First state in India to prepare urban policy; draft receives approval from Kerala Cabinet

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cabinet meeting approved the draft urban development policy prepared by the LSG department. According to the Urban Policy Commission, 80 percent of Kerala will be developed and become urban by 2050. A continuous network of climate-smart cities and towns is envisioned. The urban policy will serve as the foundational document for a scientific approach to urban development in the state, with a specific focus on managing growth in environmentally sensitive areas while addressing climate change concerns.

The aim is to create a model where the best facilities created by urbanisation are accessible to all. Urban policy aims to reduce social and spatial inequalities and ensure social support systems. The first emphasis is on infrastructure development.

Urban Policy Announcement in Budget

It was announced in the budget for 2023-24 that an urban policy would be formulated. The Kerala Urban Policy Commission, comprising national and international experts, was formed in December 2023, and the New Kerala Urban Policy Report was submitted to the Chief Minister by the Commission in March 2025. Subsequently, a global conference was held in Kochi to discuss the report in detail. The conference, which was attended by ministers, mayors, public representatives and experts from the national and international levels, held detailed discussions on urbanization.