Kerala Becomes First State in India to Frame Urban Policy | 18 Feb 2026

Why in News? 

Kerala has become the first state in the country to frame a comprehensive Urban Policy aimed at guiding long‑term development and managing rapid urbanisation effectively. 

Key Points: 

• Vision 2050: The policy envisions the state in 2050 as a continuous network of climate‑smart cities and towns, emphasising scientific planning and sustainable governance. 
• Approval: The draft policy was approved by the Kerala cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, after nearly two years of preparation by the Local Self Government Department. 
  • The initiative was first announced in the 2023–24 state budget, and a Kerala Urban Policy Commission comprising national and international experts was set up to develop the roadmap. 
• Consultations: The Commission submitted the Nava Kerala Urban Policy report in March 2025, and inputs from a global conference in Kochi were incorporated into the policy.  
  • According to the Commission’s estimates, Kerala’s urban population is expected to reach nearly 80% by 2050, requiring proactive and inclusive urban governance.  
• Focus Areas: The policy outlines key thematic areas including reforms in laws and institutional systems, capacity building, infrastructure development, people‑centric services, and spatial planning.  
  • It aims to harness the benefits of urbanisation to reduce inequalities, strengthen social support systems, and improve the quality of infrastructure across urban areas.