Before long, more than 550 cities worldwide will have a population of more than one million people. By 2030, 80 percent of the world's population will live in cities. Whereas megacities have traditionally served as economic and political power centers, many of today’s fastest growing cities are in developing nations.

With such rapid and unplanned growth, many of these cities lack the planning and infrastructure to accommodate this population boom. New models of city planning are needed to prevent collapses under such dramatic social, economic, and environmental pressures. Cities on Speed shows how four metropolises are rising to this challenge. What are the visions for solving their deepest issues, and will they be successful?

Mumbai

In the world's largest democracy, urban planning can be a complicated task. Despite Mumbai’s exploding population, a collapsing infrastructure could put an end to economic growth. Public trains are filled to the bursting point and traffic is nearing a complete gridlock. But officials are hopeful that building an eight-lane highway out at sea will help relieve the strain of the overwrought transportation systems.

Association for Asian Studies, 2012