Largest Municipal Corporations in India 2024, List of Top-10

India, a land of diversity and contrasts, is home to numerous municipalities that serve as vital administrative units. In this article, we delve into the top 10 largest municipal corporations across the country, each playing a pivotal role in shaping urban landscapes, managing vast populations, and driving economic growth. From the bustling metropolis of Mumbai to the historic city of Jaipur, let’s explore the key features and significance of these dynamic administrative bodies.

What is a ‘Municipal Corporation’?

A Municipal Corporation is a local government body responsible for governing urban areas within a city or town. It manages various aspects of civic administration, including providing essential services like water supply, sanitation, roads, and waste management, as well as overseeing urban planning and development initiatives for the welfare of residents.

Largest Municipal Corporation in India

The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) stands as the largest municipal corporation in India, maintaining its status since 1958 without any alterations to its boundaries. Despite its significant size, its population growth rate has been relatively stable compared to other cities, largely due to its limited expansion. Mumbai City district, forming the core, saw a decline in population from 2001 to 2011, potentially due to the availability of affordable housing in suburban areas. MCGM is often viewed as comprising Mumbai City, the western suburbs serviced by Western Railway, and the eastern suburbs serviced by Central Railway, collectively forming the Mumbai Suburban District (MSD).

List of Top-10 Largest Municipal Corporations in India 2024

Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) of Maharashtra stands as the largest municipal corporation in India, followed by Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Great Hyderabad, and Bruhat Bengaluru.

Here is the list of top-10 largest municipal corporations in India 2024:

Largest Municipal Corporation of India – Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai

State: Maharashtra

Population: 124.4 lakhs

The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) stands as the largest municipal corporation in India, maintaining its size since 1958 without any changes to its boundaries. Its population growth rate is comparatively lower due to limited expansion. Interestingly, the population in Mumbai City district decreased from 2001 to 2011, potentially due to the availability of affordable housing in suburban areas. MCGM comprises Mumbai City, western suburbs served by Western Railway, and eastern suburbs served by Central Railway, forming the Mumbai Suburban District (MSD). Comparisons between MCGM and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) across the last three censuses underscore its significance as India’s largest municipal corporation.

Second Biggest Municipal Corporation of India – Municipal Corporation of Delhi

State: Delhi

Population: 110.3 lakhs

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) holds a unique status of second biggest municipal corporation of India, as it encompasses both urban and rural areas. Formed by merging Municipal Committees, Notified Area Committees, and the Delhi District Board, MCD served as both the Municipal Corporation and Zilla Parishad for Delhi. Despite being smaller than the NCT of Delhi, MCD remains significant, although village panchayats continue to exist.

India’s Third Biggest Municipal Corporation – Great Hyderabad

State: Telangana

Population: 69.93 lakhs

The merger of Hyderabad and Secunderabad Municipal Corporations in 1955 laid the foundation for Greater Hyderabad, which expanded further in 2007 to include 12 municipal councils and 8 village panchayats. This expansion propelled Greater Hyderabad to become the third-largest municipal body in India, showcasing its rapid growth and development over the years.