Key Messages

Increasing urbanisation and per capita GDDP:
Karnataka is one of the most urbanised states in India; 39% of the state consists of urban areas whereas the national urban area  average is 31%. Karnataka is expected to be 50% urbanised by 2026, and that would mean 33 million people to be accommodated
in the cities of Karnataka. Urbanisation and GDDP (Gross Domestic District Product) follow similar trends in growth. As the GDDP in the state has been growing, so has urbanisation. This relationship, however, also highlights the growing inter-regional disparity in economic
growth. Instead of facing growing urbanisation as a disadvantage to sustainable development, it would be wiser to ask the following question: If cities are engines of growth, then the challenge is how can Karnataka leverage from its urbanisation potential and ensure balanced regional development?