Transit nodes in key cities are emerging as the potential growth drivers of real estate, with transit -oriented development (TOD) around metro stations, railway hubs and ISBTs offering a big opportunity.

According to a recent CBRE report ,India’s top eight cities offer a real estate development potential of nearly 106 million sq. ft. within transit nodes. Delhi-NCR leads with the highest share at 32 million sq. ft., driven by its rapidly expanding metro network, inter-state bus terminals, and urban railway stations.

 Mumbai holds the second-highest potential at 20 million sq. ft., followed by Chennai with an estimated 13 million sq. ft.Other key cities such as Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Pune are also seeing TOD-linked real estate activity, though at different scales, as mass transit networks expand.

Potential TOD Nodes 

Both commercial and residential projects fall under TOD, alongside dedicated spaces for activities such as walking and cycling, and spots offering multi-modal transport integration designed around major transport hubs. TOD corridors are also accelerating the rise of mixed-use ecosystems, integrating residential, office, retail, and leisure spaces, reducing commute times and supporting compact, connected growth.

Planned projects in Delhi-NCR such as Dwarka ISBT, Aerocity, ISBT, and Jewar International Airport, and existing hubs such as Sarai Rohilla and Hindon Airport offer high potential for TOD.In Mumbai, these transit hubs include railway stations like Bandra, Dadar, Mumbai CST and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. In Chennai, transit nodes such as Chennai Airport, Maduravoyal Expressway and Chennai Peripheral Ring Road have the potential to unlock transit-oriented real estate.

Within transit nodes, there is development/ redevelopment potential of 106 msf in top 8 cities, topped by Delhi-NCR at 32 msf. Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune respectively have development potential of 20 msf, 13 msf, 12 msf, 11 msf, 10 msf, 4msf and 4 msf.  

Policy Push & Outlook 

The National TOD Policy and initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission are providing a robust framework for compact urban growth, sustainable mobility, and higher FAR incentives across the country. Additionally, states such as Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have introduced their own TOD policies.

 TOD, as per Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO-India, South East Asia, Middle-East & Africa, CBRE paves the way for vibrant, mixed-use communities that are not only commercially viable but also sustainable and livable. As metro networks and transport hubs continue to expand across urban India, TOD will play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive, accessible, and future-ready cities. To fully realize this potential, however, challenges around land acquisition, financing, skill availability, and outdated land-use regulations need to be systematically addressed.

 Transit-Oriented Development is fast emerging as a game-changer for India’s urban development as according to Ram Chandani, MD, Leasing Services, CBRE, developers are increasingly aligning with TOD principles to design integrated, live-work-play ecosystems that cater to the evolving needs of urban professionals. The model not only unlocks greater value for commercial developers but also enhances accessibility for homebuyers, drives higher footfalls for retailers, and improves operational efficiency for logistics operators. In essence, TOD creates a win-win framework for all stakeholders while fostering more sustainable and connected cities.

Going forward, in order to realize the full potential of TOD, key regulatory interventions are required. These include creating unified urban transport authorities with planning and development powers, simplifying development control rules in TOD zones and enforcing parking policies that discourage private vehicle usage. There is also need for design-based interventions like implementing flexible zoning on plots or demarcation as ‘white sites’ in development plans, repurposing existing structures and improving the area’s walkability through shaded pathways. Further, the financial interventions like funding transport infrastructure through land-value capture mechanism and developing a recurring income stream for maintenance and expansion of transit systems, will provide the push to the growth of transit-oriented developments.