A new World Bank report has called for immediate and substantial investments in building climate-resilient cities across India.
The report warned that without timely action, the country could face significant climate-related setbacks, including a doubling of heat-related deaths in urban areas by 2050.
The report, focused on fostering resilient and prosperous Indian cities, emphasises that with the country’s urban population projected to nearly double - from 480 million in 2020 to 951 million by 2050 - there remains a critical window of opportunity to plan future infrastructure and services in a climate-conscious manner.
The findings are based on comprehensive analytical research conducted between September 2022 and May 2025.
"Given that the building and infrastructure retrofitting is very costly, there must be an immediate focus not only on better preparing cities for climate impacts, but also on shaping urban growth in a climate-resilient manner, necessary for improving quality of life and achieving vibrant economic growth," the report notes.
The World Bank stressed that Indian cities, which already serve as economic engines and innovation hubs, can continue to thrive only if urban growth is managed with sustainability and resilience in mind. Climate change, it warns, is already disrupting rainfall patterns, increasing the frequency and severity of heatwaves, and intensifying urban flooding - all of which could severely hamper the potential of India’s urban centers.
Losses from stormwater flooding in cities, currently costing between 0.5% to 2.5% of India’s GDP annually, are projected to double if global emissions remain high. Additionally, the Urban Heat Island effect is compounding the risks posed by heatwaves, placing urban populations at greater health risk.
“If nothing changes, it is projected that heat-related deaths in Indian cities will double by 2050,” the report cautions.
Indian cities are particularly vulnerable due to the high density of people and assets, coupled with urban management systems that are struggling to keep up with rapid urbanisation and increasing climate threats.
The interconnected nature of urban infrastructure also poses a unique challenge - failures in one system, such as flooding, can cause widespread disruption across transport, power, and other essential services.
The World Bank stresses that Indian cities are at a pivotal point. Without a shift in planning and investment strategy, the current trajectory could lead to significant economic and social losses. Conversely, well-managed urban development could improve livability and ensure better access to amenities like parks and recreational spaces.