This proliferation of small towns is a structural product of India’s capitalist development — and of its crisis. Small towns are urbanised under conditions of capitalist stress — cheaper land, pliable labour, weaker regulation, and minimal political scrutiny. AMRUT, even in its expanded version, effectively excludes most small towns from meaningful infrastructure investment. Water supply and sewerage projects are designed for large cities, while small towns survive on fragmented schemes and temporary fixes. Small towns must be acknowledged as the primary frontier of India’s urban future.

Source: The Hindu January 14, 2026 04:41 UTC