Expressways to Spark Major Growth in 30 Indian Cities by 2035, with Nagpur Leading the Way
India is experiencing an infrastructure revolution, with a massive expansion in expressways and highways that are set to transform cities across the country. According to a recent report by Colliers, India now boasts 30 emerging cities with enormous growth potential, largely driven by the development of expressways. These cities are expected to see a dramatic rise in land prices, some even up to 5.2 times by 2035.
Nagpur, which ranks at the top, is leading the charge thanks to the operationalisation of the 701-kilometre Samruddhi Mahamarg Expressway. The expressway has significantly enhanced Nagpur’s connectivity, placing it in the spotlight for investors looking to capitalise on emerging markets. In fact, the city’s rise is not just in terms of infrastructure but also in its real estate sector, where land prices are forecasted to skyrocket. Following Nagpur, other cities like Jaipur and Lucknow are also showing immense promise. These cities, along with several others like Ahmedabad, Agra, Meerut, and Bhopal, are all part of a growing network of “micro-markets” which are expected to become hotspots for both residential and commercial real estate.
The recent surge in road infrastructure is being attributed to the Bharatmala Pariyojana, an ambitious initiative by the Indian government aimed at improving connectivity across the country. Key projects such as the Yamuna Expressway, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and the Dwarka Expressway exemplify how infrastructure development can significantly transform surrounding areas into lucrative real estate investments. These expressways not only reduce travel time but also bring a ripple effect of development in areas that were once considered remote or underserved. The Colliers report highlights that the expansion of expressways improves accessibility and stimulates urban growth. The proximity to improved roads attracts businesses and developers, thereby increasing the demand for both residential and commercial properties. This enhanced accessibility is crucial in triggering a series of economic activities that can transform an entire region.
Officials and urban planners are optimistic that these developments will not only spur economic growth but will also result in long-term benefits for local communities. According to Swapnil Anil, Managing Director of Advisory Services at Colliers India, “This is the best time to invest in land within the micro-markets of 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 foresee these cities becoming key economic hubs, offering attractive returns for both investors and residents. The planned infrastructure projects are expected to boost local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens.
Moreover, in addition to the Samruddhi Mahamarg, two new expressway projects in Uttar Pradesh— the Vindhya Expressway and Vindhya-Purvanchal Link Expressway— have also been approved. These roads will further enhance the connectivity between eastern Uttar Pradesh and other regions, particularly linking Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Chandauli with Delhi-NCR. This will not only improve the state’s infrastructure but is also likely to further boost property values in these areas. Overall, the development of expressways is set to be a game-changer for India’s real estate market. Officials believe that these projects will drive both social and economic development, benefiting urban and rural areas alike. The next decade will witness rapid urbanisation in these emerging cities, positioning them as future hotspots for investment and growth.
