FUTURISTIC CITIES FUTURE READY INDIA
The opening of the Atul Setu (Mumbai – Trans Harbour Link) India’s longest bridge has already set the blueprint for the year 2024 with regard to developmental projects. The expectations on more such major developmental projects across the country are right now taking the centre stage to connect the un- chartered areas for cities to expand. With population of 1.4 billion and adding, the building of new cities and towns is not only expected but is imminent. In sync with the country’s needs, quite a few cities across the majority of the states are under planning with some on the verge of completion. Last year, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry received 26 proposals from 21 states to develop new cities and address the need for urban expansion. The 15th Finance Commission too introduced a per- formance-based challenge fund, for incubation of eight new cities with Rs 1,000 crore available for each proposed one new city in one state. Some of the new cities that we might see coming up in the next few years Jagiroad (Assam), New MOPA Ayush City, Pernem (Goa), Pakyong (Sikkim), Thirumazhisai (Tamil Nadu), Bantala Greenfield City, Karmadiganta (West Bengal), Jabalpur Extension (Mad- hya Pradesh), Virul (Maharashtra), Aerocity (Kerala), New Ranchi City (Jharkhand), Mountain Township (Himachal Pradesh), Kopparthay (Andhra Pradesh), Gumin Nagar, Pasighat (Arunachal Pradesh), Aerotropolis (Punjab), GFC-Ranpur (Rajasthan), YaithibiLokul (Manipur) and Doiwala (Uttarakhand). IMAGINING NEW SKYLINES As we cross the threshold of 2024, one important development which the country is looking forward, is to have holistic cities. The rapid urbanisation has led to the need to have better place to live in. The urban population has doubled from 17% in 1951 to 35% now as per re- ports and the spread and expansion of cities all these years have been either unplanned or badly planned, which have burdened the existing infrastructure and facilities. While, the intention of proposed new cities is correct, what goes wrong many a times is the challenges of funds, polit- ical uncertainties, availability of land and timely implementation of the proposed projects. Hopefully year 2024 will only see the unhindered progress of the new city’s projects in the pipeline and under execution. The new cities which India will build are envisaged as thorough- ly planned developments with all aspects of urban efficiencies built in such as easy mobility of people and vehicles, optimal connectivity to other towns and cities and sustainable and holistic living conditions. With the idea of having new greenfield cities across the country, there is a hope among the citizens of India with regard to wider economic and social opportunities as well live- able metropolises with affordable housing and better living standards. The future of India, with newly built cities looks very promising and with the contribution of all the stakeholders including government and the people, there is no doubt, these cities will see a balanced approach in design, planning and implementation for inclusive and sustainable cities. AMBITIOUS NEW CITIES India is witnessing population growth and migration of people from towns to cities to metros for job opportunities, straining the few of the metro and tier 1 cities. The mega projects of new cities development will usher in the required change for the people of the vicinity to have similar economic, social and growth opportunities as big cities. One of the most successful ex- amples is that of Gift City in Gujarat that is attracting domestic and in- ternational investments. Ayodhaya is set to become a religious tourist attraction globally and the Third and New MOPA city, planned around airports are already being talked about for becoming another major economic hubs. Amravati may soon find itself to be the capital of Andhra Pradesh and the Nagaki Global City will bring great many economic de- velopment in the Northeast, while the New Kanpur City that was on hold for many years has found fresh lease of life. Let’s take a look at these new cities and their development plans that will set the future abuzz. AMRAVATI CITY, ANDHRA PRADESH Amravati’s future is emerging with possibilities, setting a bench- mark for the urban development in India and beyond. Once fully established, Amaravati will not only be the new capital of Andhra Pradesh state – citizens and de- velopers here consider it to be the most sustainable cities in the world. As a new city it will set an exam- ple for other which has the greenest practices. Its centre will be a 5.5-ki- lometer-long and 1-kilometer-wide Central Park-inspired green spine, according to British architectural firm Foster + Partners, which is lead- ing the project. The city has adopted the green way with solar panels on rooftops powering its buildings, while cycling routes, electric vehicles and water taxis serving the transport network. At least 60% of the city will be covered by green space. NEW AYODHYA CITY, UTTAR PRADESH The city making headlines and is projected to change the entire outlook of the Uttar Pradesh as a state is the Ayodhya City which is in the making. The construction of Ram temple being one major factor marking the development of this holy city. With this the state will get a recognition as a religious hub. Once, a sleepy town, it today stands to be one of the most awaited re- ligious tourist destinations in the country with better infrastructure, amenities, modern spots, wide roads and hospitality facilities. Further there are also plans to develop Ayodhya as a solar city giving importance to sustainabili- ty and setting an example for the rest. The ‘New Ayodhya’ township will comprise houses, guest houses, hotels, warehouses, religious, and cultural centres apart from plots for commercial activities. While Ram mandir will prove to be a major attraction among devotees, the state government is also keen of developing the city over all in terms of better amenities for advanced standard of living too. The list of development projects in Ayodhya goes long. A swanky new railway station and a fancy bus stand is also being constructed at full pace. Ram theme-based land- scaping is proposed across the city. There is so much more that could have found a mention in this list. At last, all that can be said with full certainty is that no spiritual city in India or anywhere else in the world would be able to match the gran- deur of Ayodhya once it achieves its full might. GIFT CITY, GUJARAT Known for the crucial econom- ic activities with globally bench- marked regulations, taxation, pol- icies and more supported by the Government of India and Gujarat state, the Gift city is one of the most aspired new city projects in the entire country. The first ever greenfield city of the country, which is already implemented will see expansion this year claimed the authorities in December 2023. The year 2024 looks promising for this city with more implementation of projects. A game-changer for Indian Startup Ecosystem Gift City is crucial for the Indian economy as it aims to bring in international investment and boost employ- ment opportunities. Gift City also has the potential to significantly boost the GDP of the nation and establish India as a key player in the international financial sector. The authorities are also recon- sidering the restrictions in view of the far-reaching objectives of the Gift City such as liquor ban that will attract the IT & ITes and BFSI com- panies, as their employees look for- ward to socialisation and night life similar to cities like Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru. Lifting the curbs on liquor use within the Gift City have been Gujarat government’s attempt to provide an international business ecosystem. NEW KANPUR CITY, UTTAR PRADESH The plan for Kanpur city was pending since last 27 years, which got a push this year when the Kan- pur Development Authority (KDA) started purchasing land from tenant farmers for its flagship project ‘New Kanpur City’ in first week of Jan- uary 2024. The new year surely has proved to be a good time for the people of Kanpur, as the long pending project gains momentum. New Kanpur City Plan was start- ed by the Kanpur Development Au- thority and this flagship scheme of the government has been revived with the latest acquisition of land for the greenfield development. The project will house approximately 1350 residential plots with area between 90 square meters to 450 square meters and total number of commercial plots will be approxi- mately 222. In addition to commer- cial plots, group housing, malls and institutional plots will be available in this project, that will bring new growth prospects for the city of Kanpur. NAGAKI GLOBAL CITY, NAGALAND Nagaland is aggressively pur- suing setting up of a planned city – the Nagaki Global City, extending invitations to businesses across India to explore investment opportunities in Nagaland and the broader North East Region. Today, the North East region has opened up with ample opportuni- ties for the people, and business- es. The untapped potential of the state in particular and proximity to the Kolkata metropolis works in its advantage. The introduction of the Nagaki Global city has given a ray of hope among the people of the state which promises development of the state for a better future. NEW MOPA AYUSH CITY, GOA New Goa Manohar Interna- tional Airport has brought MOPA in Goa on the international map and will soon see it becoming a smart city. The state government has already commissioned the first Smart Road, developed from Bal Bhavan to Caculo Mall junction stretch under the Smart City Mis- sion and many more infrastructure projects are underway. The Inter- national Airport and other pro- posed big-ticket projects will usher in financial growth for the people of the region, who till now were dependant on only agriculture. In addition. Goa being the ma- jor tourist spot, is on the verge to be a better place for tourists and its residents with a parallel city expected to come up along the land of beaches. The Goa gov- ernment is planning to build this city in the lines of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Initiated in 2023, the project is expected to be ready by 2027 giving the city a major boost in terms of economic growth. The 2024 will play a major role in the development of this city with major projects taking shape as per the authorities. THE THIRD MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA The Third Mumbai which is tak- ing shape is one of the most aspired one this year. It will prove to be an example for other states once implemented as it is believed to contribute to the economic devel- opment of the country with major projects like Navi Mumbai airport and connecting MTHL bridge a part of it. Mumbai being the most pop- ulated city of India, is in need of a place where it can accommodate the growing population. With ac- commodation there is also a need to have a place which is well planned with all necessary facilities for the people to reside. In last few years, a major bunch of people are shifting from the Mumbai city to the suburban parts looking forward to a better standard of living. However, the cities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) also have limitations of infrastruc- ture and expansion. The need for a well-planned place apart from Navi Mumbai have been a talking point for a while among the stake- holders, citizens and the experts from the city. With this a skeletal proposal for developing a new city, called Third Mumbai was born, with an aim to provide better housing, infrastruc- ture and robust transport facilities to the growing population of the MMR. Proposed around the up- coming Navi Mumbai International Airport which will also get linked to the The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, also known as Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) bridge. It is believed that the creation of Third Mumbai facilitated by MTHL can scale up Mumbai’s economy from the existing $140 billion to $250 billion. As promised by the stakeholders the third Mumbai will have all necessary infrastructure that a well-developed city should have. This includes both affordable and luxurious residential, commercial complexes, data centres, hubs for MNC’s and banks and also robust public transportation is under consideration. NEW CITIES WITH A PURPOSE It is believed the year 2024 has a lot to give to the citizens of India. While several developmental projects are under the pipeline, citizens expect 2024 to be the best year to have all of them get into fast-track implementation. With a few projects getting completed by end of the year, it seems the years to come will bring many new developments across the country and set a benchmark for new developments. The construction of new cities conveys the governments focus on infrastructure and urban development to give a better standard of living, housing, amenities, more economic opportunities and pub- lic facilities. These new cities have a purpose, from aspiration of be- coming international economic and tourist attractions to upliftment of the people of the region. With thoughtful built-in drivers from airports to religious buildings, the new cities have the reason and the impetus to grow into larger centers of activities and deliver on the dreams and aspirations of the people. BY STARTING FROM SCRATCH, THE STATE GOVERNMENTS PLAN TO DECONGEST THEIR CURRENT CLOGGED URBAN CENTRES AND DEVELOP NEW ECONOMIC ZONES TO HELP THEM LEAPFROG THE DEVELOPMENT. THE MEGA PROJECTS OF NEW CITIES DEVELOPMENT WILL USHER IN THE REQUIRED CHANGE FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE VICINITY TO HAVE SIMILAR ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES AS BIG CITIES. THE NEW CITIES IN MAKING ARE THE TALK OF THE TOWN, LITERALLY AND FIGURATIVELY AMONG THE CITIZENS AND THE POLICYMAKERS. ONCE COMPLETE, THEY WILL ADD TO THE COUNTRY’S STATURE AS AN EMERGING ECONOMIC POWER IN THE WORLD. THE UNION HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS MINISTRY (MOHUA) HAS RECEIVED 26 PROPOSALS FROM 21 STATES TO DEVELOP NEW CITIES TO ADDRESS THE NEED FOR URBAN EXPANSION.
Tags : Atul Setu Mumbai – Trans Harbour Link NAGAKI GLOBAL CITY NAGALAND NEW MOPA AYUSH CITY GOA THIRD MUMBAI NEW KANPUR CITY