There is compelling logic to support the Centre's proposal to launch a National Urban Renewal Mission (NURM) to upgrade and modernise urban infrastructure all over the country. With an estimated expenditure component of approximately Rs 1,26,786 crore over a five-year period, such a mission could outdo what the National Democratic Alliance Government's National Highway Development Programme (NHDP), with the first phase allocation of Rs 54,000 crore, did for the economy. The NHDP not only provided a fillip to all those segments of the industry involved in road construction, but also vastly improved connectivity, the benefits of which should soon reflect on economic growth...editorial