India enters top 100 in UN SDG Index for the first time. Discover how this global progress reflects locally in Pune’s real estate affordability, metro expansion, and overall district development with projects by Pride Purple Properties.
In recent years, India’s development narrative has shifted from isolated progress markers to a holistic, sustainable, and inclusive growth trajectory. The latest update to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index is a testament to this transformation. For the first time, India has entered the top 100 globally, a position that not only signals national progress but also resonates across its states and cities — especially in regions like Pune, which are actively shaping their futures through infrastructure advancement and real estate reform.
India Among Top 100 in Sustainable Development Goals Index
India’s ranking in the SDG Index has improved significantly in recent years. From being 121st in 2022, India now stands at the 99th position among 167 countries in 2024, with a score of 67. This marks a pivotal moment for the country, as it features for the first time in the top 100, emphasizing sustained commitment toward the 2030 Agenda for sustainable and inclusive development.
While the global average progress on SDGs has slowed, especially due to economic and geopolitical conflicts, India’s trajectory remains upward. The country has shown improvement in areas like clean water and sanitation, affordable energy, and sustainable cities. However, there is still work to be done—particularly in aligning growth with climate goals, biodiversity, and inequality reduction.
Neighboring countries such as Bhutan (rank 74), Nepal (85), and Sri Lanka (93) have performed marginally better. However, India’s pace of progress, considering its scale and diversity, indicates an encouraging momentum. The SDG Index has become a global benchmark to measure how countries perform across 17 critical goals, including poverty eradication, education, gender equality, climate action, and infrastructure growth.
Bridging Global Goals with Local Progress: Pune’s Development Story
Translating India’s national achievements to local milestones, cities like Pune are emerging as case studies of effective urban planning and inclusive development. One of the most evident outcomes of this progress is the accessibility of affordable housing, a key component of the “Sustainable Cities and Communities” goal in the SDG framework.
According to a recent study by Knight Frank India, Pune ranks second in the country for housing affordability. The metric used compares a household’s income with the monthly home loan installment ratio. With Pune’s average EMI-to-income ratio at just 22%, the city emerges as one of India’s most affordable housing markets — only behind Ahmedabad (18%). In contrast, cities like Mumbai still remain less affordable, with a ratio of 48%.
This development reflects strong local income growth, improved financial inclusion, and a mature real estate ecosystem that balances supply with demand. Furthermore, the Reserve Bank of India’s policy to stabilize interest rates has fostered consumer confidence, encouraging long-term investments in property. These indicators strongly align with India’s sustainable urban development goals.
Among developers contributing to this evolution is Pride Purple Properties, a name synonymous with trust, innovation, and lifestyle enhancement. Their residential project Park Titan in Hinjawadi is an example of how sustainable planning, smart amenities, and strategic location can align with homebuyers’ aspirations while supporting broader development goals.
Infrastructure Momentum: Pune Metro Expansion Approved
Pune’s growth story isn’t limited to just affordable housing. The city’s infrastructural push—especially the approval of the Pune Metro Phase 2 expansion—is a significant leap in regional development. The Union Cabinet recently sanctioned ₹3,626 crore for the next stage of the Pune Metro Rail Project, extending connectivity from Vanaz to Chandani Chowk (Corridor 2A) and from Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi (Corridor 2B).
Spanning 12.75 km with 13 stations, this metro extension will link fast-developing suburbs such as Bavdhan, Kothrud, Kharadi, and Wagholi with the core metro network. The project is expected to be completed in four years and will enhance east-west urban mobility, reduce road congestion, and contribute to the city’s low-carbon future — directly aligning with SDG goals related to climate action and sustainable transport.
Notably, Wagholi residents had long demanded better connectivity, and this metro extension fulfills that need. It will also uplift the value of surrounding real estate corridors, offering better liveability and transport access. Improved mobility contributes directly to economic productivity and quality of life, key indicators in assessing district-level progress.
In parallel, Pride Purple Properties continues to invest in areas aligned with this infrastructural growth, making their developments more attractive to homebuyers who prioritize both location and connectivity.
Pune: A Model for District-Centric Development
As India steers forward on the global SDG path, Pune presents a compelling example of district-centric development. The synergy between housing affordability, infrastructure modernization, and sustainability goals paints a picture of balanced urban evolution.
Cities are now no longer just economic centers — they are development ecosystems. Pune’s initiatives in expanding public transport, reducing housing EMIs, and integrating peripheral suburbs into the mainstream urban fabric are proof that district-level governance, when aligned with national objectives, can yield transformative results.
Moreover, these changes set the stage for future real estate investments. Projects like Park Titan by Pride Purple Properties, located in the heart of Hinjawadi, reflect this transformation. Designed for modern families and forward-thinking investors, Park Titan blends comfort, connectivity, and smart living—perfectly aligning with the future of urban housing in India.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable and Inclusive Urban India
India’s position in the top 100 of the SDG Index is not just a global milestone — it is a signal of grassroots-level progress. Pune, through its proactive urban policies, is demonstrating how cities can lead the charge in achieving the 2030 SDG vision.
Key takeaways for the future include:
- Promoting housing affordability as a gateway to financial inclusion.
- Investing in public infrastructure like metro connectivity to improve quality of life.
- Decentralizing development, allowing tier-2 cities like Pune to become growth centers.
- Aligning real estate projects with sustainability goals and environmental consciousness.
As we move toward the close of this decade, India’s real challenge lies not only in sustaining its momentum but also in scaling these efforts across all districts and towns, ensuring no region is left behind.
With committed policies, local participation, and smart urban planning, India’s dream of becoming a global leader in sustainable development is well within reach — and Pride Purple Properties stands ready to contribute meaningfully to this future.