COMPACT CITY

INDIA
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
01
INTRODUCTION

COMPACT CITY MODEL

02

03 POSITIVE & NEGATIVE IMPACTS

04
CASE STUDY: KOLKATA

05
CASE STUDY: DELHI
COMPACT CITY?
● The Compact City or city of short distances is an urban
planning and urban design concept, which promotes relatively
high residential density with mixed land uses.
● It is based on an efficient public transport system and has an
urban layout which - according to its advocates - encourages
walking and cycling, low energy consumption and reduced
pollution.
● It is also arguably a more sustainable urban settlement type
than urban sprawl because it is less dependent on the car,
requiring less (and cheaper per capita) infrastructure provision.
● A large resident population provides opportunities for social
interaction as well as feeling of safety in numbers and" Eve On
The Streets."
Compact city planning and development: Emerging practices and strategies for achieving the goals of sustainability - ScienceDirect
KEY BENEFITS OF COMPACT CITY
● Efficient use of land and urban containment​
● Increase in the number of ridership for economically viable
MRTS​
● Environment protection by lowering the climatic change
emissions​
● Protection of ecological diversity, countryside and land for
agriculture​
● Efficient delivery of utility services in more densely populated
areas. Due to the economies of scale in supplying energy,
water and treating waste, it is less costly to deliver urban
utility service incompact cities than in suburban areas​
● Increased social interaction leading to safety against crime​
● Less travelling distances that saves time, money and fuel
consumption per capita​
● Improved public health by better water and air quality, and by
walking and jogging​
Compact city planning and development: Emerging practices and strategies for achieving the goals of sustainability - ScienceDire
COMPACT CITY MODEL

Compact city planning and development: Emerging practices and strategies for achieving the goals of sustainability - ScienceDirect
COMPACT CITY INITIATES TOD
● TOD stands for Transit-Oriented Development, which is a key element of compact city
planning.
● TOD involves developing urban areas around high-quality public transportation systems,
such as buses, metros, and light rail.
● TOD aims to create compact and walkable neighborhoods where people can easily access
public transport and other amenities without relying on cars.
● In TOD, the transportation system becomes the backbone of the urban design.
● TOD encourages mixed-use development, which means that different land uses, such as
residential, commercial, and institutional, are integrated into the same area.
● TOD promotes efficient land use by utilizing existing infrastructure and services.

Overall, TOD is a key component of compact city planning as it

promotes sustainable and livable urban environments. It requires
coordination between transit agencies, planners, policymakers,
developers, and communities to ensure that transportation systems are
integrated with land use, and that communities are designed to support
walkable and vibrant neighborhoods.
Compact city planning and development: Emerging practices and strategies for achieving the goals of sustainability - ScienceDirect
To implement the compact city approach, the URDPFI recommends the following
strategies:
● Promoting infill development: This involves redeveloping existing urban areas by filling
in vacant or underutilized spaces with new development.
● Encouraging densification: This involves increasing the number of people living and
working in a given area by allowing higher building densities.
● Developing mass transit systems: This involves developing efficient and affordable
public transportation systems, such as buses, metros, and light rail.
● Promoting non-motorized transport: This involves promoting walking and cycling by
creating safe and attractive pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
● Developing green spaces: This involves creating and maintaining green spaces, such as
parks and gardens, to provide residents with access to nature and to improve the urban
environment.

Overall, a compact city approach involves a range of strategies and interventions that promote
sustainable and livable urban environments. It requires the collaboration of planners,
policymakers, developers, and communities toURDPFI
create a shared vision and implement effective
Guidelines : Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Goverment of India (mohua.gov.in)
POSITIVE IMPACT
● Reduced urban sprawl: Compact city planning focuses on building up rather than out, which can help limit
urban sprawl. This approach can help preserve natural habitats and farmland on the outskirts of urban
areas, reducing the environmental impact of development.
● Improved access to amenities and services: Compact cities tend to be more walkable and bike-friendly,
making it easier for residents to access amenities and services such as shops, restaurants, and healthcare
facilities. This can improve quality of life and reduce reliance on cars, which can reduce traffic congestion
and air pollution.
● Increased social interaction: In compact cities, residents are often closer to each other and more likely to
interact, fostering a sense of community and social connection. This can help reduce social isolation and
promote a sense of belonging.
● Efficient use of resources: Compact city planning reduce their carbon footprint and promote
sustainability.
● Economic benefits: Compact city planning can bring economic benefits by creating more job
opportunities, increasing property values, and attracting businesses and investors
NEGATIVE IMPACT
● Higher housing costs: Compact city planning often involves building high-density housing in urban areas.
While this can be convenient for residents who want to be close to amenities and services, it can also result in
higher housing costs. As demand for housing in urban areas increases, the cost of living in those areas may
become unaffordable for many people.
● Reduced green space: Compact city planning often involves building up rather than out, which can result in
less green space. This can negatively impact the environment and the mental health of residents, who may not
have easy access to nature and open spaces.
● Increased traffic congestion: Compact city planning often involves encouraging residents to use public
transportation, cycling, or walking rather than driving. However, if these options are not readily available or
convenient, it can lead to increased traffic congestion as more people rely on cars to get around.
● Noise pollution: High-density housing in urban areas can result in more noise pollution, which can be disruptive
to residents' sleep and overall quality of life.
● Social isolation: In dense can make better use of resources such as land, energy, and water. By building
higher-density housing and encouraging public transportation and cycling, cities can result populated areas,
residents may feel disconnected from their community, leading to social isolation and loneliness.
Positive and impact of compact city
GOALS ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY

● Shortening commuting distance ● less energy consumption ● Lower travel cost, less congestion,
● less GHG (Green Houses thus higher mobility and higher
Gases) emissions productivity

● Maximizing densification And ● Preservation of land for ● More cost effective public service
intensification agriculture, water resources, provision (e.g. road, water)
etc. ● Maximized impacts of public
● Efficient use of energy investment
● Lower electricity demand

● Enhancing attractiveness and ● Improvement of neighborhood ● More frequent exchange of ideas,

quality of life in urban centers level living environment thus increased knowledge,
(green, clean air, etc.) innovation and wealth creation
● More cultural diversity, higher
quality of life, thus more talented,
high-skilled labour force and more
private investment
Compact city: KOLKATA

Kolkata, the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, is

one of the largest and most historic cities in India. Known
for its cultural heritage, educational institutions, and vibrant
arts scene, Kolkata also faces significant urban challenges,
including traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate
infrastructure. With a population exceeding 14 million in its
metropolitan area, the city is a prime candidate for
implementing COMPACT city principles to promote
sustainable urban development.
What makes kolkata a compact city?
Geographic Size: Kolkata covers a relatively small area of around
185 square kilometers. Despite being a major metropolis, its land
area is much smaller compared to other Indian cities like Delhi or
Mumbai.

High Population Density: With a population density of over

24,000 people per square kilometer, Kolkata is one of the most
densely populated cities in India. This high density means that
many of the city's services and amenities are concentrated within a
small area.

Urban Layout: The city's layout is highly centralized. Important

commercial districts, such as the central business district around
B.B.D. Bagh, are located close to residential areas. This reduces
travel time and makes the city more navigable.
What makes kolkata a compact city?
Public Transport Network: Kolkata has a well-developed public transportation system,
including the Kolkata Metro, buses, trams, and a network of ferries. These modes of transport
effectively cover the city and make it easy for residents to move around without relying
heavily on private vehicles.

Mixed Land Use: The city exhibits a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas
within close proximity to each other. This mixed land use helps in reducing commute times
and fosters a vibrant street life.

Historical Development: As one of the oldest cities in India, Kolkata’s development was
based on colonial-era planning, which emphasized a compact and efficient urban form. The
historical core of the city, including neighborhoods like Esplanade, College Street, and
Dalhousie, still retain this compactness.

These factors collectively contribute to Kolkata being considered a compact city, allowing for
efficient use of space and resources, and facilitating easier movement for its residents.
ISSUES IDENTIFIED
Before becoming a compact city, Kolkata faced several issues, including:
1. Overcrowding and Congestion: The city has a high population density, with over 24,760 people per
square kilometer, exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended density of 2500 people per
square kilometer.
2. Urban Blight: The rapid growth of population, coupled with severe geographic limitations, has
resulted in extreme congestion, urban blight, and a myriad of economic, social, and environmental
problems.
3. Lack of Infrastructure: The pace of urban services has not kept pace with the rapid population
growth, leading to a significant gap in service provision.
4. Social and Environmental Problems: The city faces numerous social and environmental issues,
including poverty, lack of basic amenities, and environmental degradation.
5. Monocentric Urban Form: Despite efforts to develop new towns, the city has maintained a strong
monocentric trend, with the city center remaining the dominant hub of activity.
6. Urbanization of Neoliberalism: The city's urban politics have been characterized by an urbanization
of neoliberalism, which has led to a bias towards the bourgeois class and neglect of the needs of the
poor.
7. Limited Resources: The city faces significant resource constraints, including limited income
opportunities, inefficient resource distribution, and restricted data availability.
8. Colonial Legacy: Kolkata's colonial past has had a lasting impact on the city, shaping its culture and
society, and influencing its urban development.
KEY FEATURE FOR COMPACT PLANNING IN
KOLKATA
● Land Use-Transportation Integration: Compact planning in Kolkata
should focus on integrating land use and transportation effectively to
address the city's unique population dynamics, where a large proportion of
lower-income individuals commute long distances for work.
● Compactness and Density: Compact cities are known for their livability
and quality of life due to less pollution and fewer vehicles on the roads.
Kolkata's high population density, particularly in metropolitan areas, can
be leveraged to create more compact and efficient urban forms.
● Diversity of Land Use and Jobs: Compact cities promote diversity of
land use and jobs, which is essential for Kolkata's economic and social
sustainability. This diversity can be achieved by integrating different land
uses, such as residential, commercial, and recreational areas, to create a
more vibrant and inclusive urban environment.
● Sustainable Transportation: Sustainable transportation systems are
crucial for compact cities. Kolkata should focus on developing efficient
public transportation systems, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and
cycling infrastructure to reduce reliance on private vehicles and promote a URBAN GREENERIES IN
KOLKATA
healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
● Green Spaces: Compact cities often have limited green spaces. Kolkata
should prioritize the creation and preservation of green spaces, parks, and
gardens to maintain a healthy and sustainable urban environment.
KEY FEATURE FOR COMPACT PLANNING IN
KOLKATA
● Case-by-Case Evaluation: Compact city concepts need to be tailored to the
specific context of Kolkata. A case-by-case evaluation of the city's unique
challenges and opportunities is necessary to develop effective compact
planning strategies.
● Urban Form and Quality of Life: The relationship between urban form
and quality of life is crucial. Compact urban forms can improve quality of
life by reducing pollution, promoting physical activity, and enhancing
overall well-being. However, the compact-high quality neighborhoods at the
city center and low density-high quality new towns at the periphery are
dominant spatial patterns in Kolkata, which need to be addressed.
● Social and Economic Inclusivity: Compact planning in Kolkata should
prioritize social and economic inclusivity by ensuring that new
developments and infrastructure projects benefit all segments of the
population, not just the bourgeois class.
● Urbanization of Neoliberalism: The urbanization of neoliberalism in
Kolkata has led to a bias towards the bourgeois class. Compact planning
should aim to address this bias by promoting more inclusive and equitable
urban development.
● Sustainable Urban Forms: Compact cities are often seen as the ultimate
panacea for achieving sustainable development. Kolkata should focus on
Layout of Kolkata
•Layout of Kolkata is its rectangular north-south orientation.
•The city has unplanned growth over the years.
•Layout has encouraged the development of a pattern of daily
commuting that has overburdened.
•The bulk of the city’s administrative and commercial activity is
concentrated in the Barabazar.
•Kolkata’s system of streets and roads reflects the city’s historical
development.
•An express highway, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, stretches from
Kolkata to Dum Dum, though most local streets are narrow.
•Main roads form a grid pattern primarily in the old European
sector.
● The city of Kolkata, is the main business, commercial and
financial hub of eastern India and the north-eastern
states.
● More than 300 years old city and it served as the capital
of India
● Kolkata serves as the global example of the potentials and
problems facing mega-cities in developing nations
● Kolkata city, under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata
Municipal Corporation (KMC), now has an area of 185
km2 subdivided into 141 wards (considered as
neighborhoods).
● The area is spread linearly along the banks of the River
Hooghly in a north–south direction.
● Kolkata presently has a population over 5 million.
● Lack of growth in income opportunities, very little
resources and distributional inefficiencies has left a huge
gap in service provision.
 URBAN STRUCTURE OF
KOLKATA
The proposed metropolitan structure plan is a multi
centered one with
● Metro Centre
● Metro Sub-centre
● Major Centres
● Trans-Metro City System
● New Townships/Settlement Areas
● New Industrial
● Growth Centres

URBANISATION IN KMA
(KOLKATA METROPOLITAN AREA)
Spatial dynamics and urbanization dynamics in KMA

Metropolitan structure spatial New settlement areas new township Industrial growth centers in KMA
distribution of centers : 2025 : 2025
Proposed integrated transport Proposed bus terminals & possible Future transport network: Inner
network in KMA corridors for L.R.T Kolkata metropolitan region
Traffic and Transportation Water Supply and Sanitation
 Urban settlement

Vegetation/Garden/Park

Agriculture

River/Lake/Waterbody

Land use pattern (%) Description of land use type in Kolkata city
LIC MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT AT
KOLKATA
•The building is being projected to be one of the largest mixed-use
developments at EM Bypass.
•It consists of a mall and office component including 3 levels of retail, 18
levels of office space, intermediate terraces and a roof garden
•The site is contoured land fill area and shall have two/three subterranean
basement levels.
•The entire building is to be in RCC construction with steel work for the
central atrium skylight feature, in the mall component
•Size : 5 acres
•Development potential : 776,228 sq
 Exemplary Sustainability Strategies

The proposal of mix-use building enhance the movement and

use of site-
● Efficient Land Use
● Balanced Growth
● Connectivity and Accessibility
● Social Interaction
In keeping with LIC’s commitment to sustainability, the design
endeavors to set an example on that parameter. Some
strategies and tools employed to achieve this include a Hybrid
Air-Conditioning system that significantly reduces peak HVAC
load, rain water harvesting and waste management systems
reducing potable water consumption by more than 50%, MBR
system treating 100% of the sewage to get recycled water, day-
lighting through atrium and high-performance façade reducing
electric lighting load. The north/ south facades have high
performance low e-glazing systems with horizontal louvered
shading on the south face, while the east/ west facades are
more solid, to protect from direct sunlight and heat.