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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 2022, roughly 43 percent of Bhutan's population resided in urban areas. Comparatively, approximately 19 percent of Sri Lanka's population lived in urban areas in 2022.

Urbanization in the APAC region

The Asia-Pacific region is currently experiencing a significant trend towards urbanization, with a growing number of individuals relocating from rural areas to urban centers in pursuit of improved economic prospects. From 2015 to 2020, there was an increase in the urban population throughout Asia. The projection for the region indicates a continuation of urbanization, although at a decelerated rate. As of 2021, a third of the entire population of India resided in urban areas. The data shows a notable upsurge in urbanization in India over the past ten years, indicating a shift of the populace from rural to urban centers in search of employment opportunities and livelihood.

 Population of megacities in APAC 

The APAC region is home to some of the world's most populous megacities. According to recent data, in 2023, the annual metropolitan population growth rate of China surpassed that of other megacities in the APAC region. In contrast to other cities, the three megacities in Japan, namely Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, exhibited the lowest annual population growth rates. That same year, the APAC region was home to 28 megacities, more than ten of which were in China. India, Japan, and Pakistan also had more than once megacity each as of January 2023.

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.

Growth of the Census Towns of India during 2001 to 2011

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

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

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

HUDCO: Loan Released: Cumulative: West Bengal data was reported at 31,745.500 INR mn in 2024. This stayed constant from the previous number of 31,745.500 INR mn for 2023. HUDCO: Loan Released: Cumulative: West Bengal data is updated yearly, averaging 33,277.800 INR mn from Mar 2008 (Median) to 2024, with 16 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 34,170.100 INR mn in 2022 and a record low of 31,745.500 INR mn in 2024. HUDCO: Loan Released: Cumulative: West Bengal data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Construction and Property – Table IN.ED009: Housing Statistics: Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO): Loan Released: by States.

This raster layer contains the total area occupied by the built-up area of Jalna, 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.

New Urbanization Construction Market Outlook

The global new urbanization construction market size is projected to grow from USD 2.5 trillion in 2023 to USD 4.8 trillion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. The growth of urban populations and the increasing need for sustainable infrastructure are significant factors propelling this market. Rapid urbanization, particularly in emerging economies, paired with government initiatives aimed at modernizing infrastructure, is creating lucrative opportunities for stakeholders in this sector.

One of the primary growth factors of the new urbanization construction market is the escalating urban population. By 2050, it is anticipated that nearly 70% of the world's population will reside in urban areas. This transition demands extensive infrastructural development, including residential buildings, commercial spaces, and public utilities. Another key driver is the surge in government spending on smart city projects, aiming to integrate technology with infrastructure to improve the quality of urban life. Countries like China and India have already invested billions in such initiatives, setting a precedent for others to follow.

Sustainability is another vital growth driver in the new urbanization construction market. With increasing awareness of climate change and environmental degradation, there is a substantial push towards green buildings and eco-friendly construction practices. Materials that are sustainable and technologies that minimize environmental impact are gaining traction. Governments are also enforcing stricter regulations and offering incentives for green construction, further boosting market growth. The adoption of renewable energy sources in urban planning is also contributing to market expansion.

The advent of advanced construction technologies, including Building Information Modeling (BIM), drones, and 3D printing, is revolutionizing the construction industry. These technologies enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and lower costs, making them indispensable in modern urbanization projects. The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) in construction processes provides real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, thereby increasing the lifespan and sustainability of urban infrastructure. Such technological advancements are pivotal in propelling the new urbanization construction market forward.

In the realm of urban development, the concept of a City Building Game has emerged as an intriguing parallel to real-world urbanization efforts. Much like the strategic planning and resource management found in these games, urban planners and developers must carefully balance growth with sustainability. The virtual environments of city-building games offer insights into the complexities of managing infrastructure, population growth, and environmental considerations. These games often simulate real-world challenges, providing a unique perspective on the intricacies of urban planning and the importance of sustainable practices. As urbanization continues to accelerate, the lessons learned from these simulations can inform real-world strategies, highlighting the potential for innovative solutions in the construction market.

Regionally, Asia Pacific is expected to lead the market, driven by rapid urbanization in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. North America and Europe are also significant markets, primarily due to the modernization of existing infrastructure and a strong focus on sustainable construction practices. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America are emerging markets with substantial growth potential owing to increasing urbanization rates and improving economic conditions. Each region presents unique opportunities and challenges, influencing market dynamics and investment strategies.

Component Analysis

The new urbanization construction market can be segmented by component into materials, services, and technology. The materials segment includes sustainable building materials, advanced composites, and recycled materials. Sustainable building materials, such as bamboo and recycled concrete, are gaining popularity due to their environmental benefits. Advanced composites offer superior strength and durability, making them ideal for high-rise buildings and infrastructure projects. The growing emphasis on sustainability is driving the demand for eco-friendly materials, contributing significantly to market growth.

Despite rapid urbanization across the global south, identity politics within rural-urban migrant communities remains understudied. Past scholarship is divided over whether village-based ethnic divisions will erode or deepen within diverse poor migrant populations. I assess these divergent predictions through ethnography and survey experiments (N=4218) among unique samples of poor migrants in India. Contra conventional expectations, I find intra-class ethnic divisions are neither uniformly transcended nor entrenched across key arenas of migrant life. Instead, I observe variation consistent with situational theories predicting ethnic divisions will be muted only in contexts triggering a common identity among migrants. I pinpoint urban employers and politicians as these triggers. Poor migrants ignore ethnic divisions when facing these elites, who perceive and treat them in class terms. However, migrants remain divided in direct interactions with each other. These bifurcated findings imply poor migrants may be available for both class-based and ethnic mobilization in the city.