Pune Leads India's Urban Expansion, Growing 332% in 30 Years
Pune has emerged as India’s fastest-growing urban center, expanding its built-up area by 332% over the past three decades. The city’s growth is attributed to its successful transition into a global IT and start-up hub.
Urban ExpansionReal EstateIndian CitiesIt HubInfrastructureReal Estate MumbaiSep 10, 2025
The study, which tracked the top-eight Indian cities using satellite data and geospatial tools, highlights how India’s cumulative urban footprint has doubled since 1995, with 2,136 sq. km. of new built-up area added. Today, these cities together cover 4,308 sq. km. of urban land, reshaping skylines and development patterns across the country.
While Pune led in terms of percentage growth, Delhi NCR added the largest quantum of urban area, expanding by 400 sq. km. to reach a total footprint of 967 sq. km. This reflects the region’s emergence as a polycentric hub, supported by industrial corridors, expressways, and metro connectivity across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad.
Bengaluru grew its footprint by 186%, adding 324 sq. km. — fuelled by the tech boom and metro expansion. Chennai saw 137% growth, driven by IT, auto, and medical sectors. Hyderabad added 252 sq. km., nearly doubling its urban size with government-backed IT and pharma growth. Ahmedabad expanded by 102%, powered by GIFT City and a diversified economy. Kolkata added 283 sq. km. (87%), supported by IT parks, planned townships, and infrastructure upgrades. Mumbai MMR, despite being the country’s most populous region, recorded the lowest growth at 43% due to its vertical development model and space constraints.
Urban built-up expansion is not just about real estate; it is a barometer of economic diversification, infrastructure capacity, and housing demand. With Pune’s IT and start-up ecosystem leading its transformation, and NCR’s vast footprint reshaping connectivity, India’s growth story is now increasingly written in its cities’ skylines.
By 2050, India will add more than 330 million people to its urban population, the equivalent of absorbing the entire population of the United States into its urban fabric. This unprecedented migration means close to 100 million new homes must be built, alongside massive investments in transit, infrastructure, and services. We’re already seeing this play out in major cities of India where skyscrapers, dense cores, and thriving business districts are reshaping how we live and work. Our latest report shows just how dramatic this change has been. The urban built-up footprint across the top-eight cities has doubled since 1995 to 4,308 sq km in 2025. And while metros continue to dominate, the real excitement is also in Tier 2 and 3 cities, where better infrastructure and capital flows are powering the next wave of growth, said Tanuj Shori, CEO & Founder, Square Yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the percentage growth of Pune's urban area over the past 30 years?
Pune's urban area has grown by 332% over the past 30 years.
Which Indian city added the largest quantum of urban area?
Delhi NCR added the largest quantum of urban area, expanding by 400 sq. km.
What factors contributed to Pune's urban expansion?
Pune's urban expansion is attributed to its successful transition from a manufacturing base to a global hub for the IT and start-up sectors.
How much has India's cumulative urban footprint increased since 1995?
India’s cumulative urban footprint has doubled since 1995, with 2,136 sq. km. of new built-up area added.
What sectors have driven the growth in Chennai's urban footprint?
Chennai's urban footprint growth has been driven by the IT, auto, and medical sectors.
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