New Delhi, Oct. 26 -- India's cities and towns are acutely feeling the strain of weak planning, as visible in infrastructure and governance systems that are one-size-fits-all and not context-specific. In my previous article 'Indian cities are in urgent need of a complete systems overhaul' (Mint, 23 April 2025), I made a case for a systems approach to cities focused on three city-systems: planning and design, participatory governance and state capacities.

In this piece, I detail three measures to strengthen local governments, unlock more effective planning and governance, and ensure India's urbanization translates into better outcomes for all.

Reorient MoHUA and state urban departments for local governance and regional development: At pr...