Delhi-NCR Leads in Transit-Oriented Real Estate Development: Top 4 Cities Corner 72% of 106 Million Sq. Ft.
India's top four cities — Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata — account for 72% of the total 106 million sq. ft. of real estate development potential within transit nodes. Delhi-NCR leads with 32 million sq. ft., driven by expanding transport hubs.
Real EstateTransitoriented DevelopmentUrban PlanningInfrastructureMetro SystemsReal Estate MumbaiSep 03, 2025
Transit nodes are a crucial part of urban infrastructure, forming a significant chunk around transport hubs such as metro stations, railway stations, bus terminals, and airports. The report highlights that the Delhi-NCR region has shown the highest potential for transit-oriented real estate development, estimated at 32 million sq. ft. This is driven by the region's expanding metro system, Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs), and city railway stations. Mumbai follows closely with a potential of 20 million sq. ft., while Chennai and Kolkata contribute with 13 million sq. ft. and 11 million sq. ft., respectively.
Other key cities such as Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Pune are also witnessing transit-oriented development (TOD)-linked real estate activity, albeit at different scales, as mass transit networks expand. Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, emphasizes the importance of TOD in shaping inclusive, accessible, and future-ready cities. “TOD paves the way for vibrant, mixed-use communities that are not only commercially viable but also sustainable and livable. As metro networks and transport hubs continue to expand across urban India, TOD will play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive, accessible, and future-ready cities,” he states.
TOD includes both commercial and residential projects, alongside spaces for activities such as walking and cycling, and spots offering multi-modal transport integration designed around major transport hubs. TOD corridors are accelerating the rise of mixed-use ecosystems, integrating residential, office, retail, and leisure spaces, reducing commute times, and supporting compact, connected growth.
In Delhi-NCR, planned projects such as the Dwarka ISBT, Aerocity ISBT, and Jewar International Airport, along with existing hubs like Sarai Rohilla and Hindon Airport, offer high potential for TOD. In Mumbai, key areas include railway stations like Bandra, Dadar, Mumbai CST, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Chennai’s potential can be unlocked through hubs such as Chennai Airport, Maduravoyal Expressway, and Chennai Peripheral Ring Road.
The timeline for this opportunity to translate into on-ground development depends on how rapidly transit hubs develop in major cities and relevant policy interventions are made. “If policies are swiftly implemented across states, accompanied by incentives such as relaxed FSI norms, streamlined approval processes, and innovative financing models like public-private partnerships, this vision can take shape rapidly,” Magazine adds.
Real estate stakeholders also see TOD as a catalyst for building future-ready cities. Yash Garg, Director of M3M Noida, believes that Delhi-NCR is well-positioned to leverage this massive opportunity. “As India embraces the next phase of urban transformation, TOD stands out as a catalyst for shaping sustainable, future-ready cities. With Delhi-NCR leading this shift, TOD has the power to redefine how people live, work, and connect by reducing commute times, fostering walkable ecosystems, and creating vibrant mixed-use corridors.”
Sudeep Bhatt, Director of Strategy at Gurugram-based Whiteland Corporation, emphasizes that public transportation is not just about moving people but building integrated, sustainable communities around them. “The staggering 32 million sq. ft. potential in Delhi-NCR alone shows us that the future of urban living lies in creating vibrant, walkable ecosystems where everything from home to offices is a walk away from transit hubs.”
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), a joint venture of the Government of India and the states of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, is working to enhance sustainable urban development through better connectivity and access. Shalabh Goel, Managing Director of NCRTC, highlights the impact of the Namo Bharat project, which aims to enable polycentric development in the National Capital Region. “With the commissioning of the 55 km section of the first corridor, we are finally witnessing its impact,” he notes.
In summary, transit-oriented development is poised to revolutionize urban living in India, with the top four cities leading the charge. By integrating residential, commercial, and leisure spaces around transport hubs, TOD promises to create more sustainable, livable, and accessible cities for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is transit-oriented development (TOD)?
Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a type of urban development that maximizes the amount of residential, commercial, and leisure space within walking distance of public transport nodes such as metro stations, railway stations, bus terminals, and airports. It aims to create mixed-use communities that are commercially viable, sustainable, and livable.
Which cities in India have the highest potential for TOD?
The cities with the highest potential for transit-oriented development in India are Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. These cities account for around 72% of the total 106 million sq. ft. of real estate development potential within transit nodes.
What are the key benefits of TOD?
The key benefits of TOD include reduced commute times, the creation of mixed-use ecosystems, and the promotion of sustainable and livable communities. It also supports compact, connected growth and fosters walkable areas around transport hubs.
How can policies support TOD in India?
Policies can support TOD in India by implementing relaxed Floor Space Index (FSI) norms, streamlining approval processes, and introducing innovative financing models such as public-private partnerships. Swift policy implementation across states is crucial for rapid development.
What is the role of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) in TOD?
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is a joint venture of the Government of India and the states of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. It works to enhance sustainable urban development through better connectivity and access, focusing on projects that support transit-oriented development in the National Capital Region.
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