India's top cities hold 106 million square feet transit-oriented development (TOD) real estate potential: CBRE

India’s top eight cities present an opportunity to develop over 106 million square feet of real estate linked to transit-oriented development (TOD), centred around metro stations, railway hubs, and inter-state bus terminals, according to CBRE South Asia’s latest report. Delhi-NCR leads with 32 million square feet of potential, supported by its expanding metro network and major transport hubs such as Dwarka Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), Aerocity ISBT, and the upcoming Jewar International Airport. Mumbai follows with 20 million square feet, while Chennai ranks third with 13 million square feet, driven by key projects like Chennai Airport and the Peripheral Ring Road. Other cities, including Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Pune, are also witnessing TOD-linked growth as mass transit infrastructure expands.
TOD is reshaping urban development by integrating residential, commercial, retail, and leisure spaces into mixed-use ecosystems that enhance accessibility and sustainability. Developers are aligning with TOD principles to create integrated live-work-play corridors, improving connectivity for residents and adding value for businesses and retailers. However, challenges around land acquisition, financing, and outdated land-use regulations remain. CBRE recommends policy reforms, flexible zoning, improved walkability, and innovative financing tools such as land-value capture to fully unlock TOD’s potential in shaping India’s future-ready cities.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.