Pune hosts Future Cities Forum 2026 to chart India’s urban growth path

Governor Kavinder Gupta addressed the inaugural session of Future Cities Forum 2026 in Pune, organised by Pune Times Mirror in collaboration with the Lexicon Group on the theme “India’s Cities: Leading the Growth of Viksit Bharat.” He congratulated the organisers, calling the forum “not merely an event but a significant national platform for shaping the future of urban development in India.”

Gupta said India stands at a defining moment in its history, where its aspirations extend beyond economic growth to building a prosperous, self-reliant and developed nation. He said the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, can be realised only when Indian cities emerge as centres of innovation, good governance, sustainability, technological excellence and human values.

He said future cities must be smart as well as inclusive, environmentally responsible and citizen-centric, and called for urban centres that are safe, clean and green while preserving India’s cultural heritage alongside modern infrastructure.

Gupta said meaningful progress could only be achieved through collaboration among governments, urban local bodies, industry, educational institutions and civil society, and expressed confidence that the forum’s discussions would generate practical ideas capable of influencing public policy.

He wished Future Cities Forum 2026 success and expressed hope it would become a catalyst for new ideas, innovation and sustainable urban development in the years ahead.