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Metropolitan Planning in India

Based on the National Urban Policy Framework

Dr. Nirmala (Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology)

Dr. Satpal (Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology)

Ar. Shanika (Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology)

Category: Urban Planning

Publication Date: January, 2026

Metropolitan Planning in India: Based on the National Urban Policy Framework offers an engaging exploration of one of India’s most complex and vital fields: strategic urban development.

Designed for Master’s students, PhD researchers, and advanced planning professionals, it blends foundational theories with modern policy analysis to reveal the structure and strategic requirements of India’s largest urban regions.

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Metropolitan Planning in India: Based on the National Urban Policy Framework offers an engaging exploration of one of India’s most complex and vital fields: strategic urban development. Designed for Master's students, PhD researchers, and advanced planning professionals, it blends foundational theories with modern policy analysis to reveal the structure and strategic requirements of India's largest urban regions.

This text systematically deconstructs the planning domain, tracing the historical pulse of urbanization and the evolution of the system of cities and their surrounding city-regions, presenting a carefully sequenced development of topics, beginning with the origins of urbanization and the system of cities, moving through detailed examinations of urban policy tools (Master Plans, Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT), and culminating in a critical application of the National Urban Policy Framework (NUPF). The text merges rigorous policy analysis with actionable, real-world strategies, enabling readers to both master complex concepts and immediately apply them to planning challenges.

Metropolitan Planning in India introduces the complexities of city-region linkages and metropolitan governance fragmentation early on, helping students build a strong conceptual framework from the outset. It also incorporates highly valuable, applied analysis through comparative case studies of four key metropolitan areas—Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad—linking theoretical frameworks directly to on-the-ground challenges in finance, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.

A crucial resource for research and application, this book is essential for those who seek to move beyond the blueprint and master the intellectual and strategic challenges necessary to forge equitable and resilient metropolitan landscapes across India.

Introduction
1. Background and Context
2. NUPF and Its Relevance to Metropolitan Planning
3. Objectives
4. Focus on Case Studies and NUPF Framework
5. Methodology
6. Structure of the Book
Urban Growth, System of Cities, and City-Region
1. Origins and Evolution of Urbanization
2. Understanding Urban Growth
3. The System of Cities
4. Human Settlement Planning
5. Urban Resources and Development
6. Introduction to City-Regions
7. Fringe and Peri-Urban Areas
8. City-Region Linkages
9. Planning for the City-Region
10. Spatial Forms and Typologies of Cities
11. Governance of City-Regions
12. Urban-Rural Transformation and Continuum
Urban Development Plans, Policies, and Programs
1. Plans for Urban Areas
2. Strategies, Tools, and Urban Development Policies
3. Some Key Urban Policies
4. Impact of Urban Development Policies on Metro and Mega Cities
Metropolitanisation
1. Introduction
2. Metropolitanisation
3. Metropolises in the World
4. Metropolitan Areas/Regions in India
5. Growth Trends and Processes
6. Problems and Characteristics of Urban Sustainability
7. Issues Related to Quality of Life, Inclusivity, and Equity
8. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Participatory Planning
9. Inner City Issues and Urban Renewal
10. Urban Development Schemes in Metropolitan Contexts
11. Issues and Challenges in Metropolitan Areas
12. The Need for Metropolitan Planning
13. Key Features of a Metropolitan Plan
14. Role of Technology in Metropolitan Planning
15. Examples of Metropolitan Plans
16. Stages of Metropolitan Planning
17. Metropolitan Statistical Tools and Indicators
18. Conclusion
National Urban Policy Framework
1. Introduction
2. Vision and Strategic Intent
3. Core Values
4. Key Functional Areas
5. Interventions and Actions
6. Expected Outcomes
7. Monitoring and Evaluation
8. Conclusion
Case Studies of Metropolitan Areas
1. Delhi Metropolitan Area
2. Kolkata Metropolitan Area
3. Bengaluru Metropolitan Area
4. Hyderabad Metropolitan Area
5. Conclusion
Comparative Analysis and Way Forward
1. Introduction
2. Cross-City Comparative Analysis by Functional Area
3. Emerging Patterns and Policy Tensions
4. Reflections on NUPF Alignment
5. Conclusion
Building Sustainable and Inclusive Metropolitan Futures
1. Introduction
2. Key Challenges Ahead
3. Vision for Metropolitan Futures
4. Strategic Planning Approaches
5. Institutional Reforms and Governance Innovation
6. People-Centric and Inclusive Futures
7. Global Best Practices and Indian Applications
8. Concluding Reflections

Ar. Shanika (Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology)

Ar. Shanika is a Research Scholar in the Department of Architecture at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST). Her advanced research, conducted under the supervision of senior faculty, focuses on critical areas within urban planning and design, contributing significantly to the department's knowledge base. Her work is dedicated to bridging academic theory and practical application for effective real-world solutions.

Dr. Nirmala (Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology)

Dr. Nirmala is an accomplished Assistant Professor in Architecture, bringing over 19 years of combined teaching and industry expertise. Her specialization lies in Urban Planning (MURP) and Architecture, a dual focus that informs her comprehensive approach to the built environment. As a dedicated educator, Dr. Nirmala has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of architects and planners, evidenced by her successful supervision of seven Master's level research projects. This involvement highlights her commitment to fostering original scholarly work and advancing research within her discipline Dr. Nirmala is a proactive and significant contributor to the broader academic community, having organized 13 seminars/conferences/STTPs. Dr. Nirmala holds professional membership in several key organizations, including the Council of Architecture (COA), the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), the Indian Building Congress (IBC), and the Institute of Urban Transport (IUT).

Dr. Satpal (Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology)

Dr. Satpal is an accomplished academic and professional in the field of Architecture and Town Planning with 20 years of total professional experience, including 12 years dedicated to teaching and 8 years in the industry. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture, holding a Master's degree in Town Planning and a Bachelor of Architecture. His primary research interests are focused on Urban Transport and Planning. He maintains a strong research profile, evidenced by two international journal papers and four national conference papers. Dr. Satpal is actively engaged in the academic community, having guided 12 Master's students and organized 17 seminars and conferences. Dr. Satpal's professional affiliations include being a registered Architect Member with the Council of Architecture and an Associate Member of the Institution of Town Planner India, among others.

The following resources are available to help instructors in using this text in their classroom.