Urban Challenge Fund: Odisha Charts Roadmap for Future‑Ready Cities
April 25: The Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) has been hailed as a transformative initiative for India’s cities, with Odisha presenting its vision for sustainable and investment‑driven urban growth during a national consultation held at the India Habitat Centre.
Union Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar chaired the session following the release of UCF guidelines on April 15, 2026.
Odisha’s Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra described the fund as a catalyst for Viksit Bharat @ 2047, emphasising market‑driven growth and private sector participation.
Highlighting the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Puri–Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER) as a strategic hub, Odisha showcased “investment‑ready” projects aimed at boosting infrastructure, climate resilience, and employment.
Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee outlined the Viksit Odisha @ 2036 roadmap, stressing convergence‑driven planning, data‑led governance, and institutional capacity building.
With a central outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, the UCF will prioritise integrated command centres, municipal digitisation, drone-based land management, transit-oriented development, dumpsite remediation, and strengthening of core urban infrastructure.
Senior officials and municipal commissioners from Bhubaneswar and Puri participated in the deliberations.
The consultation reaffirmed India’s commitment to building sustainable, inclusive, and future‑ready cities through high‑impact urban investments.
