Bhopal. With the objective of giving a new direction to urban development in Madhya Pradesh and increasing investment in infrastructure, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is set to launch a new initiative. Under his leadership, Urban Conclave-2026 will be organized on October 28 at the Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore. During the event, extensive discussions will be held with experts, investors, startups, and representatives of concerned departments on new models of urban development, investment opportunities, digital governance, environmental protection, and the future needs of cities. During the conclave, CM Dr. Yadav will also hold one-to-one discussions with investors. The discussions will focus on investment opportunities in urban areas, proposed projects, and their effective implementation. In addition, he will launch projects and perform the bhoomi pujan and inauguration of various urban development projects. Several public representatives, senior officials, and experts will also be present on the occasion. The objective of Urban Conclave-2026 is to encourage investment, innovation, modern technology, and the startup ecosystem in the state. Investors, startups, and young people have been invited to participate in the event. Interested participants can register online at ugconclave.mp.gov.in.
It is noteworthy that a special session on the planned development of Tier-2 cities will be organized at the conclave. Discussions will cover topics such as urban density, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Transferable Development Rights (TDR), residential redevelopment, master plans, development corridors, RERA approvals, Ease of Doing Business, and Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The objective is to make better use of land as cities expand, improve residential facilities, and make transportation systems more efficient. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, emphasis is being placed on making urban development in the state investment-friendly, technology-driven, and responsive to citizens’ needs. The conclave will explore policy reforms and modern development models in this direction, examining possibilities for preparing cities to meet future requirements.
Digital Governance and Environment-Friendly Cities to Be Discussed
To make urban administration more transparent and convenient, the session will include topics such as the Automated Building Plan Approval System (ABPAS), online No Objection Certificate and development permission systems, GIS-based planning, digital governance, and Project Management Information Systems. Measures to promote Ease of Doing Business and simplify government procedures will also be discussed. In the session focused on climate-resilient cities, water security, and the circular economy, experts will share their views on water management, AMRUT 2.0, the Namo Harit Nagar Yojana, city forests, central parks, air quality improvement, electric vehicles, solid waste management, energy generation from waste, and the Compressed Biogas (CBG) ecosystem.
Preparation for a World-Class Pilgrimage City for Simhastha-2028
The conclave will also feature special discussions on financing urban projects. Options such as Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the Urban Challenge Fund, green bonds, municipal bonds, temple bonds, joint ventures, financing through multilateral banks, grants, and Viability Gap Funding will be considered. Investment opportunities for solar energy-related projects are also proposed to be discussed. Keeping the Simhastha-2028 event in Ujjain in mind, a special session at the conclave will focus on the development of a world-class pilgrimage city. Discussions will cover priority infrastructure, project financing, temple bonds, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), digital twin modelling, and implementation plans for development works. Considering the large number of devotees expected to attend, technology-based crowd management, traffic management, and event management measures will also be deliberated upon.
Opportunity for Investors and Youth to Participate
According to Sanket Bhondve, Commissioner of the Urban Development and Housing Department, the objective of Urban Conclave-2026 is to encourage investment, innovation, modern technology, and the startup ecosystem in the state. Investors, startups, and young people have been invited to participate. Interested participants can register online at ugconclave.mp.gov.in. The conclave will provide opportunities to expand investment prospects in Madhya Pradesh’s cities, accelerate development projects, and increase private-sector participation. It is also expected to help prepare a joint action plan to improve urban amenities and promote environmentally friendly development models.