Delhi-NCR’s rapid urban expansion will require more than just new residential projects to sustain growth, according to transport planners and real estate experts. Speaking at the India Next Real Estate Expo, industry leaders said seamless mobility, efficient public transport and integrated planning will determine how successfully the region evolves into a connected economic hub.
Experts noted that while metro expansion has transformed commuting in many parts of the National Capital Region, several areas continue to struggle with poor last-mile connectivity, forcing residents to rely on private vehicles and adding to congestion. They argued that transport planning should become the foundation of future urban development instead of being treated as a secondary consideration.
Last-mile connectivity remains the missing link
According to the Hindustan Times, transport researcher Bhaumik Gowande of the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) India said residential townships are still being developed without adequate access to public transport, creating disconnected urban pockets.
He stressed that a unified planning authority could ensure transport infrastructure and housing projects are developed together, leading to better coordination and more efficient mobility. Drawing comparisons with international cities, Gowande said Tokyo’s extensive railway network demonstrates how transport-led planning can shape urban growth while pointing out that the NCR’s much larger geographical footprint demands even stronger connectivity.
Former Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chief Sanjeev Kumar Lohia also emphasised that infrastructure planning should begin by studying how people actually travel rather than focusing only on constructing new transport systems.
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Metro expansion alone will not solve commuting issues
According to the Hindustan Times, Sail Kumar, Director of CRC Group, said the success of the metro rail depends on how easily commuters can reach stations from their homes and workplaces. He cited Gurugram as an example where many residents spend close to an hour travelling to the nearest metro station despite significant network expansion.
According to Kumar, strengthening first and last-mile connectivity is essential if public transport is to become the preferred choice for daily commuters. He described Delhi’s ongoing infrastructure transformation as a fundamental shift that will shape future economic growth rather than simply improving existing transport facilities.
He also pointed to major projects such as the Ganga Expressway and upcoming connectivity corridors as developments that could further strengthen regional integration.
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Integrated planning key to NCR’s future
According to the Hindustan Times, Jindal Realty President and CEO Abhay Mishra echoed the need for coordinated urban development, saying isolated housing projects cannot meet the demands of a rapidly expanding metropolitan region.
Panellists also highlighted the importance of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), which is expected to significantly reduce travel times across the NCR by connecting key urban centres with faster transit.
The discussion concluded that the region’s next phase of development will depend on combining residential growth with efficient transport infrastructure, ensuring people can move quickly and conveniently across cities while reducing reliance on private vehicles.
