Urban growth takes a toll

TOLLING IN WHAT HAVE BECOME ARTERIAL ROADS IN CITIES GETS A PUSHBACK FROM CITIZENS

- AKHILESH TILOTIA

S INDIA'S CITIES continue to grow, the urban landscape has evolved significantly over the past two decades. What were once peripheral or suburban areas are now integral parts of expanding urban centers.

In many cities, previously isolated areas have become accessible through broader road networks and increasingly, metro systems. The transformation is palpable—today's cities are not only growing upwards, but also outwards.

India's urbanization trajectory often defies conventional definitions. The country's official urbanization metrics are considered conservative—many of its inhabitants likely already live in what would be considered urban areas in other parts of the world.

The pattern of growth typically follows one of two models—either large cities grow to form vast urban agglomerations, merging with adjacent cities, or smaller towns evolve into larger urban centers as their populations swell.

In a manufacturing-driven economy, the latter model prevails, as seen in industrial towns like Jamshedpur and Durgapur. However, in a services-based economy, the first model is more prominent.

Cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad have become vibrant hubs where proximity fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth.

Reflecting the ongoing spatial expansion of urban areas, India has seen the emergence of institutions like Regional Development Authorities (RDAs). These bodies are tasked with overseeing the growth of areas that extend well beyond the traditional boundaries of municipal governance.