Urban Governance and the Future of Indian Cities

Have you ever wondered what makes a city truly efficient? Is it just about technology, or is it about improving the way we live, work, and interact with our surroundings? Over the past decade, India’s urban governance initiatives have aimed to redefine city management, using technology to improve everything from traffic management to waste disposal. But what have we learned so far, and what does the future hold for our cities? To explore this, we turn to insights from Dr. Debolina Kundu, Director of the National Institute of Urban Insights, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Her expertise sheds light on the growth, challenges, and the way forward for India’s cities.

How Cities are Growing in India

India’s urban landscape is evolving rapidly. Between 2011 and 2025, the number of statutory towns has grown from 4,041 to nearly 5,000. Additionally, thousands of census towns—settlements that meet urban criteria but aren't officially classified as cities—have emerged. However, urbanization in India isn’t happening at an explosive rate, as some might think. In fact, the highest urban growth rate was recorded in the 1980s, and growth has slowed since then.

One major challenge we face is the imbalance in city sizes. A handful of large cities accommodate most of the urban population, while thousands of small towns struggle with inadequate infrastructure. This uneven growth pattern calls for smarter urban planning.

Technology and Governance in Indian Cities

Cities have introduced various governance measures to streamline urban management.

• Command and Control Centers: These centers have helped cities manage traffic, safety, waste collection, and even public health crises like COVID-19. During the pandemic, some cities transformed these centers into war rooms to coordinate medical responses.

• Digital Platforms for Public Services: Cities have leveraged digital platforms to improve property tax collection, user charges, and public service delivery.

• Citizen-Centric Planning: Initiatives focused on making cities more walkable, child-friendly, and conducive to non-motorized transport have helped enhance livability.

• Encouraging Competition Among Cities: Many urban centers have adopted a model where cities propose and implement projects based on innovation and efficiency.

  
  

While critics argue that digital initiatives have increased the gap in accessibility, technology-driven governance has improved service delivery in many ways.

How Citizens Can Shape Their Cities

Technology alone cannot solve urban issues—citizen participation is crucial. The government is working on digital platforms where people can report problems and track their resolution in real time. WhatsApp groups, mobile apps, and community engagement initiatives are playing a big role in making governance more transparent and responsive.

Take the example of the Swachh Bharat Mission. Many cities still struggle with waste management despite various efforts. Why? Because governance isn’t just about policies; it’s about people taking responsibility for their surroundings. Unless citizens actively participate in waste segregation, complaint redressal, and community-driven initiatives, sustainable urban management remains a challenge.

The Role of Technology in Future Urban Planning

Looking ahead, AI and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) will be key in urban planning. Predictive analytics can help prevent slum growth by planning infrastructure ahead of demand. AI-driven traffic management can ease congestion, and digital tools can ensure better land-use planning. However, urban development isn’t just about going digital—it requires a balance of human intervention and technology.

Affordable Housing and Inclusive Growth

One of the biggest urban challenges is affordable housing. Most low-income workers live on city fringes, leading to long commutes and the rise of informal settlements. One solution could be incentivizing corporations to provide rental housing for workers. Some industrial hubs have already implemented this, but it needs to be expanded on a larger scale.

Climate Resilience and Sustainable Cities

Climate change is already affecting Indian cities, with rising temperatures and extreme rainfall events. Poor urban planning, like constructing over natural drainage systems, exacerbates these issues. Moving forward, cities must integrate green infrastructure, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable construction practices. Citizens also have a role to play—adopting eco-friendly habits, reducing personal vehicle use, and supporting green initiatives.

Conclusion: A Smarter Tomorrow Begins Today

Urban governance isn’t just about technology or policies—it’s about people. The future of our cities depends on a collaborative effort between governments, businesses, and residents. The focus must be on making urban development more inclusive, sustainable, and citizen-driven.

Each of us can contribute to building a more livable urban future. So, what role will you play in shaping the city you live in?

Speakers Profile:

Dr. Debolina Kundu, Director, National Institute of Urban Affairs

Dr. Debolina Kundu, Director (AC) NIUA has over 25 years of professional experience in the field of development studies.   She has worked as consultant with the ADB, LSE, IIDS, UNDP, UNFPA, UNESCAP, KfW, GIZ, Urban Institute, Washington and East-West Centre Honolulu on issues of urbanization, migration, urban development policies, municipal finance, social protection, governance and exclusion.