Telangana Takes Key Decisions on Urban Development

The Telangana government has taken steps to speed up the preparation, approval and implementation of urban infrastructure projects under the Centre’s Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) and Credit Repayment Guarantee Scheme (CRGSS). The Municipal Administration Department has issued GO 952, directing municipalities to implement the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. In-principle administrative approvals will be granted by the State Mission Director only after two conditions are met: the State-Level High-Power Committee must approve the project and forward it to the Centre for consideration, and the project’s Preliminary Project Report (PPR) must receive approval from the state Finance Department. The government has also constituted state-level technical and high-power committees to examine and approve proposals. Municipal Administration Secretary T.K. Sridevi will serve as the Urban Challenge Fund Mission Director. The Centre has announced ₹1 lakh crore in support under the scheme, including ₹90,000 crore for urban projects, ₹5,000 crore for project preparation and capacity building, and ₹5,000 crore for the credit repayment guarantee sub-scheme. Funding will combine central assistance, market-based financing and other approved sources.

Separately, the Telangana government has extended its Integrated Township Policy for another five years through GO 950, continuing the policy originally issued on November 3, 2020, subject to applicable state laws. The government has also made Aadhaar verification mandatory for property owners, builders and developers applying through the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) portal to help prevent fraudulent applications. Applicants who do not have Aadhaar can use alternative identity documents, including a passport, voter ID, driving licence, PAN card or another photo identity document accepted by the Municipal Administration Department. These measures aim to improve transparency, strengthen verification and accelerate urban development initiatives across the state.