Background
India’s fast-growing metropolises and continued internal migration to urban centres have posed a need for an increase in the number of urban centres in the country. The current urban centres in India are struggling to cope with the mounting pressures of rapid economic growth, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to challenges such as urban flooding and heat waves.
The growing urban population in India, which is estimated to be nearly 11% of the world’s urban population, is larger than many highly urbanised countries, including the United States and Japan. These issues highlight the urgent need for resilient and sustainable urban planning to address the complex demands of expanding cities. Urban planning and city expansion have become critical components of India’s development strategy; the government has taken up ambitious plans to build new cities as growth engines of the future.
In 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a mega project to create 12 new greenfield industrial smart cities. Proposals were invited from 21 states for the creation of new cities or the expansion of existing ones including Gurgaon, Ayodhya, GIFT City Expansion in Gujarat, Jabalpur Extension, Nagaki Global City in Nagaland, New MOPA Ayush City, Goa and Bantala Greenfield City, West Bengal. The approved list of twelve cities is planned strategically along India’s six major industrial corridors and passes through 10 states to enhance urban activities through existing and new supply chain ecosystems, skill base, and infrastructure connectivity. The first planned greenfield city is Dholera SIR, which will be completed in 30 years and will benefit from the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).
What are Greenfield Cities?
A “greenfield city” refers to a city built entirely from scratch on previously undeveloped land. The aim is to design and construct urban environments that incorporate modern, sustainable infrastructure and planning. The obvious advantage of building greenfield cities is to visualise the economic focus on specific sectors and build the infrastructure to support these activities. Unlike “brownfield” cities that revitalise existing urban areas, “greenfield” development gives planners a clean state. Over two decades ago, between 2003 and 2005, the concept of “greenfield” development gained popularity in Western countries like the United States. It emerged as a response to the challenges of living in large, congested cities, offering an opportunity to create affordable housing. However, this period also highlighted the importance of incorporating essential planning components to ensure the success of greenfield cities.
The three prerequisites of planning greenfield development were to focus on green infrastructure, mobility, and access and a more complex prioritization of livability and lifestyle choices. India has historically ranked low on parameters such as the World Happiness Report, most recently holding the 126th position out of 143 countries. One of the key factors influencing this ranking is living arrangement. The development of new greenfield cities presents a unique opportunity for India to prioritise not only better economic and financial opportunities but also safety, security and a well-balanced life.
To fully harness the opportunities of greenfield development, planning must adopt a holistic approach that integrates physical, social, environmental, operational, and digital processes. This requires the use of data disaggregated by gender, disability, and other social factors, to ensure inclusivity and equitable outcomes for all.
Compact Cities
Building compact cities through greenfield development in India presents a strategic approach to managing rapid urbanisation while promoting sustainability and enhancing quality of life. The “15-minute city” concept, which emphasises accessibility to essential services within a 15-minute walk or cycle, serves as a guiding principle for such developments. Compact cities eliminate the increased burdens created by city-wide transportation ensuring easier access to economic and essential activities. A well-known example of a compact city is Amsterdam, Netherlands, despite housing a high population density, is designed with extensive public transport, and pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.
Implementing this model in India’s greenfield projects can mitigate challenges associated with urban sprawl, such as increased vehicular emissions and inefficient land use. By designing mixed-use neighbourhoods that integrate residential, commercial, educational, and recreational facilities, these compact cities reduce the need for long commutes, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and pollution. Moreover, the inclusion of green spaces and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure fosters healthier lifestyles and community engagement.
Adopting the compact city model in greenfield developments also aligns with global sustainability goals. Concentrating development within a limited area preserves the surrounding natural landscapes and reduces the carbon footprint. Furthermore, such planning supports vibrant urban centres that attract investment and talent.
Conclusion
Greenfield development holds immense potential to shape the future of urbanization in India by addressing the challenges of overcrowded cities and ensuring equitable and sustainable growth. The Indian government’s initiative, although focused on boosting economic growth, by incorporating principles of compact city planning, leveraging data-driven approaches, and prioritizing inclusivity, can provide a high quality of life. Emphasizing mixed-use development, accessibility, and resilience, these projects can offer a roadmap to create urban centres that align with global sustainability goals and India’s development priorities.
Prioritizing mixed-use development where residential, commercial, and industrial areas are closely integrated reduces the transportation for goods and services, while the strategic location of these urban centres will integrate supply chain operations. As India continues to urbanize rapidly, greenfield development must go beyond physical infrastructure to integrate social, environmental, and digital dimensions into its planning processes. With a clear focus on inclusivity and sustainability, greenfield towns can evolve into vibrant, efficient, and resilient spaces that cater to the diverse needs of their residents, creating a model for future urban development.
