NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, emphasized on Tuesday the need for public transport to become the primary mobility option in Indian cities. He highlighted that the increasing reliance on private vehicles is worsening air quality and traffic congestion, especially in the national capital.
During a conclave hosted by the Delhi chapter of the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), Sahu stressed that urban planning should prioritize public mobility, enhance last-mile connectivity, and encourage housing developments near workplaces to boost the overall quality of life. He also noted that development must strike a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
At the event, Debolina Kundu, director of the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), pointed out that enhancing first- and last-mile connectivity is essential for sustainable redevelopment and transit-oriented development (TOD) in cities like Delhi. She mentioned that Delhi is expected to become the world’s largest urban area by 2035, surpassing Tokyo, and has been the fastest-growing city in India in terms of built-up area from 2000 to 2025.
Kundu added that TOD facilitates higher-density mixed land use, improves living and business conditions, and promotes affordable housing by integrating land-use planning with transportation infrastructure.
NAREDCO Delhi President Harsh Vardhan Bansal remarked that Delhi’s potential for business district and office development remains largely untapped due to overlapping jurisdictional issues. Meanwhile, President-elect Gaurav Jain indicated that the timely implementation of affordable housing regulations will be vital for inclusive urban growth.
These discussions arise amidst rapid urbanization, as India’s urban population is projected to reach nearly 600 million by 2030.
