Key Points
- Current Role: D. Thara serves as Additional Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), New Delhi, a position she has held since December 2021.
- Experience: A 1995-batch IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, Thara has over three decades of experience in urban development, industrial growth, and governance.
- Education: She holds a degree in Economics and has pursued specialized training in urban planning and management.
- Contributions: Thara has been instrumental in shaping India’s urban policies, including the Smart Cities Mission, and has led initiatives in sustainable urban development and public-private partnerships.
- Recognition: Known for her visionary leadership, Thara has been a keynote speaker at national and international forums, advocating for ward-level accountability and urban revitalization.
Who is D. Thara?
D. Thara is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who has emerged as a key figure in India’s urban development landscape. As Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, she plays a pivotal role in formulating policies that address the challenges of India’s rapidly urbanizing population. Her career, spanning over 30 years, reflects a deep commitment to public service, innovation, and sustainable development, making her a respected leader in governance and urban planning.
What Has She Achieved?
Thara’s career is marked by significant contributions to urban governance, industrial development, and policy formulation. From pioneering Ahmedabad’s Bus Rapid Transit System to driving national urban initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to translate vision into actionable outcomes. Her recent promotion to Additional Chief Secretary rank (proforma) in January 2025 underscores her influence and expertise.
Why is Her Work Important?
With India expected to see an influx of 70 million new urban residents by 2045, Thara’s leadership in MoHUA is critical. Her focus on ward-level accountability, public-private partnerships, and sustainable urban infrastructure positions her as a driving force in ensuring India’s cities are livable, resilient, and economically vibrant.
Biography of D. Thara: A Visionary Leader Shaping India’s Urban Future
D. Thara, an IAS officer of the 1995 Gujarat cadre, stands at the forefront of India’s urban transformation as the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), New Delhi. Her journey from grassroots administration in Gujarat to a leadership role in one of India’s most critical ministries is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and vision for sustainable urban development. With over three decades of experience, Thara has played a pivotal role in shaping policies that address the complex challenges of urbanization, infrastructure, and governance in India.
Early Life and Education
Born in Gujarat, D. Thara grew up in an environment that fostered intellectual curiosity and a commitment to public service. She pursued a degree in Economics, which provided her with a strong foundation in understanding socio-economic dynamics an essential skill for her later roles in urban planning and governance. To further her expertise, Thara undertook specialized training in urban planning and management, equipping her with the tools to address the multifaceted challenges of India’s urban landscape.
Her academic excellence and determination led her to clear the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination, securing her entry into the Indian Administrative Service in 1995. Her early years in the IAS were shaped by her ability to combine analytical rigor with practical problem-solving, qualities that would define her illustrious career.
Career Trajectory: From Gujarat to National Leadership
D. Thara’s career began in Gujarat, where she served in various capacities at the district and state levels. Her early roles as District Development Officer and Municipal Commissioner allowed her to gain hands-on experience in local governance, urban planning, and infrastructure development. These formative years honed her ability to navigate complex administrative challenges and deliver tangible results for communities.
Key Roles in Gujarat
One of Thara’s most notable contributions during her tenure in Gujarat was her leadership in the development of Ahmedabad’s Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). As a key figure in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, she played a pivotal role in designing and implementing the BRTS, which became a model for urban transport systems across India. Her work on the BRTS earned her widespread recognition and highlighted her ability to drive innovative urban solutions.
Thara also served as Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) in Gandhinagar. In this role, she focused on promoting industrial growth, attracting investments, and fostering sustainable development in Gujarat’s industrial corridors. Her tenure at GIDC was marked by strategic initiatives to streamline processes and enhance the state’s industrial ecosystem, laying the groundwork for her future roles in national policy-making.
Transition to National Service
In July 2019, Thara was appointed Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, marking her transition to a national role. Her expertise in urban planning and governance made her a natural fit for MoHUA, where she contributed to the implementation of flagship programs like the Smart Cities Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Her work focused on improving urban infrastructure, promoting affordable housing, and fostering sustainable urban development.
In December 2021, Thara was promoted to Additional Secretary in MoHUA, a role that expanded her responsibilities to include policy formulation and oversight of critical urban development initiatives. Her promotion was accompanied by an in-situ upgradation, reflecting her exceptional contributions to the ministry. In January 2025, she was further granted a proforma promotion to the rank of Additional Chief Secretary under Rule 8(5) of the IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016, while continuing to serve in her central deputation role.
Key Achievements and Contributions
D. Thara’s career is distinguished by her ability to drive transformative change in urban governance and policy. Below is a summary of her key achievements:
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Ahmedabad BRTS | As a key figure in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Thara played a pivotal role in designing and implementing the Bus Rapid Transit System, which became a benchmark for urban transport in India. |
| Smart Cities Mission | As Joint Secretary and later Additional Secretary in MoHUA, Thara contributed to the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission, promoting technology-driven urban solutions across 100 cities. |
| Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) | Thara has been a strong advocate for PPPs in urban development, emphasizing the role of the private sector in delivering infrastructure. Her keynote address at the CII conference in June 2025 highlighted the importance of private-sector engagement. |
| Ward-Level Accountability | Thara has championed the concept of ward-level accountability to empower smaller municipalities, enabling them to access funds and implement urban projects effectively. |
| Urban Policy Advocacy | As a keynote speaker at the CII conference on “Exploring Urban Dynamics: Outlook 2030” in June 2025, Thara emphasized the need for a strategic pivot from rebuilding to revitalizing India’s cities, addressing the projected influx of 70 million urban residents by 2045. |
Leadership in Urban Development
Thara’s tenure in MoHUA has been marked by her focus on sustainable urban development and capacity building. At the CII conference in June 2025, she delivered a keynote address titled “Exploring Urban Dynamics: Outlook 2030,” where she underscored the importance of ward-level accountability and public-private partnerships in urban governance. She noted, “Infrastructure must be delivered if the private sector can do it better, let them,” highlighting the need for collaborative models to address India’s urban challenges.
Thara also emphasized the disconnect between India’s economic ambitions and the capacities of its urban local bodies, urging greater private-sector engagement. Her advocacy for regulatory enablers, such as Transit-Oriented Development and flexible work models, reflects her forward-thinking approach to urban regeneration.
Directorships and Additional Responsibilities
In addition to her role in MoHUA, Thara serves on the boards of several organizations under the ministry’s purview, including the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC). Her strategic oversight has been instrumental in aligning these organizations with MoHUA’s goals of sustainable urban development and infrastructure growth.
A Vision for India’s Urban Future
As India prepares for an urban population boom, with an estimated 800 million people expected to live in cities by 2050, Thara’s leadership is more critical than ever. Her work focuses on building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities that can support India’s economic and social aspirations. Her emphasis on low-carbon infrastructure, effective urban governance, and capacity building aligns with global best practices, as highlighted by her participation in international forums like the CII conference.
Thara’s vision for urban India is rooted in the principle of “revitalization over rebuilding.” She advocates for integrated planning, livability, and transport integration, citing models like the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) as examples of distributed urban employment. Her ability to bridge policy and implementation has made her a respected figure in both government and industry circles.
Personal Insights
While Thara maintains a low profile regarding her personal life, her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to public service and urban development. Colleagues describe her as a pragmatic leader with a knack for simplifying complex challenges and fostering collaboration. Her ability to engage with diverse stakeholders from government officials to private-sector leaders has been a key factor in her success.
Conclusion
D. Thara’s career is a remarkable story of dedication, innovation, and leadership in India’s urban development landscape. From her early contributions to Ahmedabad’s BRTS to her current role as Additional Secretary in MoHUA, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive transformative change. As India navigates the challenges of rapid urbanization, Thara’s vision and expertise will continue to shape the future of its cities, ensuring they are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.