Assam Urban Knowledge Hub (AUKH): Provision of Technical Advisory to Government of Assam

The Assam Urban Knowledge Hub (AUKH) has been established with the strategic vision of serving as a premier repository of expertise. This hub is dedicated to fostering elevated standards of practice within the domains of urban research, innovation, and the practical implementation of advanced planning concepts. These include, but are not limited to, Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Transferable Development Rights (TDR), Local Area Plans (LAP), and Town Planning Schemes (TPS) throughout Assam.

In this context, the core team of specialists from the Centre for Urban Planning and Policy (CUPP) are providing leadership, guidance, and comprehensive support to AUKH in the initiation of critical urban planning reforms mandated and implemented by the state government. By developing AUKH into a centralized data repository, and through the meticulous consolidation of essential information on demographics, land utilization, infrastructure assets, and key socio-economic indicators, AUKH actively facilitates evidence-based decision-making processes. This, in turn, empowers policymakers and urban planners to formulate judicious and informed choices that accurately reflect the evolving needs of urban areas.

The CUPP core team is also at the forefront of preparing comprehensive concept plans and preliminary project reports for strategically selected demonstration projects. These projects are designed to showcase best practices in urban rejuvenation, the creation of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and the enhancement of streetscapes. Complementing its planning and implementation activities, AUKH places significant emphasis on capacity building and rigorous research as integral components of its core mandate.

AUKH is currently being developed as a distinguished ‘Centre of Excellence’ and a respected ‘Think Tank’ for urban planning, offering targeted training programs, insightful site visits, and valuable exposure visits for both urban planners and government officials. To further standardize and streamline the urban planning process, the CRDF core team is actively developing a comprehensive Vision and Strategy document to guide urban planning reforms in Assam, as well as detailed Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Master Plans, Town Planning Schemes/Development Schemes, Local Area Plans, the Integration of Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) networks, Transit Oriented Development strategies, and the effective implementation of TDR policies to support diverse planning initiatives. These concerted efforts are significantly contributing to the expansion of institutional knowledge and the enhancement of capabilities within urban local bodies.