With increasing population across the globe, more and more people are migrating to cities. A study conducted by the UN estimated that 70% of population will live in cities by 2050. Therefore, there is need for more cities, where resources can be effectively shared and good governance achieved for smooth citizen empowerment. There is a need to address various issues such as ICT, urban planning, climate change, environmental matters, non-renewable resources, social and economic development, increasing populations, city infrastructures, governance & funding, besides others. Greater emphasis on cities needs cities to think independently for economic growth and sustainability of various infrastructures.
All over the world, cities provide the economic engines for development and growth. In 2011, nearly 31% of India’s population lived in urban areas and they contributed 63% of the country’s GDP. By 2030, urban areas are expected to house 40% of India’s population and contribute 75% of India’s GDP. It is also observed that although urbanization has been increasing over time, major portion of the urban population is largely concentrated in only about 6 per cent of the cities and towns. As a result there is tremendous pressure on existing larger cities and stagnation in smaller cities.
India’s urban population is expected to reach 590 million by 2030 and there would be at least 60 cities with a million plus population. Thus it is imperative to create a favourable environment and equip the existing cities with basic infrastructure facilities besides creating new cities, clubbed with smart solutions, to perform well, provide quality urban living and sufficient employment opportunities.
This CII - PwC report on “Future Cities - What it takes to build one” explores the challenges and opportunities in the development of future cities and focuses on recent innovations and trends in the Indian urban landscape.
The report was launched at the Eastern Region Seminar on Future Cities held on 30 June 2017 at Kolkata, West Bengal.