Archives - Question of Cities

‘Move people back into trains and buses, it’s affordable and it’s climate action’

As cities in India see a rise in private transport, the modal share of public transport has declined. This varies from city to city but nowhere is it more stark than in Mumbai which was once famed for its accessible…

The way ahead for Delhi’s transport: Green mobility, women’s safety

The modern-day Delhi has not been known for an efficient, safe and reliable public transport system though nearly half of its commuter population uses it, with the metro registering nearly 3.2 million and the bus network 2.5 million commuters a…

How cities around the world prioritised public transport and improved mobility

As cities stare at the effects of climate change, the importance of an efficient public transport system becomes clear. The quality of urban life is determined by an urban design with transport policies that prioritise accessible and comfortable modes of…

For better cities, map and integrate all open spaces into urban planning

Gardens, promenades, boardwalks, wetlands, salt pans, beaches, promenades, green connectors amid a city’s concrete, are vital open spaces which make it more liveable. The most iconic open spaces combine a multitude of urban functions: ecological, social, public health, public safety,…

Mahalaxmi Racecourse: A public open expanse, threatened by a theme park

One of Mumbai’s largest and most recognisable open spaces, the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, attracts hundreds of joggers, walkers, sportspersons, and yoga enthusiasts among others. The theme park planned here will likely shrink the precious open space, replace the green with some…

Social well-being through open space planning: The Navi Mumbai case study

The new city on a vast greenfield area across the Mumbai harbour was planned in the 1960-70s to decongest the increasingly-dense Mumbai. The master plan for Navi Mumbai, modelled on self-reliant inter-connected nodes, each with amenities for housing as well…

How open spaces impact the ecological health of cities

When urban development, largely understood to mean construction, gathers pace to accommodate more people and commerce, one of the first casualties is open spaces. It is easy to “let go” of open spaces in the name of ‘development’ but this…

Footpaths of India: Microcosms of our lives and shared spaces

Footpaths are shared spaces in India’s cities. From pedestrians who walk for work or for leisure to vendors who offer all kinds of services in the informal markets, from authorised or unauthorised parking spots to the occasional impromptu performances, footpaths…

India’s missing pavements, thanks to car-centric planning and official apathy

Life happens on pavements or footpaths in cities across India. A mind-boggling number of people walk to work or for leisure every day and the informal economy of hawkers and service providers supports millions. Yet, pavements are either absent on…

Footpaths in India: The dangerous gap between policy and reality

Walking on Indian footpaths is like a hurdle race given the many obstacles present on them. We do not need walkability studies to show how un-walkable our pavements are. Vendors, stall-owners, and other informal market people find themselves constantly pitted…