Is spatial decentralization in National Capital Region Delhi, India effective? An intervention-based evaluation

•Quantitative–qualitative mix analysis is helpful to evaluate policy interventions.•Case-studies helpful to understand which interventions work under which conditions.•Good regulatory-fiscal interventions can help effectuate spatial decentralization.

Managing growth in rapidly growing complex mega urban regions in India is a growing concern for planners and scholars. Although the government attempts to regulate the development by spatial decentralization, there are no easy solutions, resulting in undesirable growth and associated problems. However, a good mix of (fiscal and regulatory) interventions, although difficult to implement, has the potential to achieve effective urban growth, as exemplified by Tokyo in Asia and London in Europe. Examining the National Capital Region (NCR) Delhi as a case study, this study evaluated the performance of some aspects of spatial decentralization policy. The investigation identified the need to link jobs and housing, redefine the concept of greenbelt, and integrate transport and land-use planning. We recommend introducing a mix of interventions to effectuate spatial decentralization.