New Delhi: Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the Technical Assistance Grant of CITIIS 2.0, marking a significant step towards promoting sustainable, climate-resilient, and investment-ready urban development across India.
The partnership aims to strengthen the financial and institutional capacity of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by supporting the preparation of bankable infrastructure projects, developing innovative financing mechanisms, and mobilising investments for circular economy initiatives and climate-resilient urban infrastructure.
MoU Signed in the Presence of Senior Officials
The MoU was signed by Mr. Sanjay Kulshrestha, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), HUDCO, and Dr. Debolina Kundu, Director, NIUA, in the presence of Mr. Daljeet Singh Khatri, Director (Finance), HUDCO, and Ms. Lise Breuil, Country Director, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) India.
The agreement reaffirms the shared commitment of HUDCO and NIUA to advancing sustainable urban development through technical assistance, institutional capacity building, and investment facilitation.
Read also: HUDCO Signs MoU with Odisha Govt for ₹1 Lakh Crore Urban Infrastructure and Housing Projects
Focus on Capacity Building and Investment Mobilisation
Under the collaboration, HUDCO and NIUA will work together to enhance the investment capabilities of Urban Local Bodies across the country. The key areas of cooperation include:
- Strengthening the institutional and financial capacity of ULBs.
- Preparing bankable urban infrastructure projects.
- Designing innovative financing frameworks.
- Mobilising investments for Circular Economy initiatives.
- Supporting climate-resilient urban infrastructure.
Aligned with CITIIS 2.0, Urban Challenge Fund and Viksit Bharat Vision
The collaboration aligns with the objectives of CITIIS 2.0, the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), and the Government of India’s vision of Viksit Bharat. The initiative will help cities become investment-ready while promoting sustainable urban planning and resilient infrastructure development.
Why This Partnership Matters
With India’s rapid urbanisation and growing climate challenges, cities require stronger financial and technical capabilities to implement sustainable infrastructure projects. This collaboration will help Urban Local Bodies access investments, improve project planning, and accelerate climate-smart urban development across the country.
About HUDCO
Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) is a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Established in 1970, HUDCO provides long-term financial assistance for housing and urban infrastructure projects, including affordable housing, water supply, sanitation, transport, smart cities, and other sustainable urban development initiatives across India.
