With over 55% of the world’s population already living in cities, it’s likely that this number will continue to grow. In India, more than 33% of the population resides in cities, and this number is increasing rapidly. As we strive to accommodate the growing needs of urbanism, questions arise: Are our present cities equipped to provide comfortable and safe living conditions?
How should our new cities be planned and constructed to meet the demands of a rapidly urbanizing population?
A discussion between the academician, the real estate stakeholders, the policy makers and the architects and planners strive to answer the question.
Suresh Babu, Founder and Principal, Suresh Babu and Partners emphasizes the importance of rejuvenating existing cities and creating new ones that are livable and sustainable. “Indian cities contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP, generating nearly 70% of the economic output while occupying only 3.5% of the land and housing over 33% of the population. However, despite their economic importance, no Indian city ranks among the top 125 most livable cities globally. The solution lies in transforming our cities into cleaner, sustainable, and more livable hubs through collective efforts.”
Bhushan Gagrani, IAS, Muncipal Commissioner of Mumbai is of the view that despite India’s rich history of urban planning, as seen in ancient cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, the country has lost its systematic approach over time. He noted that urban planning in India often begins reactively, focusing solely on land-use plans rather than holistic development.
He stressed that urbanization requires not only infrastructure development but also “software” like law and order, livability, cleanliness, and women’s safety. Gagrani emphasized the need for collaboration between architects, engineers, and planners to create value-added projects that enhance citizens’ lives. “Urbanization should create opportunities, not crises, and that growth must be inclusive, ensuring no one is left behind. Cities should be “windows to opportunity,” providing benefits for all citizens,” Gagrani added.
Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, NAREDCO & Hiranandani Group giving example of Mumbai noted that the city is undergoing an unprecedented infrastructure revolution, with:
- Rapid expansion of metro lines, adding 275-300 km in just 2-3 years, compared to 190 km of suburban rail in 65 years.
- Major projects like the Coastal Road and new airports driving massive infrastructure growth.
- The world’s third-longest sea bridge (22.5 km, 16.5 km over sea) unlocking new land and supporting the upcoming second airport.
- Plans for a third airport, to be built in the sea with a bullet train terminal, announced even before the second airport’s launch.
Dr Hiranandani attributed this progress to the commitment of the government and bureaucrats, demonstrating that with determination, nothing is impossible. He concluded that Mumbai’s safety, leadership, and rapid infrastructure development are reshaping its urbanization paradigm.”
Talking of infrastructure development in metros, what has also been seen that imbalanced infrastructure development in cities can indeed lead to safety issues, primarily due to uneven distribution and inadequate provision of essential services. This can result in a range of problems, including increased vulnerability to hazards, health risks, and social unrest.
Elaborating on the fact, Vivek Phansalkar IPS, Commissioner of Police stated, “The safety is as essential as basic necessities and without it, even impressive infrastructure can become a source of fear. An imbalance in city infrastructure can lead to a variety of safety issues and addressing these issues requires societal change as well as a collaborative effort between the government and citizens, aligning the city’s carrying capacity with its growth.”