Smart mobility, sustainable development key to Delhi’s shift from ‘metro to metropolis’: LG Sandhu

Delhi needs to progress from a “metro city to a metropolis” with integrated governance, smart mobility, sustainable development and disaster resilience, Delhi Lt Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu said on Friday.

Speaking at an event focused on Indo-Japanese relations, the LG also stressed transforming Dwarka sub-city in west Delhi as a new hub for global investment, innovation, and economic ecosystems.

Outlining the way forward for Delhi to become a “metropolis”, Sandhu said Delhi has entered a phase where the focus is not just on building infrastructure, but on shaping entire urban ecosystems based primarily on smart mobility, sustainable development, water and environmental management and disaster resilience.

Sandhu explained that a metropolis is not defined only by infrastructure; instead, it is defined by efficiency, sustainability, innovation, and quality of life.

This shift must aim at creating a system of governance that progresses from isolated projects to integrated development, from infrastructure creation to ecosystem building, and from growth to sustainable growth, he said.

Taking a cue from other global cities in the world, Delhi could start working in the area of smart mobility involving metro systems, buses, last-mile connectivity, and digital platforms working seamlessly together, he said.

Data-driven systems, AI-based traffic management, and real-time monitoring can significantly improve the commuter experience, he said.

As Delhi continues to grow, the need for cleaner energy, efficient buildings, waste management, and green mobility becomes more urgent, he said.

Japan and other nations’ expertise, in areas such as hydrogen energy, electric mobility, and energy-efficient infrastructure, can help accelerate this transition, the LG suggested.

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Sharing his vision of the transformation of Dwarka, and through it, the national capital, the LG said, “The most important opportunity lies in how we plan the future growth of Delhi. In this context, the development of Dwarka as a sub-city presents a unique possibility.”

It can emerge as a destination for international companies and corporations to establish regional headquarters, research centres, and technology hubs, he stated.

With the right planning, infrastructure, and policy support, Dwarka can become a symbol of the next phase of India’s bilateral and multilateral collaborations, where investment, technology, and talent come together to create new economic ecosystems, he added.