As a result of the nation’s ardent aspirations for growth and development, the social, economic, and physical landscape of India has transformed. A significant portion of the region’s population is of working age and comprises a massive market size, making India a land of opportunity especially in the eyes of foreign investors.
Reflecting this context, multiple mega-cities and mega-projects characterize the built environment and push the nation toward superpower status. On the flip side of the coin, these visionary projects along with the trend of rapid urbanization also bring in a range of side effects - the spread of informal settlements and in turn, the challenges to equitable development.
Mega-cities, mega-projects, and mega-slums - the interplay between these three phenomena aptly describes India’s urban landscape. It describes the energy of aspiration and ambition while also addressing the stark contractions and pressing challenges that demand thoughtful solutions and integrated planning.

As a result of the nation’s ardent aspirations for growth and development, the social, economic, and physical landscape of India has transformed. A significant portion of the region’s population is of working age and comprises a massive market size, making India a land of opportunity especially in the eyes of foreign investors.
Reflecting this context, multiple mega-cities and mega-projects characterize the built environment and push the nation toward superpower status. On the flip side of the coin, these visionary projects along with the trend of rapid urbanization also bring in a range of side effects - the spread of informal settlements and in turn, the challenges to equitable development.
Mega-cities, mega-projects, and mega-slums - the interplay between these three phenomena aptly describes India’s urban landscape. It describes the energy of aspiration and ambition while also addressing the stark contractions and pressing challenges that demand thoughtful solutions and integrated planning.