New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- In a major push for urban development, the government announced the creation of an Urban Challenge Fund worth Rs 1 lakh crore in the Union Budget 2025 presented on Saturday.

The fund aims to support initiatives under the 'Cities as Growth Hubs' program, focusing on creative redevelopment of cities, water, and sanitation improvements.

Sitharaman in her speech said "The Government will set up an Urban Challenge Fund of ' 1 lakh crore to implement the proposals for 'Cities as Growth Hubs', 'Creative Redevelopment of Cities' and 'Water and Sanitation'.

The Urban Challenge Fund will provide financial support for urban renewal projects across the country. This initiative is expected to encourage innovation in urban plann...