Kerala Urban Conclave 2025 begins in Kochi

Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs graced the occasion as the Chief Guest

Leaders and experts deliberate on future of Indian cities

Kochi, Sept 2025 : The Kerala Urban Conclave 2025, a landmark event in the field of urban policy and governance, commenced today at the Grand Hyatt, Kochi. The two-day conclave scheduled to be held on September 12-13, 2025 is being organised by the Government of Kerala to provide a vibrant platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among diverse stakeholders who shape and influence the future of cities.

Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The Conclave was inaugurated by Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, and presided over by Shri M. B. Rajesh, Minister for Local Self Government, Excise & Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Kerala.

In his address, Shri Khattar said that “Kerala Urban Conclave 2025 emerges as a model for local bodies nationwide in urban development.” Highlighting the international participation, he remarked, “With people from across India and abroad, this is truly a Global Urban Conclave.”

He observed that development of cities is pivotal as urbanisation is increasing at a fast pace since facilities in urban areas are more than in rural areas. He further noted, “Central and State Governments together contribute to developing the best cities of the country exemplifying the strength of our federal structure.”

Looking ahead to the two days of discussions, Shri Khattar said, “All aspects relating to urban development challenges will be discussed at this Conclave.”

He pointed out that “In the next few years, Kerala has high chances of becoming the longest linear city in the world.”

Highlighting India’s achievements in metro rail, he stated, “With 1,065 km of running metro, India is the third largest in the world after China and the USA, and in the coming 2–3 years, we will surpass the USA too.”

Concluding his address, Shri Khattar urged all stakeholders to work in unity: “We must not distinguish between schemes as local, State, or Central — all levels of government work together for the success of urban development initiatives.”

Guests of Honour at the inaugural session included Shri Anura Karunathilake, Hon’ble Minister of Urban Development, Government of Sri Lanka, and Shri Martin Meyer, Hon’ble Member of the Executive Council of Public Works & Infrastructure, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The keynote address was delivered by Shri Katikithala Srinivas IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.