Arup appointed to support Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) for Nagpur and Indore, India

Arup has been appointed to help shape TOD Zone plans for Nagpur and Indore, two of India’s fastest growing Tier-2 cities. The work forms part of a technical assistance programme led by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), aimed at enabling more inclusive, climate-resilient urban growth and building people-centred neighbourhoods. 

Arup’s scope includes developing context-responsive TOD frameworks around priority metro corridors and stations, aligned with national and state planning frameworks. The work combines spatial analysis, land use planning, urban design guidance to support walkable, accessible station areas that integrate multiple transport modes and respond to local climate conditions.  

A multi‑scale TOD approach will be used, ranging from regional, city wide and corridor level strategies to more detailed station area plans. This recognises the different urban contexts across Nagpur and Indore and supports tailored development approaches for mixed use and transport hub locations. The frameworks will guide development controls and design principles that balance consistency with flexibility at a local level.  

The project places strong emphasis on walkability, first‑ and last‑mile connectivity, inclusive street design and climate adaptation, while addressing implementation challenges such as land fragmentation, parking management, funding constraints and inter‑agency coordination through practical tools including Local Area Plans (LAPs), Town Planning Schemes (TPS), parking management plans, value‑capture strategies and public‑private partnerships. 

Rohit Raj, Senior Urban Designer, Deputy Team Leader and Project Manager at Arup, said: “Planning cities around public transport creates long term social and economic value. It opens access to employment and education, supports healthier and more active travel and helps cities grow in an efficient and climate ready way that is fit for the future. Our work in Nagpur and Indore is an opportunity to help shape places that work better for people today and for future generations.” 

The programme will also contribute to a replicable national approach to TOD Zone planning, supporting the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ wider ambition for sustainable, transit oriented urban growth across India.