India's urbanization presents a distinct contrast to that of more developed regions. While urban growth in developed countries has been stabilizing, India continues to urbanize rapidly. Over the past seven decades, the nation has grappled with the immense challenge of population growth. Today, the urban population has soared to nearly 400 million-a stark comparison to the 19th-century developed nations, none of which had populations exceeding 100 million.
This rapid urban expansion is uneven. A handful of major metropolitan cities dominate economic and infrastructural development, often at the expense of smaller towns and rural areas. This imbalance has led to regional disparities, hindering inclusive national growth.
The massive urban population requires a corresponding rise in employment opportunities. Unfortunately, industrial expansion has not kept pace, resulting in increasing unemployment. Consequently, urban areas are witnessing a rise in poverty, the spread of slums, deteriorating living conditions, rising crime, and political unrest.
These trends suggest that India may face even more severe urban challenges in the future. The swift population growth, combined with insufficient urban planning and infrastructure, is placing enormous pressure on city systems. As a result, the quality of life in large cities has significantly declined, posing a major concern for sustainable urban development in India.