Why Buying Homes Near Metro Stations in Dwarka ISBT and Bandra Could Be a Smart Move
Delhi-NCR and Mumbai lead the way in transit-oriented development (TOD), offering significant potential for real estate growth and higher property appreciation.
Transitoriented DevelopmentReal EstateDelhincrMumbaiProperty InvestmentReal Estate MumbaiSep 04, 2025
Delhi-NCR Tops the Charts
With its rapidly expanding metro network, ISBTs, and urban railway stations, Delhi-NCR leads with 32 million sq. ft. of transit-oriented development (TOD) potential. Projects such as Dwarka ISBT, Aerocity ISBT, Jewar International Airport, and hubs like Sarai Rohilla and Hindon Airport are expected to unlock significant opportunities.
Other City Leaders
Mumbai: 20 million sq. ft. potential, led by hubs such as Bandra, Dadar, CST, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Chennai: 13 million sq. ft., with hotspots around Chennai Airport, Maduravoyal Expressway, and Peripheral Ring Road.
Kolkata: 12 million sq. ft.
Bengaluru: 11 million sq. ft.
Hyderabad: 10 million sq. ft.
Ahmedabad & Pune: 4 million sq. ft. each.
Why TOD Matters for Buyers & Developers
TOD projects integrate residential, office, retail, and leisure spaces around transit hubs, cutting commute times and creating mixed-use ecosystems. For homebuyers, this can mean:
- Better accessibility and reduced travel costs.
- Potentially higher property appreciation, thanks to connectivity premiums.
- Sustainable living with walkable, well-planned neighborhoods.
For developers and investors, TOD offers higher footfalls for retail, greater commercial value, and long-term operational efficiency.
Policy Push
The National TOD Policy and initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission are giving states tools such as higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) incentives to encourage compact, connected growth. Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have already rolled out state-specific TOD policies.
Expert Views
Anshuman Magazine, CBRE: “TOD paves the way for vibrant, mixed-use communities that are commercially viable, sustainable, and livable. To realize its potential, India must address land acquisition, financing, and regulatory hurdles.”
Ram Chandnani, CBRE: “TOD is emerging as a game-changer. It creates win-win ecosystems — boosting accessibility for buyers, footfalls for retailers, and efficiency for logistics, while unlocking value for developers.”
Future Prospects
For urban Indians, TOD may redefine where — and how — they buy property. As metro and transport networks expand, homes near transit hubs could offer the strongest long-term value growth, blending affordability, accessibility, and lifestyle. The report examines numerous global case studies to highlight how the TOD model has seamlessly linked infrastructure with real estate opportunities while recommending best practices for key stakeholders that can be adapted for India:
- Regulatory Interventions
- Create unified urban transport authorities with planning and development powers.
- Simplify development control rules in TOD zones.
- Enforce parking policies that discourage private vehicle usage.
- Design-Based Interventions
- Implement flexible zoning on plots or demarcate as ‘white sites’ in development plans.
- Repurpose existing structures.
- Improve the area’s walkability through shaded pathways.
- Financial Interventions
- Fund transport infrastructure through land-value capture mechanisms.
- Develop a recurring income stream for maintenance and expansion of transit systems.
These interventions can significantly enhance the appeal and value of properties near transit hubs, making them a smart investment for homebuyers and developers alike.
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, business, and leisure space within walking distance of public transport. It integrates residential, office, retail, and leisure spaces around transit hubs, reducing commute times and creating mixed-use ecosystems.
Why is Delhi-NCR leading in TOD potential?
Delhi-NCR leads in TOD potential due to its rapidly expanding metro network, ISBTs, and urban railway stations. Key projects like Dwarka ISBT, Aerocity ISBT, Jewar International Airport, and hubs such as Sarai Rohilla and Hindon Airport are expected to unlock significant opportunities.
What are the benefits of buying homes near transit hubs?
Buying homes near transit hubs offers better accessibility, reduced travel costs, potentially higher property appreciation, and sustainable living with walkable, well-planned neighborhoods.
What are some policy initiatives supporting TOD in India?
The National TOD Policy and initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission are giving states tools such as higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) incentives to encourage compact, connected growth. States like Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have already rolled out state-specific TOD policies.
How can TOD benefit developers and investors?
TOD offers higher footfalls for retail, greater commercial value, and long-term operational efficiency. It creates win-win ecosystems, boosting accessibility for buyers, footfalls for retailers, and efficiency for logistics, while unlocking value for developers.
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