Expressways to Drive Major Growth in 30 Indian Cities by 2035, with Nagpur Leading the Way
India is undergoing a significant infrastructure transformation, with the rapid expansion of expressways and highways poised to reshape the landscape of cities across the nation. According to a recent report by Colliers, 30 emerging cities in India are expected to experience substantial growth due to the ongoing expressway development, with land prices potentially increasing by as much as 5.2 times by 2035.
Among these cities, Nagpur stands out as a frontrunner. The operationalisation of the 701-kilometre Samruddhi Mahamarg Expressway, which connects Nagpur with Mumbai, has been a game-changer for the city’s connectivity. This expressway has drastically reduced travel time and increased the city’s attractiveness to investors and businesses. As a result, Nagpur’s real estate market is expected to see a substantial uptick, with land prices forecasted to rise dramatically. This is not just about infrastructure but the cascading effect of development that improves the city’s overall economic prospects. Nagpur’s rise as a prominent city is just the beginning. Following its lead, other cities such as Jaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Agra, Meerut, and Bhopal are also gaining attention. These cities, now part of a network of emerging “micro-markets,” are on the verge of becoming hotspots for residential and commercial investments. The surge in infrastructure development is largely credited to the Bharatmala Pariyojana, a flagship initiative by the Indian government aimed at enhancing connectivity across the country. Some of the key expressway projects under this initiative include the Yamuna Expressway, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and the Dwarka Expressway. These expressways have transformed areas that were previously remote or underserved, making them more accessible and attractive to businesses, developers, and potential residents.
The Colliers report emphasises how expressways not only reduce travel time but create a ripple effect of development that drives urban growth. Improved accessibility attracts business investments, boosts commercial and residential property demand, and stimulates local economies. This enhanced connectivity is set to play a pivotal role in turning these emerging cities into bustling urban hubs. Swapnil Anil, Managing Director of Advisory Services at Colliers India, highlighted the potential of investing in these micro-markets. He stated, “This is the best time to invest in land within emerging cities along expressways, with expected returns of up to 5.2X over the next decade.” As more expressways come online in the coming years, urban planners predict these cities will become key economic centres offering substantial returns for investors.
In addition to Nagpur’s Samruddhi Mahamarg, two other important expressway projects are under development in Uttar Pradesh: the Vindhya Expressway and the Vindhya-Purvanchal Link Expressway. These roads will enhance connectivity between eastern Uttar Pradesh and other regions, linking cities such as Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Chandauli with the national capital region (Delhi-NCR). These developments are expected to boost property values and fuel further urbanisation in the region. The next decade is set to witness rapid urbanisation in these emerging cities, positioning them as future hotspots for both residential and commercial real estate. Local economies will benefit from the increased connectivity, job creation, and new business opportunities brought about by these expressway projects. As India continues to expand its road infrastructure, officials and urban planners are optimistic that these developments will drive both social and economic progress, benefitting communities in both urban and rural areas. The combination of expressway-driven growth and an evolving real estate market makes now the perfect time for investors to explore these emerging cities, which are poised to become some of the country’s most sought-after destinations. With land prices on the rise and major infrastructural projects in the pipeline, the future of India’s urban growth looks promising.
