In 2023, approximately a third of the total population in India lived in cities. The trend shows an increase of urbanization by more than 4 percent in the last decade, meaning people have moved away from rural areas to find work and make a living in the cities. Leaving the fieldOver the last decade, urbanization in India has increased by almost 4 percent, as more and more people leave the agricultural sector to find work in services. Agriculture plays a significant role in the Indian economy and it employs almost half of India’s workforce today, however, its contribution to India’s GDP has been decreasing while the services sector gained in importance. No rural exodus in sightWhile urbanization is increasing as more jobs in telecommunications and IT are created and the private sector gains in importance, India is not facing a shortage of agricultural workers or a mass exodus to the cities yet. India is a very densely populated country with vast areas of arable land – over 155 million hectares of land was cultivated land in India as of 2015, for example, and textiles, especially cotton, are still one of the major exports. So while a shift of the workforce focus is obviously taking place, India is not struggling to fulfill trade demands yet.

Urban population (% of total population) in India was reported at 36.87 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Urban population (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

In 2022, India's urban population recorded a growth rate of two percent. The growth rate slowed down by 0.1 percent from the previous year's growth rate. The growth rate has been on a downward trend since 2020 after a period of stagnation between 2014 and 2018.

Urban population growth (annual %) in India was reported at 2.2645 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Urban population growth (annual %) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

According to projections, *** percent of the population of NCT Delhi, Chandigarh and Lakshadweep in India were expected to live in urban areas by 2035. By contrast, slightly over *** percent of the population of Himachal Pradesh was expected to live in urban areas by the same year, which has the least share compared to the other states.

This statistic shows the ten countries with the largest increase in the size of the population between 2023 and 2050. Based on forecasted population figures, the population of India is projected to be around *** million more in 2050 than it was in 2023.

In financial year 2025, the Indian state of Delhi allocated the largest budget share to urban development, accounting for approximately 6.4 percent of their respective total budgets. Gujarat closely followed, with urban development receiving about 6.3 percent of the state's total budget.

Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainableHalf of humanity – 3.5 billion people – lives in cities today. By 2030, almost 60% of the world’s population will live in urban areas.828 million people live in slums today and the number keeps rising.The world’s cities occupy just 2% of the Earth’s land, but account for 60 – 80% of energy consumption and 75% of carbon emissions. Rapid urbanization is exerting pressure on fresh water supplies, sewage, the living environment, and public health. But the high density of cities can bring efficiency gains and technological innovation while reducing resource and energy consumption.Cities have the potential to either dissipate the distribution of energy or optimise their efficiency by reducing energy consumption and adopting green – energy systems. For instance, Rizhao, China has turned itself into a solar – powered city; in its central districts, 99% of households already use solar water heaters.68% of India’s total population lives in rural areas (2013-14).By 2030, India is expected to be home to 6 mega-cities with populations above 10 million. Currently 17% of India’s urban population lives in slums.This map layer is offered by Esri India, for ArcGIS Online subscribers, If you have any questions or comments, please let us know via content@esri.in.

There is an abundance of studies on the urban-rural dichotomy. In the mainstream economic and regional science literature, the urban centers have usually been described as growth machines, growth poles, or growth foci, and urbanization as a driver of economic growth. It is commonly assumed that the assemblage of factors of production in urban centers will create economies of scale, and that economic growth will trickle down from these centers to the periphery. Most of these studies hypothesize a mono-directional causal relationship between urbanization and economic growth. However, there are ample possibilities of reverse causalities in regions where the propulsive powers of urban centers are weaker and where social overhead capital (SOC) is not adequately developed in non-urban regions. In this situation, even minor economic changes in non-urban economies will cause the growth of the urban population. The present paper attempts to examine the relationship between urbanization and economic growth in India at the state level during 1971–2020 by employing a bootstrap panel Granger causality test. It is found that in India the majority of the states display a unidirectional Granger causality from economic growth to urbanization. This finding indicates not only a lower propulsive power of urban centers, but also an unbalanced development of SOC between urban centers and rural areas, hence causing a migration of people to cities with a rise in their income in order to take advantage of the urban facilities.

This raster layer shows the areas of Mumbai, India which were developed between 1990 and 2000. Categories of new development represented in these data include: infill, extension and leapfrog. Infill represents development within all the open spaces in the urban footprint of the earlier period excluding exterior open space. Extension represents development in contiguous clusters that contained exterior open space in the earlier period and that were not infUnited States Leapfrog represents development entirely outside the exterior open space of the earlier period. These data are part of the Atlas of Urban Expansion.

Additional file 2: Raw Dietary Diversity Data Collected. Raw Dietary Diversity Data Collected. Excel sheet of food consumption data collected from participants by enumerators.

This dataset includes the LULC maps developed using the Landsat 8/7 datasets for the years 2002, 2013 and 2021 for the Jammu district in India. The dataset further includes the 1 km interval buffer rings for the multi-buffer ring analysis for retrieving urbanization parameters such as the urban area, urban density and urban growth rate. Additionally, a quality index is derived based on these parameters and an amenity database to compare the status of Jammu and Indore cities.

This raster layer contains urban land use and land cover data for Jaipur, India in 1990. Categories of urban land use represented in these data include: urban, nonurban, water and other. Urban land cover, or urban extent, is typically measured by the total built-up area (or impervious surface) of cities, sometimes including the open spaces captured by their built-up areas and the open spaces on the urban fringe affected by urban development. Urban land is occupied by urban uses that include all land in residential, commercial, industrial, and office use; land used for transport, parks, and public facilities; protected land, and vacant land. Land in urban use does not include cultivated lands, pasture lands, forests, farms and villages, intercity roads, and nature areas. These data are part of the Atlas of Urban Expansion.

This raster layer contains the total area occupied by the built-up area of Poona, India and its urbanized open space in 2000. Categories of urban land use represented in these data include: urban, suburban, rural and urbanized open land. The built-up area of the city is the area occupied by built-up pixels within the set of administrative boundaries defining the city. The urbanized open space consists of all fringe open spaces (including exterior open spaces) and all captured open spaces. These data are part of the Atlas of Urban Expansion.

India All States: Capital Expenditures: Outlay: Developmental: Social Services: Urban Development data was reported at 250,405.800 INR mn in 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 195,695.100 INR mn for 2018. India All States: Capital Expenditures: Outlay: Developmental: Social Services: Urban Development data is updated yearly, averaging 17,744.100 INR mn from Mar 1991 (Median) to 2019, with 29 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 250,405.800 INR mn in 2019 and a record low of 296.600 INR mn in 1991. India All States: Capital Expenditures: Outlay: Developmental: Social Services: Urban Development data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Government and Public Finance – Table IN.FI001: Capital Expenditure: All States.

Urban Planning and Design Software Market Outlook

As of 2023, the global urban planning and design software market size is estimated at approximately USD 6.5 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% from 2024 to 2032, reaching a forecasted size of USD 14.1 billion by 2032. This impressive growth is driven by the increasing demand for smart city initiatives and sustainable urban development, which are crucial in addressing the rapid urbanization challenges worldwide. The integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and geographic information systems (GIS) into urban planning processes is significantly enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of designing urban spaces, further propelling market growth.

The primary growth factor for the urban planning and design software market is the global trend of urbanization, with more than 68% of the world’s population expected to live in urban areas by 2050. This surge in urban populations demands efficient infrastructure planning and development to ensure sustainable living conditions. Urban planners and local governments are increasingly relying on advanced software solutions to analyze and manage data, optimize resource allocation, and design urban spaces that can accommodate this significant influx of residents. Furthermore, these software solutions are instrumental in creating smart cities that leverage technology to enhance urban living, thereby driving their adoption across the globe.

Another critical driver for the market is the rising importance of sustainable development and environmental conservation. With climate change and environmental degradation posing significant threats, urban planning software is essential in designing eco-friendly and sustainable urban environments. These tools help in reducing carbon footprints by optimizing energy use, integrating green spaces, and planning for sustainable transportation systems. Additionally, governments and organizations are increasingly investing in urban development projects that prioritize sustainability, thereby fueling the demand for software solutions that can facilitate such initiatives.

The increasing adoption of digital solutions and cloud technologies in the construction industry also significantly contributes to the market's growth. With the construction and real estate sectors rapidly digitalizing their operations, urban planning software acts as a critical enabler of digital transformation. These solutions provide comprehensive tools for architects, engineers, and planners to collaborate effectively and execute projects with precision. Moreover, the ability to simulate and model various urban scenarios before implementation reduces risks and enhances decision-making capabilities, which is highly valued in the construction industry.

Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the urban planning and design software market due to its advanced technological infrastructure and high investment in urban development projects. Europe follows closely, driven by the EU's stringent regulations on sustainable city planning. Asia Pacific is anticipated to register the highest growth rate, propelled by rapid urbanization and the increasing adoption of smart city projects in countries like China and India. Middle East & Africa and Latin America are also witnessing growing interest in urban planning solutions as these regions strive to modernize their infrastructure and accommodate growing urban populations.

Component Analysis

The urban planning and design software market is broadly segmented into software and services components. The software segment dominates the market, driven by the increasing need for advanced tools that facilitate comprehensive urban planning processes. Software solutions in this market range from computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) to GIS and simulation tools. These applications enable urban planners to visualize, simulate, and optimize urban spaces effectively. The demand for cloud-based solutions is also rising within this segment, as they offer scalability, real-time collaboration, and cost-effectiveness, which are crucial for large-scale urban planning projects.

Within the software segment, GIS software plays a pivotal role in urban planning by providing spatial data analysis and visualization capabilities. This software allows planners to assess environmental impacts, infrastructure needs, and demographic trends, aiding in informed decision-making. As cities continue to expand and become more c

In 2020, over ************ projects worth nearly ************ U.S. dollars were completed within India's smart cities mission initiative. Over ************* projects worth nearly ** billion U.S. dollars had been tendered and around ***** projects worth nearly ** billion U.S. dollars were ongoing.

The smart cities mission was initiated in 2015 and aimed at implementing technological infrastructure in urban areas. One hundred cities were selected for a period from 2019 to 2023.

Smart City Market Outlook

The global smart city market size was estimated at $500 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $3 trillion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23%. This remarkable growth is driven by rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and increasing government initiatives aimed at sustainable development. The convergence of IoT, AI, and data analytics is playing a pivotal role in transforming urban landscapes into interconnected, efficient ecosystems.

One of the primary growth factors of the smart city market is the accelerated pace of urbanization. With more than half of the world’s population now residing in urban areas, cities face increasing pressure to improve infrastructure and services. Smart city technologies offer solutions for efficient resource management, enhanced public safety, and improved quality of life. The need for effective urban planning and sustainable development is pushing governments to adopt smart city initiatives at an unprecedented rate.

Advancements in technology, particularly in IoT, AI, and big data, are significantly contributing to the smart city market's expansion. IoT sensors and devices facilitate real-time data collection, enabling cities to monitor and manage resources such as water, electricity, and waste more efficiently. AI and data analytics are used to interpret this data, providing actionable insights that help in optimizing urban operations, reducing costs, and enhancing citizen services. The integration of these technologies is creating a symbiotic relationship between the digital and physical worlds, driving the evolution of smart cities.

Government support and initiatives are also major catalysts for the growth of the smart city market. Various governments around the world are investing heavily in smart city projects to address urban challenges such as traffic congestion, pollution, and energy consumption. For instance, the European Union has earmarked substantial funding for smart city projects under its Horizon 2020 program. Similarly, countries like China and India have launched extensive smart city missions aimed at transforming urban areas into technologically advanced, sustainable habitats.

Regionally, North America and Europe are leading the smart city market, owing to their advanced technological infrastructure and significant government investments. However, Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Rapid urbanization, coupled with increasing government initiatives in countries like China, India, and Japan, is driving the smart city market in this region. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are also showing promising growth, supported by improving economic conditions and increasing focus on sustainable development.

Component Analysis

The smart city market is segmented into three primary components: hardware, software, and services. Each of these components plays a crucial role in enabling and enhancing the various functionalities of a smart city. Hardware components include sensors, smart meters, and communication devices, among others. These devices are essential for collecting real-time data from various urban environments, which is then used to monitor and manage city operations.

Software solutions are integral to the smart city market as they provide the platforms and applications needed to analyze and interpret the data collected by hardware devices. These software solutions enable various functions such as traffic management, energy management, and public safety. They also offer predictive analytics capabilities, which help city administrators anticipate and mitigate potential issues before they escalate. The increasing complexity and volume of data generated by smart cities necessitate robust software solutions to manage and analyze this data effectively.

Services are another critical component of the smart city market. These include consulting services, system integration, and managed services, which are essential for the successful implementation and operation of smart city projects. Consulting services help cities identify their specific needs and design customized smart city solutions. System integration services ensure that various hardware and software components work seamlessly together, while managed services provide ongoing support and maintenance to ensure the smooth functioning of smart city systems.

The hardware segment is expected to account for a significant share of the smart city market, driv

How do rising temperatures affect long-term labor reallocation in developing economies? In this paper, we examine how increases in temperature impact structural transformation and urbanization within Indian districts between 1951 and 2011. We find that rising temperatures are associated with lower shares of workers in non-agriculture, with effects intensifying over a longer time frame. Supporting evidence suggests that local demand effects play an important role: declining agricultural productivity under higher temperatures reduces the demand for non-agricultural goods and services, which subsequently lowers non-agricultural labor demand. Our results illustrate that rising temperatures limit sectoral and rural-urban mobility for isolated households.

Contains data from World Bank's data portal covering various economic and social indicators (one per resource).