New Delhi: Emphasising that Delhi has entered a new phase of urban transformation, lieutenant governor TS Sandhu on Friday outlined a roadmap for the national capital to transition from a “metro city” into a true “metropolis”, driven by integrated planning, sustainability, innovation and quality of life.
Speaking at an event on Indo-Japanese relations in the capital, Sandhu said Delhi’s future development must rest on five key pillars — smart mobility, sustainable development, water and environmental management, disaster resilience, and the transformation of Dwarka into a global hub for innovation and investment.
He said the city’s focus can no longer be limited to creating infrastructure alone and must shift towards building complete urban ecosystems that are efficient, resilient and future-ready. “A metropolis is defined by efficiency, sustainability, innovation and quality of life,” the LG said.
A major focus of his address was the future development of the Dwarka sub-city, which he described as a unique opportunity to reshape Delhi’s economic landscape. Dwarka should not remain merely a residential zone, he said, but evolve into a centre for knowledge-based industries, innovation hubs, research institutions and global partnerships.
“With the right planning, infrastructure and policy support, Dwarka can become a symbol of the next phase of India’s bilateral and multilateral collaborations, where investment, technology and talent come together to create new economic ecosystems,” he said.
Highlighting smart mobility as a key priority, the LG said the future of urban transport lies in seamless integration of metro rail, buses, last-mile connectivity and digital platforms. He added that AI-based traffic management, real-time monitoring and data-driven systems could significantly improve the commuter experience in Delhi.
On sustainable development, Sandhu said rapid urban expansion has made the adoption of cleaner energy, green mobility, energy-efficient buildings and improved waste management increasingly urgent. He noted that Japan’s expertise in hydrogen energy, electric mobility and energy-efficient infrastructure could help accelerate Delhi’s transition towards sustainability.
The LG also underlined the importance of water and environmental management, saying urban sustainability cannot be achieved without addressing pollution control, wastewater recycling, flood management and climate resilience through advanced technologies and international collaboration. Sandhu further said cities must be prepared for environmental and structural challenges, pointing to Japan’s globally recognised expertise in resilient infrastructure and emergency response systems as a model Delhi could learn from.
Vibha Sharma serves as an Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of...
Read MoreVibha Sharma serves as an Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, having dedicated 18 years to journalism. She has carved a niche in civic affairs and urban infrastructure reporting, delving into the fundamental aspects of urban administration, including sanitation, taxation, city planning, infrastructure and environmental sustainability, while examining Delhi's grassroots operations. As a veteran civic journalist, her reporting illuminates the daily urban challenges confronting Delhi, encompassing municipal taxation frameworks, circular economy, infrastructure enhancement and land utilisation regulations.
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