India needs $2.4 Trillion for green, resilient cities by 2050

India must invest over US$ 2.4 trillion by 2050 to build climate-resilient, low-carbon urban infrastructure and services, according to a new World Bank report. With the urban population set to nearly double to 951 million and over 144 million new homes needed by 2070, timely adaptation in housing, transport, and municipal services could avert billions in losses from extreme weather and save over 130,000 lives by 2050.

India will require over US$ 2.4 trillion in investments by 2050 to develop new, resilient, and low-carbon urban infrastructure and services, according to a World Bank report titled ‘Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India’. The report emphasizes that the private sector’s participation will be crucial to mobilize these investments.

With India’s urban population projected to nearly double to 951 million by 2050, more than 144 million new homes will be needed by 2070. Studying 24 Indian cities, including Chennai, Indore, New Delhi, Lucknow, Surat, and Thiruvananthapuram, the report finds that timely adaptation measures can avert billions in annual losses caused by weather-related shocks. For instance, pluvial flood-related losses worth $5 billion by 2030 and $30 billion by 2070 could be avoided. Additionally, adaptation investments could save over 130,000 lives from extreme heat impacts by 2050.

The report highlights that cities drive economic growth, expected to generate 70% of new jobs by 2030, but they must strengthen resilience against extreme weather to avoid major economic and human losses.

With over 50% of the urban infrastructure for 2050 yet to be built, India has a unique opportunity to invest in green, resilient infrastructure, including housing, transport, and municipal services, to mitigate extreme heat and urban flooding while supporting economic growth.

Key recommendations include addressing extreme heat and floods through stormwater regulation, green spaces, cool roofs, and early warning systems. The report also urges investment in energy-efficient, resilient housing, modern solid waste management, and flood-resilient urban transport, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth for India’s cities.