With the rapid pace of urbanization, the percentage of India’s population living in cities and urban areas has almost doubled to 27.8% in 2001 from 14% at the time of Independence. This is expected to accelerate even further, and by 2021 over 40% of Indians will be living in urban areas. The scale of urbanization in India can be seen in 6 mega cities (5 mn plus), 29 metro cities (1 mn plus), 500 cities (100,000 plus), with a total of over 5000.

By 2011, Urban India will contribute over 65% to Indian GDP. Indian Cities provide settings as engines of economic growth, and at the same time face enormous challenges.