City Limits

This non-fiction collection of essays examines unplanned urbanization in Indian cities, offering a practical policy guide to build sustainable, inclusive urban spaces for readers who care about how cities grow and how people live within them. The volume brings together essays by leading policymakers and urban development experts, pairing rigorous analysis with real-world case studies. It identifies the key urban challenges—unplanned expansion, infrastructure gaps, housing affordability, traffic and transit bottlenecks, and widening socio-economic divides—and presents concrete, implementable solutions to address them. Written for a broad audience—policy makers, urban planners, students, and engaged citizens—the writing is concise, data-informed, and oriented toward practical action. Concepts covered include urban governance, housing policy, land use planning, transportation and mobility, public finance for city projects, and ways to measure progress. The learning experience is approachable, with concise explanations and practical frameworks that translate complex ideas into actionable guidance. The essays invite readers to think critically about policy choices and their impact on everyday life. - Essays by leading policymakers and urban development experts addressing unplanned urbanization and its effects on quality of life and social equity - Practical policy recommendations an