Pune Leads Urban Growth in India with 332% Expansion from 1995 to 2025
Pune has seen the most significant urban expansion among India's major cities, growing its built-up area by 332% from 1995 to 2025, followed by Bengaluru with a 186% increase. The growth has been driven by advancements in technology, manufacturing, and real estate.
Urban GrowthReal EstateInfrastructure DevelopmentTechnologyManufacturingReal Estate PuneSep 10, 2025
Pune’s built-up area surged from 86 sq km in 1995 to 373 sq km by 2025. Once known primarily as an education hub, the city evolved into a technology and manufacturing centre, attracting large-scale residential and commercial development that pushed its urban boundaries outward in multiple directions. The study, conducted by the online real estate portal Square Yards, highlights the significant transformation of the city.
Bengaluru, India’s technology capital, recorded the second-fastest growth, with its built-up area increasing 186% — from 174 sq km to 498 sq km over the same period. The IT boom, international airport development, and large infrastructure projects such as the Outer Ring Road and Namma Metro catalysed new real estate corridors and peri-urban expansion, said the report.
Chennai followed with a 137% rise in built-up area, growing from 197 sq km in 1995 to 467 sq km by 2025, fuelled by its automobile, electronics, IT, and logistics sectors. New corridors, including the Outer Ring Road and the Chennai–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, opened up growth in the western and northern zones, complementing southern expansion along the IT-heavy OMR corridor, the report added.
Delhi NCR, already India’s largest urban agglomeration, expanded more steadily, adding 400 sq km — a 71% rise — to reach a massive 967 sq km. Hyderabad nearly doubled to 519 sq km, while Ahmedabad grew 102% to 285 sq km. Kolkata (611 sq km) and Mumbai Metropolitan Region (588 sq km) saw comparatively slower growth at 87% and 43% respectively, with Mumbai’s land constraints resulting in vertical rather than horizontal expansion.
“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,” Tanuj Shori, CEO and founder of Square Yards, said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What city has seen the highest urban growth in India from 1995 to 2025?
Pune has seen the highest urban growth in India, with a 332% increase in its built-up area from 1995 to 2025.
What factors contributed to Pune's urban growth?
Pune's urban growth was driven by its evolution into a technology and manufacturing center, which attracted large-scale residential and commercial development.
Which city followed Pune in terms of urban growth?
Bengaluru, India’s technology capital, followed Pune with a 186% increase in its built-up area from 1995 to 2025.
What infrastructure projects contributed to Bengaluru's growth?
The IT boom, international airport development, and large infrastructure projects such as the Outer Ring Road and Namma Metro contributed to Bengaluru's urban growth.
How did Chennai's urban growth compare to other cities?
Chennai saw a 137% rise in its built-up area, growing from 197 sq km in 1995 to 467 sq km by 2025, driven by its automobile, electronics, IT, and logistics sectors.
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