Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Pune Leads India’s City Vitality Rankings as Kolkata Gains Momentum
Dun & Bradstreet created a ranking to measure how strongly different Indian cities and districts are doing economically.
Pune came first among metropolitan cities because it has strength in technology, manufacturing, cars, education, and innovation.
Kolkata was growing the fastest among the metropolitan cities.
Ahmedabad came second overall.
South 24 Parganas was the top emerging city.
North 24 Parganas and Thane followed it.
The report studied more than 800 districts using satellite data and economic information.
It said that more businesses, investments, jobs, talent, and infrastructure are spreading beyond the biggest cities.
Pune ranked India’s most economically vital metropolitan city in Dun & Bradstreet’s City Vitality Index.
Kolkata recorded the strongest growth momentum among metropolitan cities, while Ahmedabad placed second overall.
South 24 Parganas topped the emerging-city rankings, followed by North 24 Parganas and Thane.
The April–June 2026 index assessed more than 800 districts using satellite-derived Earth Observation data and economic indicators.
Dun & Bradstreet said emerging cities are increasingly contributing to investment, enterprise creation, job generation, and regional development.
- Who
- Dun & Bradstreet assessed Indian metropolitan and emerging cities and districts; Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and Thane were among the highlighted locations.
- What
- The City Vitality Index ranked Pune as the most economically vital metropolitan city and identified Kolkata as having the strongest metropolitan growth momentum.
- When
- The index covered April–June 2026; the report was reported on August 19.
- Where
- Across India, including more than 800 districts.
- Why
- To measure economic vitality and identify areas showing investment potential, regional development, and future growth opportunities.
- Report
- Dun & Bradstreet City Vitality Index
- Assessment period
- April–June 2026
- Coverage
- More than 800 districts across India
- Top metropolitan city
- Pune
- Fastest metropolitan growth momentum
- Kolkata
- Second overall metropolitan position
- Ahmedabad
- Top emerging city
- South 24 Parganas
- Data sources
- Satellite-derived Earth Observation data and economic indicators