High-level committee report on Gujarat focuses on six themes
Prime Minister Modi, who is on a two-day trip to the state, unveiled the report on Tuesday

A report by a high-level committee in Urban Planning that was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday revolves around six themes — professionalisation and institutional strengthening of cities, water-sensitive urban planning in cities, urban mobility, complete streets, creative redevelopment of cities, along with inclusive cities in Gujarat. The committee, constituted by the Gujarat government’s Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, considered the challenges related to planning posed by urbanisation of 60 per cent of Gujarat’s population in future.
“This document released by the PM is unique as its recommendations are derived from evidence-based research. The recommendations in this report are anchored around six thematic areas prepared by evidence-based research and consultations by urban domain experts. It is envisioned that each domain expert would lead the implementation of the recommendations through strategically and carefully selected pilot initiatives,” chairman of the committee, Keshav Varma, told The Indian Express.
Many of the outlined interventions over time will become transformational, not only for Gujarat but also service replicable models for cities across the country, Varma added. “We are at an inflection point. Gujarat is well poised to achieve global standards in the coming decade,” he stated.
For professionalisation and institutional strengthening for regions in Gujarat, the focus is on capacity building, training, and the establishment of an urban observatory to enhance institutional capabilities in urban areas.
Aimed at integrating environmentally sensitive planning approaches and conserving urban lakes and water bodies to build climate resilient cities is advocated under water sensitive urban planning in cities.
Urban mobility includes designs to promote sustainable and user-friendly transportation systems through integrated mobility, planning, public transport enhancement, and effective parking management.
The complete street planning, design and implementation includes standardised and iconic road designs, pedestrian infrastructure, roadside plantations, signage ystems and street parking management to create vibrant, safe and inclusive streetscapes.
Creative redevelopment of cities encourages the use of innovative planning tool such as transferable development rights (TDR) to facilitate housing and urban redevelopment. Inclusive cities in Gujarat is focused on ensuring the availability of affordable housing and fostering inclusive urban development for all sections of society.