India is undergoing rapid urbanization, with its urban population projected to reach 600 million by 2036, constituting 40% of the total population (World Bank, 2022). This demographic shift places immense pressure on urban local bodies (ULBs) to deliver essential services such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, and transportation. However, chronic underinvestment, weak governance, and fragmented planning have resulted in significant infrastructure deficits. A World Bank report estimates that India requires $840 billion (approximately ₹70 lakh crore) over the next 15 years—$55 billion annually—to meet its urban infrastructure needs, while current spending is only about $15 billion per year (World Bank, 2022). To address this gap, this white paper proposes mechanisms—constitutional, legislative, regulatory, financial, and institutional—for institutionalizing mandatory long-term infrastructure planning by ULBs. These mechanisms aim to ensure sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban development. The paper also outlines incentives for lawmakers to adopt these changes and highlights the risks of inaction, supported by data and real-world examples.