New Delhi: India’s largest metropolitan regions are powering the country’s transit-oriented real estate expansion, with Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Chennai and
Kolkata together accounting for nearly three-quarters of development planned around major transport hubs. The National Capital Region of Delhi leads the trend with an estimated 32 million square feet of potential, fuelled by its growing metro network, extensive inter-state bus services and busy railway stations.
Mumbai ranks second with 20 million square feet, while Chennai follows at 13 million square feet. Other cities such as Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune and Kolkata are also witnessing steady progress as their transport systems expand, though their scale remains smaller compared with the top metros.
India’s top 8 cities have over 106 mn sq. ft. developmental potential: Report
A new report by property consultancy CBRE highlights that India’s top eight cities have more than 106 million square feet of development potential located near transit nodes. These include metro stations, railway junctions, airports, and bus terminals, which are fast becoming magnets for integrated urban growth.
Transit-oriented development (TOD)
Transit-oriented development (TOD) aims to cluster housing, workplaces, retail outlets and leisure facilities around transport corridors, cutting reliance on private vehicles and promoting compact, connected urban design. These projects are built with pedestrian-friendly spaces, cycle paths and seamless interchanges, offering a blueprint for sustainable city living.
TOD-led real estate activity in Delhi NCR
In the Delhi-NCR region, large projects including the proposed Dwarka ISBT, Aerocity ISBT and Jewar International Airport, alongside existing hubs such as Sarai Rohilla and Hindon Airport, are expected to anchor much of the future TOD-led real estate activity.
As metro lines extend deeper into city neighbourhoods and new hubs take shape, TOD is set to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s next phase of urban development, blending commercial growth with long-term sustainability.
