Who is making it easy for us to move? Behind India’s mobility shift are unlikely partnerships. Governments, CSOs, residents, and even e-bike startups are all co-creating better transport. From Cycle Days to Handlebar Surveys, citizen engagement is no longer symbolic. It’s strategic, sustained, and reshaping the rules of how cities listen, plan, and move forward.

Mumbai’s draft city plan just took a historic turn with a chapter on gender and social equity, thanks to years of advocacy. But women still face barriers in urban governance, especially in smaller cities. While Coimbatore and Tumakuru have made strides, many others lag behind. Can inclusive leadership truly transform India’s urban landscape, or is there more to the story of gender parity in city planning, especially in the smaller ones?

Karnataka’s draft Active Mobility Bill 2022 aims to create safer, more equitable streets for pedestrians and cyclists. But does it fully address all key challenges? From clarifying definitions to ensuring public participation, this feedback highlights vital gaps and opportunities. Will this bill set a new national standard for active mobility?

रोहण की कहानी ‘राहगीरी’ नामक एक अनजाने शहर में कदम रखती है, जहाँ सड़क पर एक भी मोटर गाड़ी नहीं है। यह कहानी एक ऐसे कल्पनाशील झरोके का द्वार खोलती है, जो पर्यावरण की उलझनों को सुलझाकर नई जीवनशैली का रास्ता दिखाती है। मुंबई में पले-बढ़े रोहण की नजरों से यह शहर केवल यातायात की दिशा ही नहीं, बल्कि सोच की दिशा भी बदलता है। समय की कश्ती पर सवार शब्दों का यह अनोखा सफर शायद कभी हकीकत ही बन जाए।

A closer look at over 50 studies reveals what’s missing in India’s mobility conversations: small cities. From outdated data to metro-centric research, the gaps are clear. But within these blind spots lie crucial opportunities. Could rethinking where knowledge comes from reshape how we plan transport in urban India?

Urban transport in India often focuses on metros, sidelining the unique realities of smaller cities. With limited data, varying insights, and one-size-fits-all solutions, real needs go unheard. When policies don’t fit the context, problems multiply. The story of India’s small cities is incomplete, and it’s starting to show.

Balancing tradition with urban governance in India’s tribal regions is no small feat. As cities expand into Scheduled and Tribal Areas, conflicts arise between modern municipal systems and indigenous self-governance. With MESA still pending, the lack of legal clarity often leaves local bodies in a grey zone. Can legislation finally bridge the gap between preserving culture and managing urban growth in these unique regions?

Cities are more than just buildings and streets; they’re shaped by stories and perceptions. Yet, many small Indian cities remain shadows online, barely represented on platforms like Wikipedia. Nagarpedia aims to change that by empowering citizens to enhance their cities' digital presence and strengthen local knowledge. As Wikipedia pages become richer, how do these cities finally find their voices heard and their stories told?

Indian cities are making waves in global rankings, but the results can be puzzling. While Hyderabad and Bengaluru top growth charts, they lag in innovation and quality of life. With numerous indices measuring everything from economic potential to mobility, Indian cities often find themselves on different ends of the spectrum. But do these rankings really reflect urban realities, or is there more to the story?

At Arthan’s Tomorrow’s Liveable Cities event, experts shared insights on making people central to urban planning, leveraging knowledge for better governance, and enabling organizations to serve citizens effectively. From community-driven initiatives to innovative tech solutions, diverse voices highlighted the power of collaboration. At the end of the day, these discussions aimed to answer one fundamental question: How can cities become truly livable?

The 74th CAA reshaped urban governance by setting the stage, but the real power lies with state legislatures to turn its promises into reality. Municipal Acts, crafted by states, hold the key to how cities run, who leads them, and what they can do. But how consistent are these rules across India?

India’s urban governance is shaped by a patchwork of 69 municipal acts, each with its own story—some statewide, others crafted for specific cities. From colonial-era laws still in use to new acts passed decades after the 74th Amendment, the diversity is striking. But what do these acts say about the powers, people, and functions of our city governments?

Why did India’s cities lack real power for so long? Decades of urban neglect, no constitutional backing, and weak finances kept city governments on shaky ground. The 74th Amendment sought to change this and became the game-changer for urban self-governance. But the journey toward truly empowered cities is still ongoing.

The Indian Constitution shapes every law in the country, adapting through amendments to meet changing times. The 74th Amendment redefined urban governance, formally bringing city governments into the spotlight. But how do these layers of rules really impact the cities we live in? And who decides?

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act shook up urban governance in India, redefining power, finances, and representation in city governments. It promised greater local control and deeper citizen involvement. But how much of this vision has truly been realised? The real story lies in what happens next.

Governance isn’t just about rules or rulers; it’s an ongoing process where governments, businesses, and communities interact to guide society. Rather than control, governance is about interaction that includes coordination, negotiation, and shared responsibility. Have you ever wondered how it shapes our everyday lives beyond the institutions we usually think of?

What holds a city government together? From elected councillors and mayors shaping policies to the unseen hands of administrative officers and field staff keeping daily life running smoothly, it’s a complex web of roles and responsibilities. How these actors work and who holds the power reveals a lot about urban governance.

What makes a city, really? Definitions differ wildly, from population size to economic roles, even within a single country. But why does it matter how we draw these lines, and how does India’s complex system shape our understanding of urban life? These definitions influence how cities grow, govern, and serve their people every day.

City governments are the closest link between citizens and the state, managing everything from water supply to local roads. But how much power do they really have? Uneven control, complex roles, and evolving responsibilities reveal the real challenges behind running a city that works for everyone.

Citizenship isn’t just about nationality; it’s about belonging, identity, and participation at many levels. From the country to the city, who we are is tied deeply to where we live and engage. What shapes this bond between citizens and cities, and why does it matter today in our urban development?