3 Common Features of Indian Cities
Regardless of respective specifics of individual Indian cities there are common features. The contrast of old and new, for instance, illustrated by the contrast of traditional bazaars and modern shopping centers, for example. There is the rapid formation of middle-class residential estates on the one hand, and rising numbers of shantytowns on the other.
The most striking congruence, however, is inadequate infrastructure. Streets, roads, rail systems, sewers, water supply as well as power generation are lagging far behind ever growing demand. Many of the deficiencies mentioned are most pronounced in old centers and downtowns, respectively. Street widening schemes, for example, are next to impossible, digging up streets is causing domino effects all over municipal territories, and beyond (administrative) city limits.
4 Conclusion
Doubtlessly the Indian city is a fiction. Evidently, Indian towns and cities are exposed to homogenizing trends of what is called globalization. Nevertheless, the variety of urban traditions and inherited realities will persist for many years to come.