The Gujarat Regional Chapter of the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI) organised a workshop on “Densification of Existing Cities: Opportunities & Challenges”, as part of Urban Development Year 2025 declared by the state government. The day-long event brought together urban planners, government officials, academicians and industry leaders from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa. 

NK Patel, National President of ITPI, emphasised: “India has less than one acre of land per citizen. Urban land is even scarcer. More than 50 Indian cities have a population of over one million. Densification is not just desirable, but necessary.” He underlined how compact development can optimise land use, strengthen public transport, reduce carbon emissions, and improve social cohesion. 

Delivering the keynote, Barjor Mehta, President of CEPT University, said: “No country in the world has developed without urbanising. To move from a $4 trillion economy to $10 trillion, our cities must become dynamic, productive, and efficient.” 

Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain added: “Ahmedabad is a UNESCO World Heritage City and the cleanest large city in India. With the city preparing to host the 2036 Olympics, infrastructure and amenities are being upgraded to international standards.” 

The workshop included sessions on policy, technology, and global best practices in urban renewal, featuring experts from HCP Design, ESRI India, CEPT University and Gujarat Technological University. Discussions focused on compact, mixed-use redevelopment to strengthen infrastructure investment, improve access to jobs, enhance public spaces, and drive inclusive, sustainable growth.