India Emerged as a Major Engine of Global Urban Growth in 2025

India at the Centre of Global Urban Expansion

India Emerged as a Major Engine of Global Urban Growth in 2025: India has emerged as one of the strongest drivers of global urban growth in 2025, according to a recent United Nations assessment. Nearly 45% of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, compared to just 20% in 1950. India’s rapid demographic and economic transitions place it at the heart of this global shift.

Large-scale migration from rural to urban areas continues due to employment opportunities, education, and access to services. Indian cities now play a decisive role in shaping global population trends. This makes India’s urban trajectory critical for global development outcomes.

Static GK fact: Urbanisation globally crossed the 50% mark for the first time in 2007, marking a historic demographic transition.

Expansion of Megacities in India

India currently has five megacities, each with a population exceeding 10 million. Delhi, with over 30 million residents, ranks among the world’s largest urban agglomerations. Cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata continue to absorb large migrant populations.

These megacities function as economic engines, contributing a disproportionate share to GDP, innovation, and employment. However, rapid expansion also intensifies pressure on housing, transport, water supply, and waste management systems.

Static GK Tip: A city is officially classified as a megacity when its population crosses 10 million, as per UN standards.

New Urban Measurement Method

A key shift in the 2025 UN assessment is the adoption of the Degree of Urbanization method. This approach defines cities based on population density and built-up continuity, rather than administrative boundaries. Urban populations are counted based on how people actually live and work.

In India, this method has increased official urban population estimates. Many dense settlements outside municipal limits are now recognised as urban areas. This provides a more realistic picture of urban sprawl and economic integration.

Asia’s Urban Dominance and India’s Role

Asia accounts for nearly 60% of the world’s megacities, hosting nine of the top ten largest cities globally. India’s contribution is particularly significant due to its young population, expanding service sector, and rising manufacturing hubs.

Unlike ageing economies, India continues to experience strong working-age population growth, feeding urban labour markets. This positions Indian cities as future centres of global economic activity.

Static GK fact: Asia became the world’s most urbanised continent by total urban population in the early 2000s.

Smaller Cities Driving Faster Growth

While megacities attract attention, the report highlights that nearly 96% of cities worldwide have populations below 1 million. In India, small and medium cities are growing faster than large metros. Improved highways, digital infrastructure, and decentralised industries are key drivers.

These cities offer lower living costs and emerging job markets. They are increasingly absorbing population pressure from saturated metros, reshaping India’s urban hierarchy.

Opportunities and Governance Challenges

India’s urban growth creates opportunities for economic productivity, innovation, and poverty reduction. At the same time, it raises concerns over affordable housing, urban inequality, climate resilience, and governance capacity.

Effective urban planning, sustainable transport, and climate-sensitive infrastructure will determine whether India’s urban expansion becomes a long-term advantage.

Static GK Tip: Urban local bodies in India derive constitutional status from the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

India Emerged as a Major Engine of Global Urban Growth in 2025: