Understanding the spatio-temporal variation of urbanisation in Kerala, India

Urbanisation is indeed a global trend that is significantly transforming societies and landscapes. India, in particular, has been experiencing rapid urbanisation in recent years, and this is fundamentally changing the country’s social and economic dynamics. However, the state of Kerala, located in the southwestern part of India, stands out for its unique pattern of urbanisation, which is closely aligned with its distinctive topography and socio-economic factors. This study offers a comprehensive examination of urbanisation in Kerala, focusing on its unique spatial and temporal characteristics. The spatial analysis of urbanisation in the state reveals that urban development is not concentrated solely within its major cities, but is widespread. These urban clusters align with Kerala’s topographical diversity, with the majority concentrated along the coastal regions in the west, while the eastern highlands of the Western Ghats exhibit fewer urban centres. The state has witnessed a substantial surge in urbanisation rates, with projections anticipating that approximately 68 percent of the population will reside in urban areas by the middle of this century. Understanding these temporal shifts and spatial variations is essential for policymakers and urban planners to effectively address the challenges and opportunities linked to increasing urbanisation.