The guidelines along with an implementation toolkit highlight key strategies that cities can adopt to facilitate 15-minute neighbourhoods, where most amenities are available within a 15-minute walk or bicycle ride.This approach enhances quality of life by promoting high-quality pedestrian and public transportation systems, safe public spaces, and inclusive social infrastructure.
Neighbourhoods in India are diverse, characterised by different population densities and socio-economic characteristics. By emphasising efficient spatial development and people's mobility, the concept of the 15-minute neighbourhood represents a significant advancement from the current planning approach of redesigning uncontrolled urban sprawl. It aims to enhance the quality of life of residents by meeting daily needs within a 15-minute walk.
The guidelines have been developed following extensive research to evaluate existing services such as mobility infrastructure, public transport and green spaces, with a focus on walkability, safety and accessibility. This led to the 'Move-Play-Sustain-Include' framework, designed to promote integrated mobility and transport, safe public spaces. durable producing markets, and building inclusive social infrastructure, all aimed at creating accessible and vibrant communities.
Professor Rajeev Gowda, former MP and former Vice-Chairman of the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission (KSPPC), said, “Rapid industrialisation has led to water scarcity, landfill bursts, traffic congestion and many other problems. Proactive measures that foster grassroots collaboration and innovative solutions are imperative to address these concerns. The ‘Building 15-Minute Neighbourhoods’ design guidelines and implementation toolkit are a positive step towards building more equitable and environmentally conscious cities, and we look forward to seeing it in action.”
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Rakesh Singh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department, Government of Karnataka, said, “Bengaluru, a city that has long been at the forefront of innovation and development, is also grappling with the perils of rapid urbanisation. The pressures of rapid development are felt in the living conditions of the city, as well as its impact on natural resources and ecology. It is important to tailor solutions to the unique needs and characteristics of each neighbourhood, rather than relying on a broad, one-size-fits-all approach.”
Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research & Development India, said, “Sustainability is central to MBRDI’s commitment to enhance the quality of urban life through innovative mobility and transportation solutions. Our collaboration with Jan Urban Space Foundation enables local communities to create self-reliant neighbourhoods tailored to their specific needs and challenges. Through concerted action from all stakeholders, we can build more resilient cities and a sustainable future.”
Nitya Ramesh, Director, Jana Urban Space Foundation said, “For most people, their first memories of the city are of their street and neighbourhood before the city as a whole. In cities like Bengaluru, which are bridging the gap between masterplans, there is a unique opportunity to emphasise communities and neighbourhoods as foundational elements of urban development. This approach is central to our 15 Minute Neighbourhoods programme, which aims to use communities as building blocks to build better cities, enhance quality of life and foster a sense of belonging. Through 15 Minute Neighbourhoods, we aim to bring people back into the planning process.”
The guidelines include case studies and surveys conducted in four selected areas of Bengaluru – Whitefield, Malleswaram, Indiranagar and Chickpete – to support the suggested strategies. As a next step in the project, a pilot model will be developed for the Nallurhalli area of Bengaluru.