CM Nayab Singh Saini Calls Mayors the “Charioteers” of Urban Development at National Meet in Panchkula

Chandigarh, June 16 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini lauded mayors as the driving force behind urban transformation, calling them “the charioteers of city development” during the 115th meeting of the All India Mayor’s Executive Council in Panchkula. He emphasized that mayors are not just ceremonial heads but play a direct and dynamic role in translating policies into real change on the ground.

CM Saini praised the unique structure in Haryana where mayors are directly elected and empowered with executive authority, fostering stronger accountability and citizen engagement. “Urban governance is the backbone of responsive administration,” he said, urging mayors to brand their cities, build distinct identities, and partner actively in India’s development journey.

The Chief Minister underlined the evolving role of cities as engines of economic growth, innovation hubs, and cultural intersections. Rejecting the notion that urbanization is a burden, he called it a significant opportunity. “By 2047, nearly 900 million Indians will reside in urban areas. This demographic shift is not a challenge—it’s a chance to build smart, sustainable, and inclusive cities,” he said.

Saini highlighted that Haryana is aligning its urban policies with the goals of ‘Ease of Living’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business’. He presented impressive statistics on the state’s urban transformation: development grants to urban local bodies surged from ₹1,693 crore in 2014–15 to ₹5,666 crore in 2025–26. Four metropolitan development authorities have been set up, and Faridabad and Karnal are being developed as smart cities with projects worth ₹930 crore and ₹927 crore respectively.

The state has also regularized over 2,100 illegal colonies and is investing ₹1,000 crore to develop new authorized colonies. Under the AMRUT mission, ₹2,930 crore has already been spent, and the state is rapidly modernizing public transport, with 50 electric buses operational in 9 cities and plans for 450 more under the PM e-bus scheme.

In terms of housing, the PMAY-Urban has led to the construction of over 21,000 homes, with another 11,000 in progress. Under the CM Urban Housing Scheme, plots have been allotted to 15,256 families in 14 cities.

Saini also highlighted Haryana’s commendable efforts in solid waste management through door-to-door garbage collection, composting, and biogas plants. Urban services have been simplified and digitized to enhance citizen convenience.

Referring to the Swachh Bharat success, CM Saini urged mayors to study the Indore model, which consistently ranks at the top in cleanliness. He credited mayors for successfully implementing national schemes like PMAY, the Swachh Bharat Mission, and household toilet construction.

The Chief Minister stressed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has surged ahead economically. From being the 11th largest economy in 2014, India is now the 4th largest and on track to become the 3rd largest by 2029. He reaffirmed support for Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047 and called on mayors to carry this mission to the grassroots by ensuring last-mile delivery of development benefits.

The meeting was also attended by Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma, Kalka MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, All India Mayor Council President Madhuri Atul Patel, Organizing General Secretary Uma Shankar, Karnal Mayor and AIMC Vice President Renu Bala Gupta, Panchkula Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal, and mayors from across various Indian states.