Building the Cities of Tomorrow: India's Urban Development Journey in 2024

As India enters 2025, its vision for its cities must be clear: sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. However, the path to building these cities of tomorrow isn't solely paved with gleaming skyscrapers and sprawling metro networks. It winds through the heart of India's smaller towns and cities, often overlooked in the race towards urbanization.

My recent visit to Thrissur, Kerala, left me in awe of the city's management of its town. The city's pristine streets, well-organized infrastructure, and thoughtful features, such as age- and disability-friendly airways, were remarkable. A city embracing its future as a UNESCO-recognized "Learning City" demonstrated a forward-thinking approach, prioritizing a knowledge-based economy and social cohesion. It provided a refreshing contrast to the often over-chaotic and congested urban landscapes we're accustomed to in major cities in India. Thrissur's vision sparked a crucial question: Is it time for a paradigm shift in India's urban development strategy? Should we move away from the metro-centric model and embrace a more inclusive approach that empowers small and medium towns?

India, a nation teeming with vibrant cities and undergoing rapid urbanization, made significant strides in urban development in 2024. The year was marked by bold initiatives, groundbreaking solutions, and deep-rooted challenges. The year was characterized by ambitious initiatives, innovative solutions, and persistent challenges.

The year 2024 saw a renewed focus on rental housing, recognizing the growing demand for affordable housing in urban areas to meet the housing demands of urban poor and migrant workers. Launching the urban infrastructure development fund signalled a critical turning point in developing urban infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to catalyze the development of essential infrastructure like roads, water supply, and sanitation. Recognizing the looming threat of climate change, India prioritized the development of climate-resilient cities. The nation forged ahead with innovative solutions, particularly in crucial areas like waste management, public transport, and citizen services. Various states made significant progress in decentralized waste management through community-level initiatives, a promising sign for the future. Initiatives included promoting green buildings, sustainable urban planning, and disaster preparedness. Some states explored innovative models to provide land rights and basic amenities to slum dwellers. States also experimented with renewable energy, including solar power, in urban areas. The year also witnessed Kerala coming out with a comprehensive Urban Policy, the first state to plan for its urban footfall for the next 25 years. Besides this, Indian cities have also championed climate action by developing heat action plans to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat; innovative water management strategies, including rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling, to address water scarcity; preserving their rich architectural and cultural heritage while also accommodating modern development; implementing source segregation, door-to-door collection, and waste processing to improve sanitation and reduce waste; and dedicated bus lanes, efficient ticketing systems, and integration with other modes of transport to address the challenges of urbanization.

Despite these impressive strides, India's urban development journey is fraught with formidable challenges. The rapid influx of people into cities puts immense pressure on infrastructure, housing, and essential services. Lack of adequate infrastructure, especially in areas like water supply, sanitation, public transport, and air, water, and waste management, remains a significant challenge in Indian cities. Urban poverty and social exclusion continue to be significant issues.

Global gatherings such as the World Urban Forum 12 in Egypt, COP-29 in Baku, and G20/U20 in Brazil in late 2024 have underscored the need for integrated urban planning and sustainable solutions. These include community land trusts and cooperative housing models, sustainable transportation solutions like public transport, cycling, and walking, citizen participation in urban planning and decision-making, increased renewable energy capacity, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Promoting green building practices to reduce energy consumption and emissions, the need for climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, and encouraging cities to develop and implement climate action plans with innovative financing mechanisms to support urban infrastructure have drawn the path for India to consider in 2025.  

India's aspirations for a $10 trillion economy are within reach. It has the right instruments and music but lacks the right and impactful 'conductor'—a driving institution to orchestrate this economic masterpiece. To achieve our goals, India needs empowered institutions at the local level, bold leadership, innovative solutions, and a collective commitment to move forward. Without coordinated and integrated efforts at the local level, we risk creating a cacophony of urban development where individual cities may thrive. Still, the nation will fail to reach its full potential.

As India steps into 2025, let's strengthen our conductor, harmonize our efforts, and compose a symphony of urban development that will resonate for generations. The nation should continue building an urban paradigm that is not limited to a few but reaches all of India's citizens. India should break free from the 'big city bias' and create a more equitable and inclusive urban development model. The cities of tomorrow demand new keys to unlock their full potential. We cannot rely on outdated urban planning models designed for a bygone era. Rapid urbanization, climate change, and social inequality challenges require us to forge new paths and embrace innovative solutions. We must transition from just building houses and roads to creating vibrant, people-centred spaces that foster community, promote sustainability, and provide opportunities for all. The future calls for disruptive thinking from a business-as-usual approach to delivering affordable housing, promoting integrated public transport, empowering urban local bodies, and leveraging digital governance and citizen engagement for innovative city solutions. Equitable access to urban amenities and opportunities for all should be a key priority in our urban development journey. Where the melody of sustainability harmonizes with the chords of inclusivity and resilience, where the crescendo of innovation empowers individuals, heals communities, and echoes through vibrant streets and bustling public spaces, leaving an indelible mark on the soul