Public transport in smaller Indian cities was already struggling before COVID-19. But what did the pandemic do to these travel patterns? It sparked shifts in how people move, revealing new trends in private vehicle use and non-motorised transport. These changes carry both opportunities and challenges, especially outside major metros.

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 From outdated data to metro-centric research, the gaps are clear.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.

Imagine India as just 100 people: how many would own a phone, have electricity, or live in a city? This thought experiment uncovers surprising truths about inequality and everyday life. Inspired by global data visualisations, it’s a snapshot of India’s diverse realities, reminding us that numbers tell stories too. As the next Census approaches, what shifts will the new decade reveal?

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?

Libraries are more than just collections of books; they’re vital community spaces. In India, however, urban libraries remain scarce, with one library serving 80,000 people on average. As cities grow, public libraries must evolve to foster lifelong learning and community engagement, by reimagining dynamic spaces for social interaction, creativity, and knowledge-sharing. Will investing in libraries help our cities become truly smart?

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?

Bengaluru in 2050—will it be a city where green spaces reclaim the concrete, and every drop of water is valued? Can technology and tradition coexist in harmony, shaping a future where communities thrive together? What if equality and respect for nature aren’t just ideals, but everyday reality? This glimpse into tomorrow leaves you wondering: how close are we to making this dream come true?

What will Lucknow be like in 2050? Will Chikankari and Zardosi artisans finally break free from exploitation and reclaim their craft’s legacy? Can eco-friendly innovation coexist with age-old traditions? Imagine a city where cultural heritage thrives alongside modern governance, where pollution is replaced by green energy, and where conscious tourism uplifts the community. Is this vision of a harmonious, inclusive Lucknow just a dream or a glimpse of the future?

What will the cities of 2050 truly look like — utopias of justice and sustainability or reflections of today’s broken promises? This stirring vision imagines a future where equality reigns, grassroots democracy thrives, and climate action is non-negotiable. But is it all just wishful thinking or a blueprint for tomorrow? A compelling, poetic narrative that questions, dreams, and challenges what our urban future should be, while daring us to believe it’s possible.

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?

Sherlock Holmes knew the value of data, and so did the British when planning cantonment towns. From colonial strategies to modern city planning, public health was the cornerstone, driven by meticulous documentation and contextual insights. Today, as cities rethink their futures post-COVID, can we learn from the structured yet practical approach of cantonments? At the end of the day, the question remains: How can cities effectively bridge data and decision-making?

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.