The Challenges of Urbanization in India are unprecedented in scale and significance. The magnitude of the challenge can be understood from the sheer fact that our urban areas may be required to accommodate 250-300 million people in addition to the population that they are already home to at present in about two decades from now. Similarly, the scale of investment required would be of the order of nearly Rs. 50,00,000 Crore over next two decades if basic infrastructure is to be provided. This Strategic Plan lays down the Ministry’s thrust for the next five years on the core area of urban development.