Creating a sustainable future for its rapidly growing and urbanising population, India has set out ambitious plans for 100 smart cities. Using innovative approaches to urban design and development, many of these plans are now starting to take shape.

A quarter of a century ago India opened its economy to the opportunities of globalisation. The move has brought some impressive results in terms of economic growth and reducing poverty. According to the International Monetary Fund, India’s strong economic growth is expected to accelerate to around 7.5 percent during 2016 and 2017. This will secure India the accolade of being the world’s fastest growing large economy.

In tandem with this significant economic change, there has also been a major shift of rural populations to towns and cities. By 2040 it is estimated that about 300 million people will migrate to urban areas. To grow the GDP on the back of manufacturing, new industrial townships are being developed along the Delhi-Mumbai corridor. In addition, addressing the needs of new metropolitan citizens is the Smart Cities Mission. Launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Nardendra Modi, this government-led urban renewal and retrofitting program is charged with developing 100 cities around the country, making them citizen friendly and sustainable.

To help with this hugely ambitious program, global agencies and companies are providing support and expertise. AECOM, for example, is contributing skills to all of the country’s largest infra-structure projects, including around 5000 kilometers of highways, six metro rail transit projects, and sea ports including at Karwar which will be the country’s first green port city. In addition, the firm has designed the sewerage masterplan for Delhi 2030 and Kannur International Airport. AECOM CEO Mike Burke is also involved with the U.S.-India CEO Forum, where the company leads the Smart Cities Working Group.

 

The full version of this article can be found on AECOM’s website, here.