Toxic air, broken roads and unpicked rubbish - why India's big cities are becoming unliveable

Published: 12/29/2025
Toxic air, broken roads and unpicked rubbish - why India's big cities are becoming unliveable
Indian cities like Jaipur, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi are facing urban decay issues, including traffic congestion, air pollution, and uncollected waste. Despite massive spending on infrastructure upgrades, many cities rank poorly in liveability indexes. The lack of a credible governance structure, historical challenges, and limited powers of local bodies contribute to the unlivable conditions. India's rapid urban growth presents significant challenges that need to be addressed to improve the quality of life in its cities.