To House More People, Indian Cities Should Transform More Rapidly

India is urbanising rapidly, with over 32 per cent of its population living in urban cities. According to a McKinsey report, India's urban awakening: Building inclusive cities, sustaining economic growth, published in 2010, over 40 per cent of India's population might become urban by 2030.

Even though such facts are being discussed widely, Indian cities might not be prepared for it. Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, are far denser than many global cities, but urban local authorities have put restrictions in terms of building more apartments. Besides, cities that are highly populated still have scope for improvement in water supply, sanitation, transportation networks and housing. The demand for such services will only rise in the coming years as the population rises.

The positives are that Indian cities are much more productive than rural areas, so they have the resources to meet the growing demand. Also, in the recent past, policy makers have also become more open to economically liberal policies that are expected to set the cities free.