India’s Growth Blueprint: ₹1 Lakh Crore Urban Challenge Fund and ₹10,000 Crore Startup Drive |

Updated: February 15, 2026 09:34

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The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of the ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund to drive reform-based, market-linked urban infrastructure, expected to leverage ₹4 lakh crore investments over five years. Alongside, a ₹10,000 crore Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 will boost deep-tech innovation and entrepreneurial growth nationwide.

Urban Challenge Fund (UCF):

Total central assistance of ₹1 lakh crore approved.
Designed to catalyze ₹4 lakh crore investments in Indian cities over five years.
Marks a shift from grant-based financing to market-linked, reform-driven, outcome-oriented urban infrastructure.
Funding model: 25% central assistance, 25% from states/ULBs, and at least 50% mobilized from market sources (municipal bonds, PPPs, bank loans).

Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0:

Corpus of ₹10,000 crore approved to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem.
Focus on deep-tech innovation, venture capital mobilization, and scaling high-potential enterprises.
Builds on the original Startup India initiative, expanding support for next-generation entrepreneurs.

Broader Infrastructure Push:

Cabinet also cleared projects worth ₹1.6 trillion for urban development and startups.
Includes metro corridor extension from Noida Sector 142 to Botanical Garden (11.56 km, eight stations).
First-of-its-kind Brahmaputra tunnel project also received approval, signaling a nationwide infrastructure thrust.

Why This Matters

Urban Transformation: The UCF aims to make Indian cities more resilient, inclusive, and climate-responsive, tackling challenges of rapid urbanization.
Startup Ecosystem Boost: With venture capital mobilization, the ₹10,000 crore fund will empower startups in AI, biotech, fintech, and deep-tech, strengthening India’s innovation pipeline.
Economic Growth: Together, these initiatives are expected to generate jobs, attract private investment, and modernize infrastructure, aligning with India’s vision of becoming a global growth hub.
Policy Shift: The move reflects a strategic transition toward market-driven financing, reducing reliance on grants and encouraging accountability in urban development.

Closing Note

The Cabinet’s nod to the Urban Challenge Fund and Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 signals a bold step toward reshaping India’s cities and empowering its entrepreneurs. With ₹1 lakh crore for urban reforms and ₹10,000 crore for startups, India is positioning itself for sustainable growth and innovation leadership.

Sources: The Financial Express, The Times of India, The Tribune

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