Kerala has drafted its first comprehensive urban policy with a 25-year development vision, following the Kerala Urban Conclave 2025 in Kochi. The two-day event brought together over 3,000 delegates, including international experts and mayors from eight Indian cities, to shape the future of the state’s cities.
The conclave produced 300 actionable recommendations aimed at making urban areas more liveable, equitable, and economically vibrant. Key proposals include social audits for urban local bodies, creation of city-level business development councils, five economic growth hubs, urban observatories in every city, and revenue mobilisation through digital tax systems, green bonds, and diaspora contributions.
Calling the conclave “a historic step towards building cities of the future,” Local Self-Government Minister MB Rajesh said the 25-year vision transcends political divides and ensures citizen, expert, and elected body participation. “These 300 recommendations will guide us in drafting a modern, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban policy that can serve as a model for the entire country,” he said.
Kerala also signed Letters of Intent with UN-Habitat and the United Nations University’s Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS). These agreements will help showcase the policy on global platforms such as the World Urban Forum and create opportunities for international training and knowledge-sharing for Indian representatives.
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