P. Rajeev, Minister for Law, Industries and Coir in the Government of Kerala, has announced that Kerala has become the first state in India to formulate a comprehensive Urban Policy, charting a forward-looking development roadmap for the next 25 years.
The State Urban Policy, prepared by the Local Self Government Department and approved by the State Cabinet, marks a landmark intervention aimed at scientifically guiding Kerala’s rapidly evolving urban landscape. The initiative was first proposed in the 2023–24 State Budget and has now materialised after nearly two years of sustained consultations and collaborative efforts.
In December 2023, the government constituted the Kerala Urban Policy Commission comprising leading national and international experts. The Commission submitted the Navakerala Urban Policy Report to the Hon’ble Chief Minister in March 2025. To further enrich the policy framework, the state hosted a global urban conference in Kochi in September, drawing ministers, mayors, policymakers and urban experts from across India and abroad. The final policy incorporates recommendations emerging from these extensive deliberations.
According to projections, Kerala is expected to become nearly 80 per cent urbanised by 2050. Unlike traditional urban growth models centred on large metropolitan clusters, Kerala’s urbanisation is characterised by decentralised and densely distributed settlements. The new policy provides a scientific and inclusive framework to manage this unique transformation, with a strong emphasis on climate resilience and the protection of ecologically sensitive regions.
At the same time, the policy recognises urbanisation as a key driver of economic growth. By aligning spatial planning with economic strategies, Kerala aims to leverage its urban transition to attract investments, create sustainable livelihoods and generate new opportunities. The policy builds on the state’s established strengths in decentralised governance and participatory planning, ensuring that urban development remains people-centric and locally grounded.
Envisioning a network of climate-smart, inclusive and resilient cities and towns by 2050, the Urban Policy focuses on ensuring equitable access to urban benefits. Alongside world-class infrastructure, it prioritises reducing social and spatial inequalities and strengthening social support systems.
Structured around key pillars such as legal and institutional reforms, governance strengthening, capacity building, citizen-centric service delivery, infrastructure development, and spatial and strategic planning, the policy aims to create liveable, productive and environmentally responsible urban centres across Kerala.
