India’s urban planning story is often dominated by its metropolitan cities, such as Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai, which attract the most media spotlight, infrastructure investments, and policy debates. But beyond these hyper-dense metropolises, a quieter, arguably more transformative shift is underway. Smaller cities, such as Indore, Surat, Coimbatore, and Bhubaneswar, are rethinking urban growth in ways that go beyond the usual vertical sprawl. These Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are experimenting with more inclusive, horizontal models; ones that prioritize sustainability, accessibility, and long-term resilience. These Tier 2 and 3 cities are fast becoming experimental grounds for innovative planning approaches, potentially offering blueprints for future urban landscapes both within and outside India (Shaw & Sathe, 2023; World Bank, 2022). This is similar to what is being observed in Australia, where cities such as Geelong, Ballarat, and Newcastle are quietly reshaping the country’s urban planning by emphasizing resilience and livability as central planning pillars (SGS Economics and Planning, 2023).

Decentralization as Strategy: Shifting Lens in Urban Planning

India’s strategic step towards decentralization is based on two initiatives: the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation). These initiatives mark a shift in focus away from mega-urban concentration, redistributing resources and infrastructural investments to Tier 2 and 3 cities (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, 2021). 

Indore, with the help of the Smart Cities in India policy, is transforming its water collection systems, digital governance, and green public spaces (Jain, 2023). Indore implemented GPS-enabled bins and a command and control centre, helping to retain the title of India’s cleanest city. Then, Bhubaneswar focuses its efforts on pedestrian-friendly transit corridors and digital inclusion. They also introduced a Public Bicycle Sharing System (PBS), solar-fit footpaths, and then integrated city Wi-Fi (Das, 2022). Coimbatore is focused on AMRUT, improving water supply, and rolling out decentralized sanitation networks. It is implementing ward-level sewage treatment units that cater to community-scale needs and reducing dependency on centralized systems (TNUIFSL, 2022). 

This decentralization push is a response to avoid the repetition of congestion and inequality seen in metropolitan areas, offering an alternative model of city master planning where growth is distributed and tailored to local needs (McKinsey Global Institute, 2023).

Human-Scaled Urbanism: Regional Cities’ Contradictory Approach

In contrast to their urban counterparts, burdened by sprawl and traffic, numerous regional cities in India are focusing on mixed-use development, public squares, and pedestrian-friendly centres (ITDP India, 2023). One of the regions, Coimbatore, is concentrated in neighbourhood markets and green areas rather than large malls (CMA, 2023). Surat, previously known for its floods and congested roads, is now exploring riverfront projects, pedestrian-friendly areas, and bike paths (Surat Smart City Development Ltd., 2022).

Human-focused urbanism can be understood as prioritizing the equality and well-being of residents in city planning, emphasizing everyday convenience, livability, and community connection over visual appeal. The shift is understated yet impactful, reinterpreting success not as upward growth but as collective effectiveness (Gehl, 2023).

Planning with People: Community-Centred Approach 

Urban growth is no longer a mandate but a cooperative endeavour in many regional centres. Surat provides several examples, such as the redesign of its Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), which involved extensive consultation with residents, vendors, and regular commuters (UTTIPEC, 2023). resulting in improved stop accessibility, better connectivity with other modes of transportation, and changes to the route. Similarly, initiatives in Bhubaneswar and Indore show how civic trust is being fostered and public infrastructure improved through community engagement (Datta, 2024). The idea that urban planning is the sole responsibility of the planners is then called into question by this participatory approach. Nonetheless, it recognizes the importance of individual experience in developing inclusive and flexible systems (UN-Habitat, 2023). 

Parallel Moves in Australia: Regional Resilience in Ballarat and Newcastle 

Australia’s regional cities are also confronting post-growth realities while focusing on resilience and wellbeing. In Ballarat, planning initiatives focus on heritage-conscious density enhancements, improving active transport systems, and revitalizing the CBD (City of Ballarat, 2023). The 10-minute neighbourhood concept is being tested here, a concept that aligns with Indian instances, such as Indore’s local markets and mixed-use areas (Victorian Planning Authority, 2022).

Newcastle, New South Wales, relies heavily on coal exports and has revamped its waterfront and public areas, focusing on innovation centres and eco-friendly transport (City of Newcastle, 2023). The focus is on creating a varied, robust economy while preserving the city’s character and affordability (Infrastructure Australia, 2022). 

These examples demonstrate that small and mid-sized cities, whether in India or Australia, can lead the way in rethinking urban planning by prioritizing quality over quantity.

Conclusion 

With India’s swift urbanization and environmental issues, Tier 2 and 3 cities are becoming essential testing grounds for a new form of urban planning that prioritizes decentralization, inclusivity, and community focus, addressing the challenges of overcrowding, inequality, and climate resilience more effectively than metropolitan cities. With mixed-use neighbourhoods, walkable urban design, and community-driven infrastructure, they are putting people, not just cars or profits, at the heart of the city. Their transformation has been subtly altering the story of urban life in the Global South (Roy, 2023).

This transformation in India is similar to that in Australia, where cities like Ballarat and Newcastle are pivoting towards place-based resilience, active transport, and heritage-sensitive growth. This focus on revitalizing urban cores preserves cultural identity, showcasing smaller cities that offer lessons for balancing economic renewal with quality of life. This highlights that sustainable urban development is not just limited to metro cities; smaller urban centres also provide flexible governance environments and stronger community engagement opportunities, which make innovation implementation easier. 

These examples demonstrate why the future of urban planning lies in empowering regional cities. Providing them with funding, technical capacity, and knowledge-sharing networks can be vital for national development. As countries across the Global South grapple with rapid urbanization, they draw inspiration from these regional success stories, crafting their pathways towards inclusive, resilient, and livable cities. The next chapter of urbanism can be written not just in skylines but in neighbourhoods where people thrive, participate, and build a shared sense of belonging. 

References

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Shaw, A. & Sathe, M. (2023). India’s Regional Cities and Urban Reform. Economic and Social Research Council.