Today, over 500 million Indians live in urban areas — and by 2047, that number is expected to reach 800 million. India’s cities cover less than 10% of the country’s land and yet generate nearly 60% of its GDP. In many ways, the story of India’s future will be written in its cities and towns. How they grow, how they function, and how they serve their residents will shape not only the country’s economy, but the everyday lives of millions.
While cities continue to drive economic expansion, the people who live there experience mounting pressures. Most urban areas are grappling with interrelated challenges:
These pressures are not simply sector-specific concerns. They reflect structural gaps in how city-systems are organised, financed, and held accountable.
The Urban Conclave 2026, convened by Janaagraha, is bringing together policymakers, practitioners, researchers, business leaders, and civil society to dive into a foundational question: What institutional and governance reforms will be necessary if India is to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through OR build strong, liveable cities?
Former Minister, Housing and Urban Affairs, GoI
Mobility & Transport
Former Member of Parliament and Former MoS – Finance, GoI
Member of Parliament
Janaagraha is a not-for-profit institution working to transform quality of life in India’s cities and towns through large-scale systems change. It defines quality of life as comprising quality of infrastructure and services, and quality of citizenship. To achieve its mission, Janaagraha works with councillors and citizens to catalyse active citizenship in city neighbourhoods, and with governments to institute reforms to city-systems.
Over two decades, Janaagraha has contributed to major national urban reforms, including:
The Urban Conclave builds on this deep institutional experience and is part of our sustained effort to advance city-systems reform in India.
About the convening
This is an invite-only convening. The Urban Conclave is designed as a focused, closed-door dialogue to enable candid exchange across sectors.
Le Meridien, New Delhi
50+ national and global leaders have shaped this conversation over the years. Previous editions of the Urban Conclave have featured distinguished leaders including:
Former Vice President of India
Former Minister, Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India
Former Member of Parliament and Former MoS – Finance, Government of India
Member of Parliament
G20 Sherpa of India and Former CEO, NITI Aayog
Former Deputy Chairman, erstwhile Planning Commission of India
Former Lieutenant Governor, Delhi
Former Deputy Chief Minister, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi
Founder, Infosys
Chairperson, Godrej Group
Founder and CEO, The Convergence Foundation
Former CEO and Chief Planner of the Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore