Hyderabad: In an intriguing twist on urban density, Hyderabad has taken the lead, outpacing even Delhi in terms of population density. According to the Telangana Statistical Abstract (ATLAS)-2024, the city has a population density of 18,161 people per square kilometre. This figure is significantly higher than Delhi’s 11,313 people per square km, despite the national capital being known for its overcrowding.
Manila in the Philippines is the most densely populated city in the world. On an average, 43,079 people live within one square km in Manila, while Mumbai leads the charts in India with a population density of 28,508 people per square km.
However, the rapid urbanisation is a double-edged sword. While Hyderabad’s growth trajectory brings vitality and opportunity, it also puts immense pressure on the city’s infrastructure, public services, and housing, urban planners say. With more and more people flocking to the city, the demand for resources is reaching a tipping point. Hyderabad’s booming tech sector, along with its cultural and historical significance, makes it a magnet for professionals, students, and entrepreneurs alike, experts aver.
While Hyderabad’s population density is rising, Telangana as a whole is experiencing a shift. Between 2011 and 2031, the state’s share of the national population is projected to decrease by 0.23 percentage points. By 2031, Telangana will see a diminished population dividend, with a decline in the younger population (under 39 years of age) and a significant increase in the number of residents over 40, particularly among those aged 80 and above. This age group is expected to grow by an extraordinary 80%—a sign of the aging demographic that the state will face in the coming decades.
The ATLAS-2024, based on the 2011 census data, also provides a broader picture of the state’s population trends. Telangana’s population stands at 3.5 crore, covering a geographical area of 1,12,077 square km, which results in a relatively low population density of 312 people per square km. While Hyderabad is densely packed, the rest of the state lags behind other parts of India in terms of population density. Telangana ranks among the bottom 10 states with a density of around 300 people square km—quite low compared to states like Bihar or West Bengal, where population pressure is more intense.
Looking ahead, the state’s population is projected to reach 3.92 crore by 2031, representing a slight decrease in its share of the national population, from 2.77% in 2021 to 2.66% in 2031. This demographic change could have far-reaching consequences. The most noticeable decline will be among the younger age groups, especially those below five years, with a 25% drop expected between 2021 and 2031. Meanwhile, the population of those over 60 is anticipated to rise sharply, by more than 60%.
Urban planners said these shifts in population dynamics could have significant economic and political ramifications, especially when it comes to funding and grants. Political leaders have raised concerns that states like Telangana, which are experiencing slower growth in younger populations, may lose out on various resources allocated for youth and development programmes.
Additionally, a recent caste survey conducted by the planning department has put the state population at 3.5 crore, with around 16 lakh individuals missing from the survey. Based on the 2011 census, the ATLAS projections suggest that Telangana’s Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population stand at 54.09 lakh (15.5%) and 31.77 lakh (9.1%), respectively.
As Telangana navigates these demographic shifts, it will face the challenge of balancing growth and sustainability, while addressing the needs of both a younger and aging population, says a sustainability coordinator.
