Abstract

This report has been put together at the request of the XV Finance Commission to address two questions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. First, the potential of new greenfield towns and cities to assist in economic recovery. Second, defining a package of strategic measures and priorities at national, state and regional levels to enable the process of urbanisation to accelerate post-COVID economic recovery, including a broad-brush financial envelope for these investments over the 2021-31 period.

The report’s recommendations hinge on strategic choices that prioritise prudent investments that address inequality between and within states and strengthen regional linkages.