Archive · 3 Aug 2025
Sanjeev Sanyal Slams Indian City Planning: Chandigarh's Flaws
Economist Sanjeev Sanyal thinks India's cities are not planned well.
He says Chandigarh, designed by Le Corbusier, is a bad example because it spreads people out instead of putting them close together.
He believes cities like Paris and Hong Kong are better because they have many people in a small space.
Sanyal points out that Mumbai is improving its roads and trains, which is good.
He thinks cities should change over time instead of being stuck with old plans, and that old buildings should be updated for modern use.
Economist Sanjeev Sanyal criticizes Indian urban planning, citing Chandigarh as a flawed example.
Sanyal argues that successful urban planning involves managing density rather than dispersal.
He highlights Mumbai's infrastructure improvements and criticizes rigid master plans.
Sanyal advocates for adaptive reuse and modernization, using Delhi's Central Vista as an example.
He believes cities should evolve continuously and break free from historical design ideals.
- Who
- Sanjeev Sanyal, an economist.
- What
- Economist Sanjeev Sanyal criticizes Indian urban planning and city design, focusing on issues like density, master plans, and adaptive reuse.
- When
- The article does not explicitly state a specific time for these criticisms.
- Where
- Focus is on Indian cities, particularly Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Delhi.
- Why
- Sanyal believes current urban planning methods are flawed and advocates for more efficient and adaptable strategies.
Traditional Urban Planning
Modern Urban Planning
Density vs. Dispersal
Traditional Urban Planning
Advocates for city designs that emphasize dispersal.
Modern Urban Planning
Emphasizes the importance of concentration and density management.
Adaptability of Plans
Traditional Urban Planning
Favors rigid master plans and historical design ideals.
Modern Urban Planning
Supports continuous change and adaptive reuse of existing infrastructure.
- Critic
- Sanjeev Sanyal
- Focus
- Indian urban planning
- Example of flawed design
- Chandigarh
- Advocates
- Managing density and adaptive reuse
- Positive Example
- Mumbai's infrastructure improvements