Urban Expansion in India: Top 8 Cities Double Built-Up Area in 30 Years
A report by Square Yards reveals that the combined built-up area of India's top eight metropolitan regions has doubled over the past three decades, adding 2,136 square km of urban land since 1995.
Urban ExpansionReal EstateMetropolitan GrowthIndian CitiesInfrastructureReal Estate NewsSep 10, 2025
The analysis covered Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai MMR, and Pune, cities that represent the country’s largest real estate and economic hubs.
“India is stepping into the biggest urban transformation in its history. Around the world, cities drive more than 80% of GDP, and for India too, the journey to becoming a developed economy runs through its urban centres,” said Tanuj Shori, CEO & founder, Square Yards. “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.”
Shori added that while metros remain the focus of urban growth, Tier 2 and 3 cities are fast emerging as the next drivers, powered by improved infrastructure and rising capital flows.
City-Wise Growth Trends
Ahmedabad: Expanded by 102% from 141 square km in 1995 to 285 square km in 2025. The city’s diversification into finance, IT, and automotive sectors, supported by projects like GIFT City, has fueled growth.
Bengaluru: Recorded a 186% increase, rising from 174 sq. km to 498 sq km, driven by its IT ecosystem and projects such as the Namma Metro.
Chennai: Expanded by 137%, growing from 197 sq km to 467 sq km. Economic diversity — spanning automotive, IT, and medical tourism — underpins this rise.
Delhi NCR: Added the largest absolute footprint of 400 sq km, taking its built-up area to 967 sq km (a 71% increase). Large-scale infrastructure projects have supported its polycentric economic model.
Hyderabad: Grew 95% to 519 sq km, with technology and pharmaceutical sectors acting as catalysts.
Kolkata: Expanded 87% to 611 sq km, anchored by its IT hub role and planned township developments.
Mumbai MMR: Recorded the slowest expansion, at 43%, with its footprint growing to 588 square km. High-density vertical development and major connectivity projects define its growth model.
Pune: Saw the fastest expansion among metros, up 332% from 86 sq km to 373 sq km, powered by its transition from manufacturing to a global IT and start-up hub.
This urban expansion underscores the rapid pace of urbanization in India and the critical need for sustainable urban planning and infrastructure development to support the growing population and economic activities in these regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the urban expansion in India's top 8 cities?
The urban expansion in India's top 8 cities signifies a major shift in the country's development, with these cities driving economic growth and requiring significant investments in infrastructure and services to support the growing population.
Which city saw the slowest expansion in urban footprint?
Mumbai MMR recorded the slowest expansion, at 43%, with its footprint growing to 588 square km. This is attributed to high-density vertical development and major connectivity projects.
What are the key sectors driving the growth in these cities?
The key sectors driving the growth in these cities include IT, automotive, finance, pharmaceuticals, and medical tourism. Each city has its unique strengths and areas of focus, contributing to its economic expansion.
How does the urban expansion impact the need for infrastructure development?
The urban expansion significantly increases the need for infrastructure development, including housing, transportation, utilities, and public services, to support the growing urban population and economic activities.
What is the projected urban population growth in India by 2050?
By 2050, India is projected to add more than 330 million people to its urban population, which is equivalent to absorbing the entire population of the United States into its urban fabric. This growth will require substantial investments in urban planning and infrastructure.
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