Bhairabi) in March 2016).
• Before 2014, the number of stations equipped with CCTV surveillance facilities was 123 whereas during 2014-23, CCTVs were installed across 743 railway stations. By December 2024, CCTV coverage was increased to a total of 1051 stations.

 



 

Urban Affairs and Housing

• Under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), total projects are 8,076, amounting to ₹1,64,706 crore, of which 7,401 projects amounting to ₹1,54,351 crore have been completed, as per the data provided by 100 Smart Cities.
• Under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0, there has been a 97% increase in the urban waste collection from 2014-15 to 2024-25.
• The waste processing percentage has increased from 18% in 2014-15 to 78% in 2024-25.
• During 2004-14, 13.46 lakh houses were approved under schemes like JnNURM & RRY. This increased substantially (9 times) in 2015-2024, when 118.64 lakh houses were approved under PMAY-U.
• During 2004-14, 8.04 lakh houses were built and marking a 11x increase, during 2015-24, 88.32 lakh houses were completed.



 

• The number of buses sanctioned from 2004-2014 were 14,405 and this increased to 19,752 during 2014-24.

AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation)

Launched in 2015, AMRUT aims at ensuring every household has access to a tap with the assured supply of water and a sewerage connection, increasing the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well-maintained open spaces (e.g. parks) and reducing pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling). As of February 1, 2025, there are:



Jal Jeevan Mission

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was launched on August 15, 2019, with the ambitious goal of providing tap water supply to every rural household. At the time of its inception, only 3.23 crore (17%) of rural households had tap water connections. As of February 1, 2025, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has successfully provided tap water connections to 12.20 crore additional rural households, bringing the total coverage to over 15.44 crore households, which accounts for 79.74% of all rural households in India. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the mission.

A Methodology for Local Accessibility Planning in Indian Cities

Transit Oriented Development Guidance Document

World Cities Report 2024

PROTECTED LAND USE ZONE

 Protected Land Use categorized in to four types.

1) Blue Zone (Water Bodies)

2) Green Zone (Forest)

3) Brown Zone (Hills)

4) Coastal Regulation Zone

Blue Zone (Water Bodies) :

• Water bodies Zone generally indicates all existing water courses, rivers, canals, lakes, tanks and kuntas as indicated in the topographical sheets published by the Survey of India/Revenue records/Irrigation department/or other competent authorities. 
• The boundary of the water bodies relates to the Full tank Level as indicated in relevant maps, covering both perennial and non-perennial parts when such distinction exists. In water Body Zone no construction is permitted in the water-spread. 
• The only exception is fishing, boating, and picnics along the banks. The only construction allowed is open to sky jetties for boating, house boats, and platforms for fishing and rain shelters’ and snack bars each not exceeding 100 sq.m in area and tourist amenities. 

Green Zone (Forest): 

No development permission shall be allowed except Agriculture, Horticulture and forestry use in BioConservation Zone / Eco-Sensitive Zone / Reserved Forest as notified by the Govt. 

•  Parks 
•  Botanical gardens 
•  Picnic spots 
•  Public utilities 
•  Electrical sub stations 

Microwave radar/cell phones tower/T.V. tower and station are permitted in the zone subject to obtain NoC/ Clearance from the concerned Dept.

Brown Zone (Hills):

•  No physical development of any sort to be permitted in this zone. 
•  Further there shall be no development within 12 m distance from the boundary. 
•  Form based regulations will prevail for hills within Bhogapuram airport and influence area zone.

Coastal Regulation Zone :

The CRZ rules and regulations issued by the MoEF, CPCB and APPCB shall be followed from time to time.

Handbook on Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Energy Conservation & Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC) - (Commercial and Office Buildings)

Building Code for Residential Buildings

Regional Planning

Regional Planning is an organized and deliberate practice of development of a region or maybe regions, brings out the improvement potentialities of each region,as well as, taking into account the limits of both material and human information within each region, suggests techniques for the development of theirs, so that the State as anentire could achieve a better level of economic well-being.

The primary goal behind regional planning is bringing about the improvement of the region in a planned and systematic fashion.

Regional planning is a proactive approach that aims to plan a sustainable future for regions by considering various aspects such as the natural environment, land use, and natural resources.

It involves spatial analysis, demographic assessment, economic assessment, and infrastructure planning to ensure well-managed and balanced development.

Collaboration with the local community and establishing strong governance structures are essential for successful regional planning. Key components of regional planning include spatial analysis, demographic understanding, economic assessment, infrastructure planning, and land use planning.

Regional planning aims to strike a balance between development and environmental conservation, promote efficient transportation networks, ensure social equity, and engage the community in the planning process.

Urban Heat Island Effect

 

Andhra Pradesh Final Standardized Development and Building Regulations

Streets for People - Pathways of Change from India's Smart Cities

Town Planning

City Beauty Competition Guidelines

The Challenge of Implementing GIS - Based Master Plans

Over 200 Class-I cities in India, including Shimla and Imphal, have recently notifi ed Geographic Information System (GIS)-based master plans as part of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) mission.

 The Supreme Court’s approval of the Shimla Development Plan, after 44 years, and Manipur’s notifi cation of a fl ood-prone capital city plan marked signifi cant milestones. 

 These initiatives are part of the larger AMRUT mission, initially launched in 2015 and relaunched in 2021, aiming to have over 1,000 cities with GISbased master plans. 

Signifi cance of GIS-Based Master Plans: 

 GIS-based master plans involve mapping the entire existing infrastructure, providing a comprehensive vision for a city’s development over the next two decades. 

 It includes regulations for land use, building construction, transport, green spaces, and economic development. 

Challenges in Master Plan Implementation: 

 Urban development experts argue that master plans, despite being critical, often remain unimplemented, leading to unauthorized development in cities. 

 The rapid urbanization and poor enforcement of these plans have contributed to issues like unregulated construction and environmental concerns.

Unregulated Development and Climate Impact: 

 The absence of master plans in 65% of urban settlements, as highlighted by NITI Aayog, leads to piecemeal interventions, haphazard constructions, and environmental pollution. 

 This is particularly signifi cant in hill states like Himachal, prone to fl ash fl oods and landslides.

AMRUT’s Role in Addressing Challenges: 

 AMRUT’s sub-scheme focuses on using technology to prepare master plans, utilizing GIS data to address challenges arising from urbanization and climate change. 

 The baseline maps, created using satellite imagery or drones, form the foundation for future plans related to transportation, economic activities, and social infrastructure.

The Implementation Challenge: 

 While the emphasis is on planning for the next two decades, experts stress that the real challenge lies in implementation and having an enforceable legal framework. 

 The lack of strict enforcement and accountability has hindered the success of master plans in many cities. 

Incentives and Recruitment Drive: 

 Approximately 1500 Class-I towns have only around 10% with valid master plans. 

 However, with the central government providing incentives and focusing on recruiting urban planners, there is a positive shift. 

 Cities are now receiving funds as incentives for preparing master plans, marking progress on the ground. 

 While GIS-based master plans represent a crucial step toward planned urban development, the success hinges on effective implementation and a robust legal framework. The current momentum, driven by incentives and recruitment initiatives, offers hope for more cities to adopt and enforce comprehensive master plans. 

Key Points:

1. Master Plan Significance: A master plan is a critical vision document outlining a city’s development for the next two decades, including regulations on land use, building construction, transport, green spaces, and economic development.
2. Historical Gap: Urban development experts note that master plans have often remained theoretical, leading to unauthorized development due to rapid urbanization and poor implementation.
3. Environmental Concerns: The urgency of these plans is underscored by environmental challenges, such as the frequent flash floods and landslides in hill states like Himachal Pradesh.