15-Minute City: Features, Need & Challenges Associated

• In 2023, a Bengaluru commuter made headlines for completing a 12 km journey faster by running than driving, underscoring India’s urban mobility crisis. Despite a surge in green-certified buildings, our cities remain plagued by long, inefficient commutes, transforming them into “two-hour cities” instead of 15-minute ones.
• Sustainable urban planning must go beyond isolated green structures to create walkable, transit-oriented, mixed-use cities. Inspired by successful models in Paris, Copenhagen, & Singapore, the 15-minute city approach can reduce congestion, enhance accessibility, & improve quality of life. Prioritising people over cars and sustainability over unchecked sprawl is key to making Indian cities livable, productive, and future-ready.

15-Minute City: Key Features

• Walkable & Cyclable Streets: Safe, pedestrian-friendly pathways & dedicated cycling lanes for seamless mobility.
• Mixed-Use Development: Homes, workplaces, retail, & green spaces integrated within proximity.
• Efficient Public Transport: Well-connected transit systems to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Green spaces, water conservation, renewable energy, & eco-friendly buildings.
• Decentralised Services: Essential amenities like healthcare, education, and markets evenly distributed across neighborhoods.

Need for the 15-Minute City in India

• Urban Population & Congestion: By 2030, 600 million people will live in Indian cities, straining infrastructure. Bengaluru & Mumbai commuters lose 200+ hours annually in traffic.
• Unplanned Zoning & Long Commutes: Poor land use forces Delhi-NCR residents to travel 50+ km daily, increasing fuel consumption and lowering productivity.
• Beyond Green Buildings: India ranks third globally in LEED-certified buildings, with 1,400+ projects in Uttar Pradesh, yet cities like Gurgaon remain car-dependent, worsening pollution.
• Environmental & Health Impact: Buildings consume 30% of global energy and emit 26% of CO₂. Delhi’s AQI often exceeds 400, leading to severe respiratory diseases.
• Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependence: India imports 85% of crude oil, with transport using 40% of fuel. Walkable cities like Paris’ model cut emissions and improve public health.

Challenges in Implementing the 15-Minute City in India

• Fragmented Urban Planning: Disjointed zoning separates work and residential areas, increasing commute times. E.g., Gurugram’s office hubs vs. distant residential clusters.
• Poor Last-Mile Connectivity: Inadequate footpaths, cycle lanes, and feeder transport make short-distance travel inconvenient. E.g., Bengaluru lacks pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
• Car-Centric Development: Road expansion is prioritised over public transport and walkability. E.g., Delhi’s flyover-driven approach encourages vehicle dependence.
• Urban Sprawl & Real Estate Pressure: High-rise expansion reduces green spaces and livability. E.g., Mumbai’s shrinking open spaces due to real estate demands.
• Loss of Traditional Urban Design: Ancient cities ensured accessibility with centralised markets, unlike modern sprawl. E.g., Jaipur’s planned bazaars vs. scattered malls in new cities.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Public Transport: Expand metro, BRT, & electric buses, and improve last-mile connectivity.
• Prioritise Walkability & Cycling: Develop pedestrian-friendly streets, dedicated cycling lanes, and shaded walkways.
• Enable Mixed-Use Development: Integrate residential, commercial, and institutional spaces for self-sufficient neighborhoods.
• Adopt Transit-Oriented Development: Build high-density urban clusters around metro and bus hubs.
• Ensure Affordable Housing: Promote rental housing and slum redevelopment within city centers.
• Enhance Green & Sustainable Infrastructure: Expand urban forests, and parks, and incentivise energy-efficient buildings.
• Leverage Smart & Data-Driven Urban Planning: Use GIS, AI, and real-time traffic management for optimised mobility.
• Strengthen Local Governance & Community Participation: Empower RWAs and urban bodies for decentralised decision-making.

The 15-minute city offers a people-centric, transit-oriented, and sustainable urban model for India. By prioritising walkability, mixed-use zoning, & green infrastructure, cities can become efficient, resilient, and livable. Success hinges on policy integration, community participation, and smart urban planning. A shift from sprawling, car-dependent metros to compact, self-sufficient neighborhoods will redefine urban India, ensuring mobility, productivity, and environmental sustainability.

Reference: Business Standard

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 117

Q. Discuss the concept of the 15-minute city and its relevance for Indian urban planning. What are the key challenges in implementing this model? (10 Marks) (150 Words)

Approach

• Introduction: Define the 15-minute city concept & its core objectives in the introduction.
• Body: Explain its relevance for Indian cities, key challenges, and possible solutions.
• Conclusion: Write a way forward and highlight the need for a localized approach to implementation.