Delhi can learn from Japan to build next-gen urban ecosystem, says Lt Governor

Using the Delhi Metro as the most visible symbol of India-Japan cooperation, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Friday pitched a broader vision for the capital’s next phase of growth, arguing that the partnership with Japan must move beyond infrastructure projects to building integrated and technology-led urban ecosystems.

Speaking at India Today's flagship event, the Indo-Japan Conclave, Sandhu called the Delhi Metro “the most prominent example” of India-Japan collaboration, saying the project was “not just a transport system” but “a model of efficiency, punctuality, safety and sustainability”.

He framed the next phase of development with the question, “How do we move from a metro city to a metropolis?” “A metropolis is not defined only by infrastructure. It is defined by efficiency, sustainability, innovation and quality of life,” he said.

The Lt Governor said the relationship between India and Japan has evolved steadily over decades and delivered some of India’s most significant development projects – from industrial corridors and energy systems to urban transport and high-speed rail.

He added that the focus should shift “from isolated projects to integrated development, from infrastructure creation to ecosystem building, from growth to sustainable growth”.

Referring to Japanese cities, including Tokyo, Sandhu said Delhi could draw lessons from models where “integrated planning, technology and discipline” have created urban environments that are “highly efficient and deeply livable”.

He identified four areas for deeper collaboration: smart mobility through seamless integration of metro, buses and last-mile transport; sustainable development through cleaner energy and green infrastructure; water and environmental management including recycling and climate resilience; and disaster preparedness through resilient urban systems.

The Lt Governor also pointed to Japan’s expertise in emerging sectors such as hydrogen energy, electric mobility, AI-driven traffic management and technology-enabled governance as areas that could shape Delhi’s future.

Looking beyond existing projects such as the Delhi Metro and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, Sandhu proposed a broader model of urban development centred on innovation and economic ecosystems.

In that context, he highlighted the development of southwest Delhi's Dwarka as an opportunity to attract Japanese investment, research centres and regional headquarters, envisioning the area as a hub for knowledge industries and global partnerships.

Sandhu said the goal should be to shift “from isolated projects to integrated development, and from infrastructure creation to sustainable growth”, positioning Delhi to lead the next phase of India-Japan collaboration.

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