Will India’s Urban Population Increase by 70 Million in 20 Years?
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Synopsis
As India anticipates a surge of 70 million new urban residents by 2045, it's crucial for the private sector to partner with municipal corporations to address infrastructure challenges. D Thara from the Ministry of Housing emphasizes the need for revitalization and investment in existing urban structures.
Key Takeaways
- India's urban population expected to grow by 70 million by 2045.
- Need for collaboration between private sector and municipal corporations.
- Urban Challenge Fund aims to catalyze investment in infrastructure.
- Focus on revitalizing existing urban infrastructure is essential.
- Integrated planning is crucial for attracting private investment.
New Delhi, June 20 (NationPress) India Inc. must engage in infrastructure development within cities in collaboration with municipal corporations, as the nation is projected to welcome an additional 70 million urban inhabitants over the next 20 years by 2045, a senior official stated on Friday.
Speaking at a CII conference, D Thara, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, highlighted the disconnect between India’s economic aspirations and the capabilities of its urban local bodies. She emphasized the necessity for the private sector to actively participate in the urban development journey of the country.
“India is a wealthy nation with underfunded municipalities,” she commented.
During her keynote address at the CII conference titled ‘Exploring Urban Dynamics: Outlook 2030’, she pointed out that the growing urban populace presents both challenges and opportunities, calling for a pragmatic approach focused on revitalization in urban development.
She stressed the importance of targeted interventions to enhance existing cities, supported by substantial investment. The proposed Urban Challenge Fund aims to spur this transformation with a combination of 25% public sector seed funding, 50% market capital, and 25% state contributions.
“It’s not merely about new construction,” she stated, “It’s about addressing the existing challenges in legacy infrastructure, greenfield areas, and urban governance systems.”
Prasad Gadkari, executive director and chief strategy officer at NIIF, reiterated the necessity of establishing enabling frameworks to unleash capital.
“A solid pipeline of projects, predictable revenue streams, and standardized bidding processes are crucial,” he remarked, noting NIIF’s commitment to support urban infrastructure projects through scalable public-private partnerships.
Abedalrazq Khalil, Practice Manager for Urban and Land at the World Bank, contextualized India’s urbanization on a global scale.
“By 2050, approximately 800 million individuals are anticipated to reside in Indian cities. Cities must serve as engines of growth, yet many are not adequately prepared,” he stated.
He further highlighted that integrated planning and livability are essential to drawing private investment.
Transport integration was a key topic, with the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) highlighted as a model for fostering distributed urban employment. In-situ slum redevelopment and smaller-scale, private-led urban initiatives were also identified as integral to revitalization.
Point of View
It's evident that India's rapid urbanization necessitates a unified approach between the public and private sectors. This commitment to infrastructure development and effective governance will be critical to managing the expected influx of urban residents, ensuring sustainable growth and livability in our cities.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the projected urban population increase in India by 2045?
India is expected to add approximately 70 million new urban residents by 2045.
What is the Urban Challenge Fund?
The Urban Challenge Fund aims to catalyze urban transformation with a mix of public and private investments.
Why is private sector involvement important in urban development?
The private sector can bring necessary capital, expertise, and innovation to address urban infrastructure challenges.
What challenges does India's growing urban population present?
The growing urban population poses challenges in infrastructure, governance, and service delivery.
How many people are expected to live in Indian cities by 2050?
By 2050, around 800 million people are projected to reside in Indian cities.
