JAMMU, April 6, 2026 : Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation roadmap of the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), aiming to accelerate urban transformation and infrastructure development across Jammu and Kashmir.
Focus on Smart, Bankable Projects
The Chief Secretary directed departments to identify projects strictly as per scheme guidelines, emphasizing the need to prepare high-quality, bankable proposals.
He asked officials to shortlist at least a dozen projects in key sectors such as:
- Urban mobility
- Parking infrastructure
- Housing
- City beautification
Innovative Funding Model
Officials highlighted that under UCF:
- 25% funding will come from the Centre
- At least 50% funds must be mobilized through market sources like:
- Bonds
- Bank loans
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
This model aims to ensure financial sustainability and reduce reliance on traditional budget funding.
₹1 Lakh Crore National Outlay
The scheme, presented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has a total outlay of ₹1,00,000 crore, including:
- ₹90,000 crore for infrastructure projects
- ₹5,000 crore for project preparation & capacity building
- ₹5,000 crore for credit guarantee support
Key Development Areas
The Urban Challenge Fund will focus on three strategic pillars:
- Cities as Growth Hubs
- Creative Redevelopment
- Water & Sanitation
Planned interventions include:
- Economic corridors & transit infrastructure
- Heritage revitalisation
- Smart urban systems
- Water supply & sewerage networks
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
Institutional & Financial Support
Officials from:
- Jammu and Kashmir Bank
- National Housing Bank
- Housing and Urban Development Corporation
expressed readiness to support project financing and implementation.
MoU to Be Signed Soon
The meeting noted that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Centre and the UT will be signed shortly, marking the formal rollout of the programme.
Big Push for Urban Transformation
Reiterating the significance, Dulloo said the UCF offers a major opportunity to upgrade infrastructure, boost economic growth, and improve quality of life in cities across Jammu and Kashmir.
