Recap 2024: Most Populated Indian Cities in 2024

Every year, July 11th is observed as World Population Day, a global initiative to highlight the opportunities and challenges posed by the world’s burgeoning population. The observance emphasizes the need for sustainable development, equitable resource distribution, and policies that address overpopulation and underpopulation concerns.

The global population has seen an unprecedented rise over the centuries. While it took thousands of years for the world to reach a population of 1 billion, the subsequent growth to 7 billion occurred in just 200 years. As of 2024, the world population stands at an estimated 8 billion, with projections indicating further growth to 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion by 2050, and 10.9 billion by 2100.

India: The Most Populous Nation

India, with its population surpassing 1.4 billion in 2024, has overtaken China as the most populous country in the world, according to the UNFPA State of the World Population Report. Approximately 68% of India’s population falls within the productive age group of 15 to 64, and 26% are aged between 10 and 24, making India one of the youngest nations globally. Despite its large population, India has achieved significant milestones in controlling its growth rate, with a steady decline in the fertility rate.

Understanding Population Trends in India

Declining Fertility Rate

India’s total fertility rate (TFR) has decreased from 2.2 (reported in NFHS 4, 2015–16) to 2.0 (NFHS 5, 2019–21), dropping below the replacement level of 2.1. Experts attribute this to increased awareness, improved healthcare, and successful implementation of family planning programs. While this is a positive development, India’s current population size is largely due to population momentum from previous decades.

Projected Population Decline

Despite the current growth rate of just under 1% annually, India’s population is expected to stabilize and possibly decline around 2050. This is in line with global trends where developing nations experience a population surge before gradually transitioning into stabilization or decline.

India’s Top 10 Most Populated Cities in 2024

India’s rapid urbanization and the rise of megacities are noteworthy. As per the UN World Urbanisation Prospects 2018 (released in April 2024), several Indian cities have emerged as densely populated urban hubs. Below is a detailed exploration of the top 10 most populated cities in India in 2024:

1. Delhi

• Population (2024): 33,807,403
• State/UT: New Delhi
• Global Rank: 2
• Change from 2023: 2.34% increase

Delhi, the capital of India, is the world’s second-most populous city, surpassing the populations of entire nations like Malaysia and Peru. It is a vibrant hub of political, economic, and cultural activities, with 33.8 million residents calling it home in 2024.

2. Mumbai

• Population (2024): 21,673,149
• State: Maharashtra
• Global Rank: 9
• Change from 2023: 1.50% increase

Mumbai, often referred to as India’s financial capital, boasts a population of over 21.6 million, exceeding the populations of Romania and the Netherlands. The city is a melting pot of diverse cultures and is renowned for its thriving film industry, Bollywood.

3. Kolkata

• Population (2024): 15,570,786
• State: West Bengal
• Global Rank: 18
• Change from 2023: 1.08% increase

Kolkata, the cultural hub of India, houses over 15.5 million residents, a population larger than that of Greece and Portugal combined. Known for its literary and artistic heritage, the city continues to grow steadily.

4. Bangalore

• Population (2024): 14,008,262
• State: Karnataka
• Global Rank: 23
• Change from 2023: 0.97% increase

Bangalore, India’s technology capital, has a population of 14 million, surpassing Belgium. The city is a global IT hub and a key player in India’s economic growth.

5. Chennai

• Population (2024): 12,053,697
• State: Tamil Nadu
• Global Rank: 28
• Change from 2023: 0.83% increase

Chennai, a major metropolitan city in southern India, has a population of over 12 million, larger than Cuba’s. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, IT parks, and automobile industry.

6. Hyderabad

• Population (2024): 11,068,877
• State: Telangana
• Global Rank: 34
• Change from 2023: 0.76% increase

Hyderabad, a key IT and pharmaceutical hub, is home to 11 million people, surpassing Hungary’s population. The city is famous for its historical landmarks and modern infrastructure.

7. Ahmedabad

• Population (2024): 8,854,444
• State: Gujarat
• Global Rank: 45
• Change from 2023: 0.61% increase

Ahmedabad, a major industrial city in Gujarat, houses nearly 8.8 million residents. It is a hub for trade and commerce and boasts a rich cultural heritage.

8. Surat

• Population (2024): 8,330,528
• State: Gujarat
• Global Rank: 50
• Change from 2023: 0.57% increase

Surat, a rapidly growing industrial city, is known as the diamond capital of the world. Its population exceeds 8.3 million, making it one of India’s fastest-growing cities.

9. Pune

• Population (2024): 7,345,848
• State: Maharashtra
• Global Rank: 58
• Change from 2023: 0.51% increase

Pune, a major educational and IT hub, has a population of over 7.3 million. The city is renowned for its pleasant climate and historical significance.

10. Jaipur

• Population (2024): 4,308,510
• State: Rajasthan
• Global Rank: 112
• Change from 2023: 0.23% increase

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is home to over 4.3 million residents. Known as the Pink City, it is a major tourist destination and a hub for traditional arts and crafts.