Shifting Urban Dynamics: Gentrification Processes around Dwarka Sector 21 Metro Hub in Delhi, India

Rahat Varma¹, Suruchi Modi¹, Preetha Sajin² and Mohammad Arif Kamal^3,

¹Sushant School of Architecture, Sushant University, Gurugram, India

²School of Architecture and Planning, Amity University, Mohali, Punjab

³Architecture Section, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India

Cite this paper:
Rahat Varma, Suruchi Modi, Preetha Sajin and Mohammad Arif Kamal. Shifting Urban Dynamics: Gentrification Processes around Dwarka Sector 21 Metro Hub in Delhi, India. American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture. 2025; 13(6):140-143. doi: 10.12691/ajcea-13-6-3

Abstract

This paper investigates the socio-demographic changes that have occurred in Delhi's Dwarka Sector 21 since it became a significant transportation hub. It makes the case that the Airport Express Line's operationalization has sparked a unique kind of gentrification brought on by transit, changing the socioeconomic makeup of the region. The analysis uses a mixed-methods strategy to look into changes in land use and demographics, guided by the 3P framework People, Place, and Policy. Results reveal a large influx of younger, highly educated migrants, signalling rapid demographic churn and status upgrading. Urban restructuring has increased as land use has changed from mostly residential and unoccupied parcels to commercial and high-density residential construction. The results also show growing affordability challenges and socio-spatial gaps, even while transit-oriented development has boosted economic activity. In order to reduce exclusionary consequences and match growth with equitable goals, the study makes the need for proactive, gender-sensitive policy initiatives.

Keywords:
Gentrification Transit-Oriented Development Migration Employment Metro Dwarka Delhi India

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