Essential Planning Techniques for Effective Metropolitan Development

Today, half the world’s population prefers to live in urbanised areas. According to the latest reports by the National Institute of Urban Affairs, since 1951, India’s urban population has surged six times, from 62.4 million to 377.1 million in 2011. It is predicted to reach 590 million in 2030. This change in demographics has contributed to rapid metropolitan growth.

Metropolitan development refers to planning, managing, and designing the growth and transformation of large and densely populated urban regions. Urban sprawl, technological advancement, global connectivity, and changing demographics are some of the factors contributing to metropolitan development. Proper metropolitan development planning is needed to promote sustainability and achieve the smart city goal. Sustainability is only possible when future city leaders use their skills and planning to transform cities into better metropolitan cities.

The Master of Planning program offered by Manipal University Jaipur can help students become professionals and provide ideas for better future development. This blog will cover the essential planning techniques for effective metropolitan development.

Let's dive into the process of transforming metropolitan chaos into harmonious growth! Read this blog for essential planning techniques.

Comprehensive Land Use Planning: A Key Tool for Urban Planning

There is a need to make modifications in land use planning that will help for better urban planning. Let's discuss some strategies:

Urban Renewal: Revitalising and repurposing the old building can be a part of land use planning. For example, offices and banks, Mumbai's Ismail Building has been renovated into a new Zara store. This has helped preserve historical architecture while adopting commercial use, reflecting an excellent example of urban renewal.
Green Infrastructure: Climate change and pollution have created urgency for building green spaces like parks and open-air gyms, and sustainable urban design has become an essential part of urban planning. According to The Economic Times, India is all set to invest Rs. 36.6 lakh crore in green projects by 2030.

Transportation Planning: Moving Cities Forward

A better transportation facility is another crucial aspect that can help develop metropolitan cities.

Public Transportation: Public transport can help maintain the city's noise and air-pollution-free status by making smart cities greener and more sustainable. As per the recent reports by the Indian Express, On 4 september, 2024, the Delhi Transport Department gave Uber permission to operate the premium bus service in the capital, which is a good initiative taken for improving the metropolitan development.
Non-Motorized Transportation: Transit-oriented development (TOD) should be the master plan for urban planning. TOD consists of making walkable neighbourhoods and pedestrian paths. For example, Ghaziabad introduced the TOD policy in 2022, and now GDA is all set to implement it.
Traffic Management: Metropolitan Cities like Gurugram need a good traffic management system, as it faces challenges every time after heavy rainfall, busy office hours and other particular situations.

Economic Development Planning: Fueling Urban Growth

Economic development planning can create practical metropolitan areas. To plan effectively, financial planning should include creating opportunities for earning. Let us discuss some of the strategies for economic and metro planning:

Job Creation: The rapid growth of urbanisation and technology in metropolitan cities has created job opportunities, which can help economic development and better urban planning. Prioritising environmental sustainability and achieving net-zero emissions has created a demand for green jobs. As per the report “Gearing Up the Workforce for Green Economy”, India could generate 35 million green jobs by 2047. Institutions like Manipal University Jaipur offer M Plan to prepare students to enhance their skills and develop their knowledge of sustainable planning. You can check out MUJ placements provided to program graduates.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: India has been actively working towards innovation and new entrepreneurship opportunities. For example, the Start-Up Indian initiative launched in 2016, which provides funding, simplifies regulations, and promotes mentorship.

Infrastructure Planning: A Strategic Approach to Urban Development

The Indian government has been actively participating in the infrastructure planning by introducing different programs. For instance- “Smart city Mission”, which directly aims to improve the quality of life of the people by integrating new technologies.

For instance, the Indian government introduced “Viksit Bharat 2047” to envision a developed India by 2047. It focuses mostly on economic expansion and environmental sustainability while considering urban planning.

Proper infrastructure planning consists of:

Water and Wastewater: Good water supply and waste management are crucial to ensure clean water access and efficient sanitation.
Energy Infrastructure: If we look at future metropolitan cities, we can observe that they will use renewable resources, which are sustainable and eco-friendly. People in India have started using solar panels and smart grids, contributing to metropolitan development.
Waste Management: Waste management programs like Swachh Abhiyan Bharat were launched in India on October 2, 2014, which aim to keep the environment clean by proper waste management.

Integrating Master of Planning (M Plan) Strategies

A Master of Planning program is designed to give a deep understanding of urban dynamics, strategic planning techniques, and the capability to adapt to urban challenges.

Here’s how the M.Plan curriculum contributes to shaping effective strategies:

Foundational Knowledge in Urban and Regional Planning
Technical Proficiency in Planning Techniques
Expertise in Infrastructure and Transport Planning
Proficiency in Quantitative Methods and Data Analytics
Specialized Knowledge in Disaster Mitigation and Management
Advanced Skills in Development Finance and Real Estate Management
Legislative and Policy Insights for Urban Planning

Conclusion: Bridging Theory and Practise for a Better Urban Future

The blog has discussed essential planning techniques like infrastructure planning, comprehensive land use, economic development, and transportation systems that can be enhanced for better metropolitan development.

Future learners may create creative and successful urban planning strategies by combining these strategies with real-world implementations. The use of geospatial technology can build resilient, egalitarian, and sustainable urban settings that will improve everyone's future.

A Master of Planning (M.Plan) degree prepares aspiring urban planners with the essential skills and knowledge required to navigate the complexities and drive successful metropolitan development.

If you are interested in learning about urban planning and metropolitan development, then you can enrol in Manipal University Jaipur which offers valuable programs to students.