India Infrastructure Report 2023

On December 4, 2023, the former Vice-President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu, unveiled the much-anticipated India Infrastructure Report 2023. This report is a collaborative effort by the IDFC Foundation, Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Ltd. (iDeCK), and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA). The report provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of urban development in India and offers a roadmap for the future.

Contents

Key Highlights

The report covers a wide range of topics related to urban development. Here are some of the key highlights:

Urban Planning and Development

The report emphasizes that urban planning and development is an essential component of nation-building and an integral element in growth.
It advocates for sustainable all-round development as the only way forward for Bharat.
It also highlights the role of inclusive socio-economic development in powering growth and helping Bharat become one of the top three largest economies.

Urban Challenges

The report identifies flawed urban planning and development-control norms as the drivers of urban sprawl.
It points out that rural migration is putting more pressure on infrastructure.
It criticizes poor planning, which is resulting in slums in cities.
It calls for radical reforms in the planning process, including the integration of development, master (land use), and transport planning.

Role of Digital Technology

The report acknowledges the transformative role of digital technology in shaping India’s urban landscape.
It encourages a focus on areas like smart cities.

Financing Urban Development

The report examines the financial dimensions of urban development, with special emphasis on public-private partnerships (PPPs).
It also provides an analysis of the financial sustainability of urban local bodies.

Effective Urban Governance

The report discusses transient-oriented development and the regulation of floor space and land prices.

Urban Redevelopment

The report provides a roadmap on how to improve existing cities.

Other Details

The India Infrastructure Report 2023 consists of 25 chapters written by prominent names in the urban development and policy ecosystem. It provides a critical analysis of the current state of urban development in India. It criticizes the planning mechanism, particularly certain restrictions on the construction of buildings, which it argues are making cities “unlivable”.

The report also discusses the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), acknowledging the noticeable initiatives under SCM but questioning its overall impact on Indian cities.

Conclusion

The India Infrastructure Report 2023 is a comprehensive document that provides a critical analysis of the current state of urban development in India and offers a roadmap for the future. It highlights the challenges and opportunities in urban planning and development, and calls for radical reforms to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth. The report is a must-read for policymakers, urban planners, and anyone interested in the future of urban development in India.