India’s cities will play a defining role in shaping the nation’s future. Within just five years, urban centers are expected to generate more than 70 percent of new jobs, and in 25 years, the urban population is projected to approach one billion. Some Indian megacities will grow larger than entire countries, underscoring the urgent need for a clear blueprint that harnesses the energy and talent of a young, entrepreneurial population.
Since much of the required infrastructure is yet to be built, cities have only a narrow window to prepare for the future. By 2070, India will need over 144 million new homes—more than double the current stock—alongside efficient transport systems and municipal services to serve the rapidly expanding urban population. Building this infrastructure with resilience in mind is essential to withstand the worsening effects of climate change and to avoid massive financial and human losses.
Floods are already a significant risk, with over two-thirds of urban dwellers expected to be vulnerable to surface flooding by 2030. Losses could reach $5 billion by that year and soar to $30 billion by 2070. Integrated approaches that restrict construction in high-risk zones, improve drainage, adopt nature-based solutions, and deploy flood warning systems can help reduce these risks. Cities like Kolkata and Chennai are already taking steps in this direction through flood forecasting, storm water management, and preparedness programs.
Extreme heat is another major challenge. Urban heat island effects are driving nighttime temperatures in Indian cities 3°C to 5°C higher than surrounding areas. With further warming expected, measures such as expanding tree cover, installing cool roofs, and shifting working hours for outdoor laborers can help protect lives and productivity. Initiatives like Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan provide a model that could be scaled nationwide, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives each year.
Urban housing, meanwhile, faces threats from floods, cyclones, landslides, and earthquakes. Since more than half of the housing stock needed by 2070 is yet to be built, careful planning of location, design, and construction will be crucial. Compact city designs with climate-resilient housing will help ensure safety while fostering inclusivity and prosperity.
Transportation networks are also at risk. Over a quarter of urban roads are vulnerable to flooding, and even minor inundation could cripple citywide transport systems. Investments in mapping flood risks, improving drainage, building alternative routes, and strengthening road maintenance will be vital to safeguard mobility and economic activity.
Modernizing municipal services, such as waste management and energy recovery from waste, can improve air, water, and soil quality, boosting both urban productivity and quality of life. To achieve this transformation, cities will need stronger institutional capacity, collaboration between government and citizens, and private sector engagement to bring in investment, efficiency, and innovation.
The estimated cost of developing climate-resilient and low-carbon urban infrastructure in India over the next three decades stands at $10.95 trillion. While the investment is immense, it promises long-term savings, economic growth, job creation, and innovation. Building climate-resilient cities is not only about protecting against risks but also about unlocking the full potential of India’s people. The time for decisive action is now.
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