Indian cities are growing faster than ever, yet daily life for millions of residents is becoming increasingly difficult. From air pollution and traffic congestion to poor waste management and weak urban governance, the problems are visible across the country’s major urban centres.

Urban Decay Behind the Tourist Postcards

During a recent visit to Jaipur, a city famous for its palaces and forts, a local taxi driver summed up the situation bluntly: admire the city in pictures, not on the streets.

Despite its rich heritage and strong tourism economy, Jaipur—like many other Indian cities—struggles with dirty roads, uncollected garbage, chaotic traffic and neglected historical structures. Ancient buildings are often stained, misused or crowded out by informal workshops and roadside activity.

This contrast raises a serious question: why are Indian cities becoming less liveable despite massive government spending on infrastructure?

Big Infrastructure, Small Impact on Daily Life

India’s recent economic growth has been driven largely by state-funded infrastructure projects. Over the past decade, the country has invested heavily in airports, highways, metro rail networks and smart city projects.

Yet, global liveability rankings consistently place Indian cities near the bottom. For many residents, daily conditions have worsened, leading to public frustration and protests.

Public Anger Across Major Cities

• Bengaluru, India’s technology hub, faces constant criticism for traffic jams, poor road planning and garbage piles, angering both citizens and top business leaders.

• Mumbai, the financial capital, has seen rare public demonstrations over dangerous potholes and flooded roads, especially during long monsoon seasons.

• Delhi continues to battle toxic winter smog, forcing health warnings for children and the elderly and damaging the city’s global image.

Why India’s Urban Growth Isn’t Like China’s

Unlike China’s rapid urban transformation during its economic boom, India’s GDP growth has not translated into cleaner, better-managed cities.

Weak Urban Governance Is the Core Issue

Experts say the fundamental problem lies in how Indian cities are governed.

India’s Constitution originally focused on power-sharing between the central and state governments, without anticipating today’s massive urban populations. As a result, cities lack independent authority and accountability.

The 74th Constitutional Amendment (1992) aimed to decentralise power and strengthen local governments. However, many of its provisions remain poorly implemented.

Local bodies often lack the authority to raise funds, hire staff, or make independent decisions.

In contrast, Chinese city mayors have strong executive powers, control over planning and investment, and clear performance targets linked to career growth.

Mayors Without Power, States Acting as ‘Super Mayors’

In India, municipal leaders are often the weakest part of the system, despite being closest to citizens’ problems.

State chief ministers frequently control urban decisions, leaving city administrations with limited budgets and authority. This creates delays, inefficiency and a lack of long-term planning.

While cities like Surat and Indore have shown improvement through strong leadership, these successes depend on individuals—not a reliable system.

Lack of Data Makes Urban Planning Worse

Another major challenge is the absence of updated urban data.

India’s last official census is over 15 years old, recording only 30% urban population. Today, experts estimate that nearly half the country lives in urban or semi-urban areas.

Without accurate data, planning for housing, transport, sanitation and public health becomes guesswork.

Environmental Crisis and Public Health Risks

Poor governance and planning have led to severe environmental damage:

• Air pollution causing respiratory illnesses

• Blocked drains and sewage overflow during monsoons

• Plastic waste choking rivers and canals

• Unsafe roads increasing accident risks

These issues directly affect quality of life, economic productivity and public health.

A Growing Democratic Gap

Experts warn that the failure to empower cities reflects a deeper weakening of grassroots democracy. Despite worsening conditions, public pressure on urban reform remains limited.

History shows that major reforms often come only after crises. London’s famous “Great Stink” of 1858 forced the city to overhaul its sewage system, ending deadly disease outbreaks.

India, too, may need a moment of collective realisation before urban reform becomes a true political priority.

Conclusion: The Future of India’s Cities

India’s cities are at a crossroads. Without strong local governance, reliable data, environmental planning and citizen accountability, urban life will continue to deteriorate—no matter how impressive national infrastructure looks on paper.