Indian Cities: Need for Reforms and Digital Interventions

India, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, is experiencing rapid urbanization.

The country's urban population is projected to reach 600 million by 2031, up from 377 million in 2011.

However, this rapid urbanization has led to the crumbling of infrastructure in Indian cities, contributing to India's poor rankings in the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Global Liveability Index and JLL's City Momentum Index.

According to the EIU's Global Liveability Index 2021, Indian cities do not rank among the world's most liveable cities. Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai, India's four largest cities, are ranked 98th, 119th, 120th, and 128th, respectively. Poor infrastructure, air pollution, and traffic congestion are the main factors contributing to the low rankings of these cities.

The JLL's City Momentum Index 2021, which measures the momentum of 130 cities worldwide, ranks Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Delhi at 31st, 42nd, and 56th, respectively. Although these rankings are better than the EIU rankings, Indian cities still have a long way to go to catch up with cities such as Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong, which occupy the top three spots on the index.

The lack of administrative reforms and the absence of digital platforms to monitor and manage cities are significant factors contributing to the crumbling infrastructure in Indian cities. The Indian bureaucracy is often criticized for being slow and inefficient in implementing policies and projects. The lack of transparency in the decision-making process and the prevalence of corruption have also hindered the development of infrastructure in Indian cities.

The use of digital platforms to monitor and manage cities can play a significant role in improving infrastructure in Indian cities. For instance, the use of data analytics, GIS mapping and image recognition can aid in monitoring infrastructure, predicting planning and preventing unlovable alleys, crowded markets and choked city life.

In conclusion, the crumbling infrastructure in Indian cities is a major concern.

The lack of administrative reforms and digital platforms to monitor and manage cities have significantly contributed to this problem. It is critical that the Indian government takes measures to address these issues and invest in developing the infrastructure in Indian cities. The use of digital platforms to monitor and manage cities can play a crucial role in improving the quality of life in Indian cities, making them more liveable and sustainable.