Shaping Hubli-Dharwad as a connected city

The rapid growth of Indian cities and unregulated urban development are resulting in sprawling, low-density cities. As urban migrants flock to developing Indian cities, municipal governments lack the tools to expand city infrastructure in a sustainable way. An approach rooted in transit-oriented development (TOD) can help decision-makers respond to the challenges of urbanization with long-term, sustainable solutions. EMBARQ India partnered with the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) in the state of Karnataka to develop the area around the Navanagar bus rapid transit (BRT) station in the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad. The neighborhood plans drew on the principles of compact, mixed-use design and emphasized improved pedestrian and cycling facilities in order to provide safe access to city services. Furthermore, the neighborhood is home to a number of historically important buildings, and TOD guidelines protect the culture and heritage of the community. Currently in the planning stages, EMBARQ India aims to implement specific TOD projects on the ground in the coming years.