National Urban Policy Framework (NUPF) 2018

By Kavita Dehalwar

India is undergoing one of the world’s fastest urban transitions. By 2030, nearly 600 million Indians are expected to live in urban areas, contributing around 70% of the national GDP. This transformation brings both opportunities and challenges: rapid economic growth, innovation, and cultural vibrancy, but also rising inequality, housing shortages, pollution, congestion, and inadequate infrastructure.

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Recognizing the need for a coherent national approach, the National Urban Policy Framework (NUPF) 2018 was introduced as a guiding document for cities to become sustainable engines of growth, aligned with the goals of inclusive development, improved quality of life, and economic competitiveness.

2. Vision of NUPF

The vision of the NUPF 2018 is to create “Sustainable, Inclusive, Productive, and Resilient Urban Development” in India.
It seeks to reimagine Indian cities as:

  • Engines of economic growth
  • Inclusive hubs that provide opportunities for all, especially marginalized communities
  • Resilient spaces capable of addressing climate change and disaster risks
  • Livable cities that improve the quality of life for residents

3. Guiding Principles

The framework rests on certain guiding principles:

  1. Sustainability: Promoting environmentally responsible urbanization.
  2. Inclusiveness: Ensuring equitable access to housing, services, and opportunities.
  3. Integration: Coordinating across sectors and levels of governance.
  4. Participation: Engaging citizens, communities, and stakeholders in planning.
  5. Resilience: Building adaptive capacity to handle shocks and stresses.

4. The Ten Sutras (Core Pillars) of NUPF

The NUPF identifies 10 sutras (thematic pillars) that define the scope of urban transformation in India:

  1. Sustainable & Inclusive Cities – Cities that balance growth with equity and environment.
  2. Cities as Engines of Growth – Leveraging urban areas to drive national economic progress.
  3. Housing & Inclusiveness – Affordable, adequate, and safe housing for all sections of society.
  4. Productivity & Prosperity – Enhancing economic efficiency and competitiveness of cities.
  5. Urban Infrastructure & Resilience – Strengthening transport, water, sanitation, energy, and resilience to climate risks.
  6. Urban Governance & Institutional Framework – Clear roles, empowered institutions, and capacity-building at city level.
  7. Smart Cities & Technology – Harnessing ICT for better service delivery, transparency, and citizen engagement.
  8. Urban Planning & Design – Compact, transit-oriented, and livable urban forms.
  9. Housing for All & Slum-Free Cities – Integration of slum redevelopment and affordable housing programs.
  10. Implementation & Performance Management – Strong monitoring, evaluation, and outcome-based governance.

5. Key Areas of Intervention

To operationalize the framework, NUPF suggests interventions in the following areas:

  • Urban Housing Policy: Expand rental housing, cooperative housing, and slum redevelopment.
  • Infrastructure Development: Public transport, water supply, sanitation, energy efficiency.
  • Climate & Environment: Green spaces, renewable energy, disaster risk management.
  • Urban Economy: Skill development, local economic zones, entrepreneurship.
  • Social Inclusion: Gender-sensitive urban planning, welfare for migrants and informal workers.
  • Governance: Empowered municipal governments, financial autonomy, and capacity building.

6. Alignment with Global Agendas

The NUPF 2018 aligns with:

  • UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities)
  • Paris Climate Agreement (low-carbon pathways for cities)
  • New Urban Agenda (Habitat III) by UN-Habitat
    This ensures India’s urban development policies resonate with global commitments.

7. Implementation Strategy

The framework emphasizes multi-level governance and partnerships:

  • Central Government: Provides broad policy directions, funding, and coordination.
  • State Governments: Adapt the framework to regional contexts.
  • Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): Implement policies on the ground with autonomy and accountability.
  • Private Sector & Civil Society: Collaborate in infrastructure, housing, and innovation.

8. Expected Outcomes

If effectively implemented, the NUPF 2018 aims to achieve:

  • Affordable housing and improved living standards.
  • Efficient and sustainable urban infrastructure.
  • Economic vibrancy through strong urban economies.
  • Cleaner, greener, and resilient cities.
  • Strong local governments capable of leading urban transformation.

9. Challenges in Implementation

  • Inadequate capacity of ULBs in planning and finance.
  • Lack of coordination between government departments.
  • Resistance to land and housing reforms.
  • Financing constraints for large-scale infrastructure.
  • Growing inequality and informal settlements.

10. Conclusion

The National Urban Policy Framework (2018) is a landmark step towards a holistic and integrated approach to urbanization in India. By focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience, it provides a roadmap for Indian cities to transform into dynamic centers of growth and innovation. However, its success depends on effective governance, strong local institutions, and continuous citizen participation.

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