Hyderabad Population Density Now Higher Than Delhi
Hyderabad has emerged as one of India’s most densely populated cities, surpassing even Delhi in terms of population density, according to the Telangana Statistical Abstract (ATLAS)-2024. The city now accommodates 18,161 people per square kilometre, significantly exceeding Delhi’s 11,313 per square kilometre. This surge in density places Hyderabad among India’s most overcrowded metros, second only to Mumbai, which has a staggering 28,508 people per square kilometre. The revelation underscores the rapid urbanisation Hyderabad has witnessed over the past decade, largely driven by its thriving IT sector, expanding economic opportunities, and robust infrastructure development. However, this population boom also poses significant challenges for city planners, raising concerns over housing shortages, traffic congestion, and strain on public utilities. With an increasing influx of professionals, students, and migrant workers, Hyderabad is now grappling with a critical question—how to balance growth with sustainability.
While Hyderabad’s density is on the rise, Telangana as a whole is witnessing a contrasting demographic shift. Projections indicate that between 2011 and 2031, the state’s share of India’s total population will decline by 0.23 percentage points. Currently home to 3.5 crore people, Telangana has a relatively low state-wide population density of 312 people per square kilometre, placing it among the least densely populated states in India. Comparatively, Bihar and West Bengal continue to experience intense population pressures, with densities exceeding 1,000 people per square kilometre. Interestingly, projections for 2031 suggest that Telangana’s younger demographic—those under 39 years—will shrink significantly, while the elderly population (aged 60 and above) will grow by more than 60%. The most dramatic increase will be in residents over 80 years, a group expected to expand by 80% in the coming decade. This demographic transformation could have far-reaching economic and policy implications, particularly in healthcare, pension schemes, and senior citizen welfare programmes.
From an urban sustainability perspective, Hyderabad’s soaring density is a double-edged sword. While it signifies economic vibrancy and growing employment prospects, it also exacerbates key civic issues such as waste management, pollution, and water scarcity. The city is already facing challenges in maintaining adequate water supply, with groundwater depletion and erratic monsoons adding to the crisis. According to municipal records, Hyderabad’s per capita water availability has dwindled, necessitating stricter water conservation policies and sustainable urban planning. Additionally, the rise in vehicular population has worsened air quality, with pollution levels steadily increasing over the past five years. Experts suggest that sustainable development strategies, including better public transport infrastructure, green urban spaces, and decentralised urban planning, are crucial to mitigating the negative effects of overcrowding.
Civic planners warn that Hyderabad’s unplanned expansion could lead to long-term socio-economic disparities if left unchecked. The initial findings from a recent caste survey highlight gaps in census data, with approximately 16 lakh individuals unaccounted for in Telangana’s latest population estimates. Furthermore, political analysts argue that the decline in Telangana’s younger population may result in reduced funding for education, employment, and youth welfare initiatives from the central government. As the state braces for these demographic shifts, policymakers must navigate a delicate balance—ensuring sustainable urban growth while addressing the challenges posed by an aging population. The road ahead for Hyderabad will require bold planning, innovative policy interventions, and community-driven solutions to maintain its status as a thriving yet liveable metropolis.