At the Elets Urban Innovation Summit 2026, the panel discussion on “Cities 2040: Powering Today & Tomorrow Through Future-Ready Urban Infrastructure” brought together policymakers, urban planners, and industry leaders to reflect on the evolving nature of cities and the challenges shaping their future. As urbanization accelerates, the conversation moved beyond conventional infrastructure to examine deeper questions of livability, sustainability, and resilience.

The discussion highlighted a crucial reality: cities are no longer just physical spaces defined by buildings and roads; they are complex ecosystems shaped by mobility, energy systems, environmental balance, and human well-being. From the historical evolution of urban centres to modern-day challenges such as climate risks, population pressure, and energy security, the panel set a comprehensive context for understanding how cities must transform in the coming decades.

At the heart of the dialogue was a shared concern that while India’s urban growth has been rapid, it has often lacked integrated planning. The need for a shift, from fragmented development to holistic, future-ready infrastructure, emerged as a central theme, underscoring the importance of collaboration, innovation, and context-sensitive planning.

Himanshu Gupta, Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh (Moderator)

The session was moderated by Himanshu Gupta, who opened the discussion with a compelling narrative tracing the evolution of cities, from the structured planning of ancient civilizations like Mohenjo-daro to medieval trade hubs and colonial urban systems. By connecting history with the present, he highlighted how each phase of urbanization introduced new planning paradigms, shaping the cities we inhabit today.

He emphasized that contemporary urban development is entering a “post-modern” phase, where cities must respond to emerging challenges such as climate change, geopolitical disruptions, and technological transformation. Raising critical questions around mobility, water management, energy security, and cybersecurity, he set the tone for a forward-looking discussion on what defines truly future-ready urban infrastructure.

Pardeep Kumar, CEO & Special Commissioner, Chandigarh Housing Board & Municipal Corporation

Pardeep Kumar brought a deeply philosophical and grounded perspective, questioning the very essence of urban development. He argued that cities today are increasingly focused on constructing “houses” rather than creating “homes”, spaces that foster emotional security, comfort, and a sense of belonging. This distinction, he noted, is critical in rethinking urban planning priorities.

He strongly criticized the current model of fragmented and self-driven development, where uncoordinated real estate growth often leads to infrastructure collapse. Highlighting issues such as overpopulation beyond planned capacity, poor water management, and the neglect of rainwater harvesting, he stressed that sustainable development must be collective and capacity-driven. Drawing from traditional Indian planning practices, he advocated for context-sensitive design rooted in local geography, culture, and environmental understanding, rather than blindly replicating global architectural trends.

Rohit Sharma, Executive Director, DLF India

Rohit Sharma offered an industry perspective, acknowledging that India’s urban growth has often been reactive rather than planned, with infrastructure lagging behind real estate expansion. He pointed out that affordability challenges have pushed populations to peripheral areas, resulting in unplanned urban sprawl and increased pressure on existing infrastructure.

He emphasized the need for integrated development models, where government and private developers work in alignment. Highlighting mechanisms like land pooling, he explained how such approaches can enable inclusive and efficient urban expansion. Sharma also underscored the importance of building complete urban ecosystems, where employment, healthcare, education, and mobility coexist, rather than isolated housing clusters. He further noted that strengthening public transport and encouraging civic responsibility are essential to reducing congestion and improving urban quality of life.

Sukhchain, Project Officer, Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency

Sukhchain Singh focused on the critical role of energy infrastructure in shaping future-ready cities. He highlighted that energy planning is no longer a secondary consideration but a central pillar of urban development, directly influencing both cost and quality of living. With energy demand expected to double by 2030, he stressed the urgency of adopting sustainable and efficient energy systems.

He pointed to renewable energy, particularly solar power, as a key solution, supported by government policies, subsidies, and regulatory incentives. By linking additional development rights with renewable energy adoption, Haryana is encouraging builders to integrate sustainability into their projects. Singh also emphasized the importance of energy audits, green building practices, and public awareness, noting that smart energy planning can significantly enhance affordability, efficiency, and long-term resilience in urban environments.

Also Read: Role of Technologies, Surveillance, and Cyber Security in Transforming Future Cities

Chandra Ojha, Chief Engineer, Chandigarh Administration 

Chandra Ojha highlighted the growing pressure on urban energy systems due to rising populations and improving living standards. Using Chandigarh as a case study, he explained how a city originally planned for a limited population is now adapting to significantly higher demand, particularly in the residential sector.

He detailed the steps being taken to ensure energy security, including long-term power purchase agreements, integration of renewable sources such as solar and wind, and the adoption of smart grid technologies. He also emphasized the importance of upgrading transmission and distribution networks, reducing energy losses, and leveraging digital monitoring systems. Structural reforms like electricity privatization, he noted, are aimed at improving efficiency, attracting investment, and ensuring reliable service delivery for the future.

Conclusion: Towards Cities That Truly Work

The panel discussion made it clear that the future of urban infrastructure lies not in isolated advancements, but in integrated, human-centric, and sustainable planning. Cities of 2040 must balance growth with livability, innovation with tradition, and expansion with environmental responsibility.

A recurring message across all speakers was the need for collaboration between government bodies, private developers, and citizens. Without alignment and shared responsibility, even the most ambitious plans risk falling short. At the same time, there is a growing recognition that traditional knowledge systems, when combined with modern technology, can offer powerful solutions to contemporary challenges.

Ultimately, building future-ready cities is not just about infrastructure; it is about creating environments where people can live with dignity, security, and a sense of belonging.

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