New Delhi: Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) has organised a two-day workshop focused on strengthening the capacity of municipal leadership to plan, finance and deliver investment-ready urban infrastructure projects under the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF).
The workshop, titled “Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) – Decision-Making, Investment Readiness and Urban Transformation,” was inaugurated by Sanjay Kulshrestha, CMD, HUDCO, and Dr. Debolina Kundu, Director, National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), in the presence of senior HUDCO officials.
HUDCO Workshop Focuses on Investment-Ready Urban Projects
The two-day workshop has been organised by HUDCO’s Human Settlement Management Institute (HSMI) under CITIIS 2.0.
The programme brings together Municipal Commissioners and senior officials from States and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to strengthen their capabilities in developing bankable and investment-ready urban infrastructure projects.
The workshop focuses on:
- Strengthening decision-making capabilities of municipal leadership
- Developing investment-ready urban infrastructure proposals
- Preparing bankable project proposals
- Improving urban infrastructure financing
- Supporting effective planning and project delivery
- Enhancing capacity for projects under the Urban Challenge Fund
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CMD Sanjay Kulshrestha Urges Municipalities to Develop Bankable Proposals
During the inauguration, CMD Sanjay Kulshrestha reiterated HUDCO’s commitment to supporting India’s urban development agenda. He urged municipalities to overcome challenges associated with urban infrastructure development and focus on preparing bankable project proposals that can attract and mobilise investment.
The emphasis on investment readiness is aimed at helping Urban Local Bodies improve their ability to plan, structure and implement projects that address the growing infrastructure requirements of Indian cities.
Experts to Share Best Practices in Urban Infrastructure Financing
The workshop will feature experts and practitioners from various sectors, providing participants with practical insights into urban infrastructure financing and project development.
Experts from the following institutions and sectors are participating:
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
- HUDCO
- National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)
- World Bank
- Academia
- Industry
- Leading urban practitioners
They will share practical experiences, case studies and best practices related to urban infrastructure financing, project preparation and investment readiness.
CITIIS 2.0 Supports Capacity Building for Urban Transformation
The workshop is being conducted under CITIIS 2.0, with HSMI serving as the organising institution.
By bringing together municipal officials, policymakers, financial institutions, experts and urban practitioners, the programme seeks to strengthen coordination and knowledge-sharing around urban infrastructure development.
The initiative is expected to help municipalities better understand the requirements for developing projects that are financially viable, investment-ready and aligned with long-term urban development objectives.
About HUDCO
Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) is a Navratna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. Established in 1970, HUDCO provides financial assistance for housing and urban infrastructure development projects across the country. The company plays an important role in supporting affordable housing, urban development and infrastructure financing.
Read also: HUDCO Signs Urban Infrastructure MoU with Uttarakhand, Focus on DPRs and Project Financing
