Types of Cities, Towns in India
India’s urban landscape is diverse and complex, shaped by demographic, administrative, economic, and functional factors. The classification of cities and towns in India is primarily based on population size, governance structure, and functional characteristics. This system helps in urban planning, allocation of resources, and implementation of government schemes. The Census of India and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) are the key agencies responsible for defining and categorising urban areas.
Historical Background
Urban classification in India has evolved over time, beginning with colonial administrative frameworks. During British rule, cities such as Bombay (Mumbai), Calcutta (Kolkata), and Madras (Chennai) were developed as port and administrative centres. After independence, rapid industrialisation and migration led to the growth of new urban centres, prompting the need for systematic categorisation based on population and governance.
The Census of India 1961 first introduced a standardised definition of an “urban area”, refined further in later censuses. Presently, classifications are determined according to the Census of India 2011 guidelines and administrative reforms under the 74th Constitutional Amendment (1992), which empowered urban local bodies.
Definition of an Urban Area
According to the Census of India, an urban area is defined by either of the following criteria:
- Statutory Towns: All places with a municipal corporation, municipal council, notified town area committee, or cantonment board, irrespective of population size.
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Census Towns: Places that satisfy all the following conditions:
- A minimum population of 5,000;
- At least 75% of the male main working population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits; and
- A population density of at least 400 persons per square kilometre.
Thus, urban areas may be statutory (governed by law) or census-designated (identified by demographic and economic criteria).
Classification Based on Population Size
The Census of India further categorises urban settlements into six classes, based on population size:
| Category | Type of Town/City | Population Range | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | Large City | 1,00,000 and above | Jaipur, Lucknow, Coimbatore |
| Class II | Medium Town | 50,000 – 99,999 | Saharanpur, Bhilai, Siliguri |
| Class III | Small Town | 20,000 – 49,999 | Satna, Ambikapur, Bhiwadi |
| Class IV | Very Small Town | 10,000 – 19,999 | Lonavala, Hoshiarpur (earlier stages) |
| Class V | Semi-Urban Area | 5,000 – 9,999 | Tirur, Balurghat (smaller urban centres) |
| Class VI | Transitional Settlements | Less than 5,000 | Emerging urban villages |
Class I cities dominate India’s urban structure and include both metropolitan and non-metropolitan cities.
Classification Based on Administrative Status
Under the 74th Constitutional Amendment, urban governance in India is administered by local bodies known as Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), categorised according to population size and civic functions.
1. Municipal Corporation (Mahanagar Nigam)
- Established in large urban areas with populations exceeding 1 million (10 lakh).
- Responsible for major infrastructure, sanitation, urban planning, and development works.
- Examples: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad.
2. Municipal Council (Nagar Palika)
- Constituted in smaller urban areas with populations between 1 lakh and 10 lakh.
- Handles local governance, basic amenities, and development projects.
- Examples: Aligarh, Udaipur, Gaya, Mysuru.
3. Nagar Panchayat (Town Area Committee)
- Created for transitional areas moving from rural to urban characteristics.
- Population typically ranges between 11,000 and 25,000.
- Examples: Kakori (Uttar Pradesh), Nagar (Rajasthan).
Functional Classification of Cities
Cities are also classified based on their economic and functional specialisation, reflecting their role in the national economy.
1. Industrial Cities
Centres of manufacturing and production, often located near mineral or industrial zones.
- Examples: Jamshedpur, Bhilai, Rourkela, Ludhiana, Pune.
2. Commercial Cities
Hubs of trade, finance, and business services, often housing stock exchanges and corporate offices.
- Examples: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Kolkata.
3. Administrative Cities
Serve as capitals or centres of political administration.
- Examples: New Delhi (national capital), Lucknow, Bhopal, Chandigarh.
4. Transport and Port Cities
Strategically located along major trade routes, facilitating logistics and international trade.
- Examples: Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Kandla.
5. Educational and Cultural Cities
Centres of learning, heritage, and culture.
- Examples: Varanasi, Aligarh, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru.
6. Tourism and Religious Cities
Cities attracting large numbers of domestic and international tourists or pilgrims.
- Examples: Agra, Jaipur, Haridwar, Tirupati, Goa.
7. IT and Knowledge Cities
Modern urban centres specialising in information technology, innovation, and research.
- Examples: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Gurugram, Noida.
Classification by Economic Function and Size
The National Commission on Urbanisation (1988) and subsequent planning bodies also categorised cities based on urban hierarchy and economic function:
- Metropolitan Cities: Population above 1 million (10 lakh).
- Mega Cities: Population above 5 million (50 lakh); e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad.
- Million-plus Cities: Those with over 1 million population (53 cities as per Census 2011).
- Urban Agglomerations (UA): Continuous urban spread comprising a city and its adjoining outgrowths or smaller towns; e.g., Delhi UA, Mumbai UA, Pune UA.
- Satellite Towns: Planned cities developed around major metropolitan centres to decongest them; e.g., Gurugram (Delhi NCR), Navi Mumbai, Noida.
Emerging Urban Typologies
Recent trends have led to new forms of urban development in India:
1. Smart Cities
Launched under the Smart Cities Mission (2015), these cities use digital technology and sustainable practices for efficient governance and infrastructure.
- Examples: Bhopal, Pune, Surat, Bhubaneswar, Indore.
2. Industrial Corridors and New Towns
Developed under national industrial policies such as the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and Amritsar–Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC).
- Planned cities: Dholera (Gujarat), Shendra–Bidkin (Maharashtra).
3. Cantonment Towns
Military-administered urban areas established for defence purposes.
- Examples: Meerut Cantonment, Ambala Cantonment, Secunderabad Cantonment.
4. Hill and Heritage Towns
Urban settlements known for tourism and cultural heritage.
- Examples: Shimla, Darjeeling, Udaipur, Hampi.
5. Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Cities
Industrial and trade-oriented urban zones promoting exports and foreign investment.
- Examples: Kandla SEZ, Sri City (Andhra Pradesh), Noida SEZ.
Urbanisation Trends in India
India’s urbanisation has been accelerating, with over 35% of the population (as per Census 2011) living in urban areas, projected to exceed 40% by 2030. The concentration of population in metropolitan and mega cities has created both opportunities and challenges, including infrastructure strain, housing shortages, and environmental degradation.
Policy and Planning Framework
Urban planning and governance in India are guided by several constitutional and policy frameworks:
- 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992): Empowered urban local bodies (ULBs) for self-governance.
- National Urban Policy Framework (NUPF): Provides guidelines for sustainable urban growth.
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Schemes like:
- Smart Cities Mission
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U)
- Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban
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