India has over 106 million square feet of real estate development potential within major transit nodes such as metro stations, railway terminals, and inter-state bus terminals across the top eight cities, according to a report by CBRE. The Delhi-NCR region shows the highest capacity at 32 million sq. ft., driven by its expanding metro network, ISBTs, and railway stations.
Mumbai ranks second with 20 million sq. ft. of potential, followed by Chennai with 13 million sq. ft. Other cities including Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Pune are also witnessing transit-oriented development activity as their mass transit systems grow.
Transit-oriented development (TOD) integrates residential, commercial, retail, and leisure spaces around transport hubs, promoting compact and connected urban growth. These corridors support mixed-use ecosystems, reduce commute times, and enable multi-modal transport integration.
In Delhi-NCR, planned projects such as Dwarka ISBT, Aerocity ISBT, and Jewar International Airport, along with existing hubs like Sarai Rohilla and Hindon Airport, offer high TOD potential. In Mumbai, key sites include Bandra, Dadar, Mumbai CST, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Chennai’s TOD prospects include Chennai Airport, Maduravoyal Expressway, and the Peripheral Ring Road.
CBRE stated that TOD is emerging as a game-changer in India’s urban growth, enabling developers to design integrated live-work-play environments that meet the evolving needs of urban professionals. As metro networks and transport hubs expand, TOD will play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive and future-ready cities.
