Speaking at an event hosted by BITS Design School, Mumbai, and LOPEZ Design on Monday, he said, “50% of India for 2070 is still to be built, so we will see 500 million Indians getting into the process of urbanisation in the next four to five decades.”
“This unprecedented urbanisation presents a unique opportunity for India to build cities that are not only modern but also equitable and sustainable.”
Underscored the nation’s economic trajectory, Kant said, “In three years, India will overtake Japan and Germany to become the third largest economy, and we are aiming to be a $30-trillion economy by 2047. That means we will grow eight times bigger by 2047.”
“The western part of the world is aging, China is aging. India is very young and will remain young till 2047. Our average age will still be just 35 in 2047,” he said, reiterating India’s demographic advantage compared to other global powers.
Kant warned against the perils of unplanned urbanisation, referencing mistakes made by other nations, particularly in prioritising vehicle-centric infrastructure over public transit. “America, for instance, their car companies actually bought over the railway companies and destroyed them,” he said. He advocated for a human-centric approach to urban design, promoting walkable cities, cycling paths, and efficient public transit.