Over 500 experts to deliberate on the future of regional planning, AI-driven urban development and infrastructure growth
Ahmedabad: After a gap of 13 years, Ahmedabad is set to host the National Town & Country Planners Conference from February 6–8, bringing together more than 500 town planners, policymakers, academicians and urban development experts from across India. The three-day event, organised by the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI) with support from Gujarat’s Urban Development Department, will focus on the theme “Proactive Regional Planning and Development to Usher Viksit Bharat.”
K. Srinivas, Secretary, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, will attend as Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony, while Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain and former Municipal Commissioner Keshav Verma will be Guests of Honour. The conference comes at a crucial time when India’s urbanisation is accelerating rapidly. The country’s urban population is projected to reach nearly 600 million by 2031, accounting for about 40% of the total population, with 68 cities expected to cross the 1-million population mark. Experts will deliberate on how proactive regional planning can address these challenges while ensuring balanced and inclusive development.
Key discussions will highlight the role of high-speed rail, AI and GIS-based planning tools in shaping future cities. ITPI President Pradeep Kapoor said the conference will serve as a national platform to exchange ideas, learn from successful models and develop strategies to support India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
According to NK Patel, Patron and Past President of ITPI, the conference will focus on spatial planning for balanced growth, climate-resilient infrastructure, economic corridor and industrial cluster development, urban-rural integration and stronger regional governance mechanisms.
Ahmedabad’s metropolitan region will be presented as a live case study, covering developments such as Dholera SIR, GIFT City, Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), metro connectivity, and emerging industrial hubs like Sanand and Becharaji. Discussions will also explore policy frameworks, satellite town development, and infrastructure planning for global events including the proposed Commonwealth Games 2030. With a presence across 26 states and over 10,000 planners, ITPI continues to play a significant role in shaping India’s town and regional planning ecosystem. Adani Cement is the preferred brand partner for the conference.