Massive Rs 10 Lakh Crore Investment in Urban Infrastructure: Real Estate Sector Urged to Align
India's urban infrastructure is set to receive a massive Rs 10 lakh crore investment over the next four years, with the real estate sector urged to align with these projects.
Urban InfrastructureReal EstateNaredcoReraInvestmentReal EstateAug 29, 2025
Addressing the 17th annual convention of NAREDCO (National Real Estate Development Council), Union Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Srinivas Katikithala highlighted the rapid urbanisation of India. He noted that in the next 20 years, more than 50 per cent of the population will live in urban areas, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity.
Katikithala urged the real estate industry to develop projects in areas where infrastructure is already being laid, and to expand their horizons beyond housing. 'In the last one decade under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urban infrastructure and the urban sector have received enormous attention and investment,' he said. 'We have seen an investment of Rs 30 lakh crore in the last decade, compared to just Rs 1.78 lakh crore during the 2004-2014 period.'
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, he added, is the fourth-largest capital spending ministry in the central government. 'It becomes our collective responsibility to participate in this economic activity and contribute to it,' Katikithala emphasized. However, he pointed out that the real estate sector's contribution to this investment has been minimal. 'When this infrastructure expansion is happening, are we aligning our projects along this infrastructure expansion?' he questioned the builders.
Katikithala stressed the importance of aligning real estate projects with existing infrastructure. 'Please do not wait for infrastructure to chase us. Let us chase the spaces where infrastructure is already being built,' he advised. He mentioned that massive investments are being made in urban infrastructure, including roads, metro rail, railways, water supply, and sewage. 'There is a bit of a dissonance between where we are developing residential or commercial spaces and where this infrastructure is getting laid,' he noted.
The secretary called on builders to identify and look at opportunities where these infrastructures have been built. 'In the next four years, Rs 10 lakh crore are going to be spent in the urban areas,' he said, adding that there are huge opportunities for participation and growth for the private sector. 'It is no longer enough for urban local bodies to deliver services on their own; they must come together with the private sector to deliver high-quality urban services,' Katikithala emphasized.
Talking about the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) law, Katikithala urged the real estate sector to support better implementation of this legislation. 'More projects should be registered under RERA, and there should be proper training for brokers registered under this law,' he said. The Prime Minister has recently reviewed the implementation of the RERA law in a meeting with all Chief Secretaries of the States, directing them to prioritize RERA as an important initiative of the country.
The Prime Minister has also directed the creation of awareness about the benefits of this law among taxpayers, with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs collaborating with the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for this purpose. The RERA law implementation has also been discussed recently in the Parliamentary Standing Committee, further underscoring its importance in the real estate sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the projected investment in India's urban infrastructure over the next four years?
India's urban infrastructure is set to receive a massive Rs 10 lakh crore investment over the next four years.
How much has been invested in urban infrastructure in the last decade?
In the last decade, Rs 30 lakh crore has been invested in urban infrastructure in India.
What is the role of the real estate sector in this infrastructure development?
The real estate sector is urged to align its projects with existing and upcoming infrastructure, and to expand beyond housing to support urban development.
What is RERA and why is it important?
RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) is a law that aims to regulate the real estate sector, protect homebuyers, and ensure transparency. It is crucial for the growth and development of the sector.
How is the government supporting the implementation of RERA?
The government is actively reviewing the implementation of RERA, creating awareness among taxpayers, and collaborating with various bodies to ensure its proper enforcement.
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