India's urbanisation at turning point, marked by fresh surge in rural-urban migration

Consider these facts. India is expected to invest over Rs 143 lakh crore in infrastructure by 2030.

- RITWIK MUKHERJEE

Most of this expenditure is to be directed towards urban clusters, driving significant activity in infrastructure-led urban development.

Projects under consideration include second airports, intercity metro connectivity, aerocites, highways (including quick transit freeways), high-speed rail corridors, IT + ITES zones, large data center concentration zones, among others.

All these clearly indicate that India is witnessing rapid infrastructure development driven by nodal authorities, which, in turn, is fuelling the growth of satellite townships across the country.

Describing infrastructure and mega projects as key enablers of India's urban expansion, a recent study by Colliers also suggests that India's urbanization is at a turning point, marked by a surge in rural-to-urban migration. This drives the expansion of existing urban nodes, towards areas along their peripheries. 40 per cent of India's population, equivalent to 60 crore people, is expected to reside in urban areas by 2030. And therefore, a growing need for quality urban infrastructure is anticipated in different parts of the country.