As urbanisation extends beyond municipal boundaries, Jharkhand is preparing to rethink how its cities grow over the next 20–25 years. The proposed revision offers an opportunity to replace unplanned expansion with a more coordinated vision of infrastructure, mobility and liveability.

Planning Beyond Existing Boundaries

Jharkhand is preparing to revise the master plans of 15 cities, including Ranchi, to address future population growth, changing land use and rising infrastructure needs. The exercise, being coordinated through the Jharkhand Urban Infrastructure Development Company Limited (JUIDCO), aims to bring emerging urban areas into the planning framework before unregulated development makes essential services harder to provide. 

Drone Surveys for a Clearer Picture

A key feature is the proposed use of high-resolution drone surveys and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to capture ground realities more accurately than older planning maps. The assessment will cover roads, settlements, residential and commercial zones, vacant land and areas likely to experience further growth.

In Ranchi, the proposed planning area could expand from approximately 652 sq km under the existing framework to around 1,534 sq km, potentially bringing 100–120 adjoining villages into the planning process. These figures remain proposals until the revised plan is finalised. 

Building Cities Around People

The proposed plans will examine urban corridors to ease traffic pressure, alongside Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), which encourages development around public transport hubs. Mixed-use planning—bringing homes, workplaces and essential services closer together—could also reduce travel demands and improve everyday convenience.

The broader exercise is intended to help cities accommodate growth while planning roads, drainage, parking and other civic infrastructure in advance. Existing master plans will remain in force until revised plans are formally approved and implemented. 

The Larger Message: Plan Cities for People, Not Just Expansion

A city’s future is shaped not merely by how far it spreads, but by how well it serves its residents. The real test of Jharkhand’s revised master plans will be whether they translate better mapping into accessible services, efficient mobility, environmental protection and more liveable neighbourhoods. Planning ahead can help ensure that urban growth becomes an opportunity for inclusive development rather than a legacy of infrastructure gaps.

Source: https://www.drishtiias.com/state-pcs-current-affairs/jharkhand-to-revise-master-plans-of-15-cities 

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