Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) has partnered with the Jana Urban Space Foundation to release design guidelines for ‘Building 15-Minute Neighbourhoods’ in India. This initiative aims to promote sustainable urban planning, ensuring that essential amenities are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. The guidelines provide a roadmap for urban development practitioners to create sustainable and accessible communities, improving the quality of life through high-quality pedestrian and public transport systems, safe public spaces, and inclusive social infrastructure.
Indian neighborhoods are characterised by diverse population densities and socio-economic features. The 15-minute neighborhood concept advances beyond current planning approaches by focusing on efficient spatial development and enhancing residents' quality of life. The guidelines are based on extensive research evaluating existing services such as mobility infrastructure, public transport, and green spaces, with a focus on walkability, safety, and accessibility.
Prof. Rajeev Gowda, Former Member of Parliament and Former Vice Chairman of the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission (KSPPC), remarked "Proactive measures that foster collaboration and innovative solutions at the grassroots level are imperative. The ‘Building 15-Minute Neighbourhoods’ guidelines represent a positive step towards creating more equitable and environmentally conscious cities."
Rakesh Singh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, Government of Karnataka, emphasised "Bengaluru faces the perils of rapid urbanisation, impacting living conditions and natural resources. It is crucial to tailor solutions to each neighbourhood’s unique needs."
The guidelines are structured around the ‘Move-Play-Sustain-Include’ framework, which promotes integrated mobility, safe public spaces, sustainable produce markets, and inclusive social infrastructure. These elements are designed to foster vibrant and accessible communities.
Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO of MBRDI, highlighted "Our collaboration with Jana Urban Space Foundation empowers local communities to build self-sufficient neighbourhoods tailored to their unique needs and challenges. Through concerted action, we can build more resilient cities and a sustainable future."
Nithya Ramesh, Director of Jana Urban Space Foundation, shared "Cities like Bengaluru have a unique opportunity to emphasise communities and neighbourhoods as foundational elements of urban development. The 15-minute neighbourhood programme aims to use communities as the building blocks for creating better cities."
Pilot model and future plans
The guidelines include case studies and surveys from four Bengaluru neighborhoods—Whitefield, Malleswaram, Indiranagar, and Chickpete—to support the suggested strategies. The next phase involves developing a pilot model for the Nallurhalli neighborhood in Bengaluru, demonstrating the practical application of these guidelines.