India, July 20 -- For nearly two decades, Bengaluru has responded to growth in a fairly predictable way. Every time the city needed more homes or office space, development simply moved a little farther out. New corridors emerged, infrastructure followed, and the city's boundaries kept stretching.

That model worked because Bengaluru had room to grow. Today, the conversation is beginning to change.

The question is no longer whether the city can continue expanding. It probably will. The more important question is whether expansion alone is enough for a city that has already established itself as India's technology capital.

In my view, it isn't. A mature city eventually reaches a stage where growth has to become smarter, not just bigger. B...