Summary: Increase of Homeless People in Major Indian Cities (Reasons)Homelessness in major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata has increased due to a combination of social, economic, and urban factors:

Key Reasons.

Rapid urban migration: People move from rural areas to cities for jobs, but cities cannot provide enough affordable housing.

Shortage of affordable housing: Rising rents and limited low-cost housing force poor families onto streets.

Urban poverty & job insecurity: Informal work, low wages, job loss, and medical expenses push people into homelessness.

Slum eviction & redevelopment: Infrastructure projects and slum clearances often displace people without proper rehabilitation.

Inadequate government shelters: Night shelters are insufficient, overcrowded, or inaccessible due to ID requirements.

Rising cost of living: Food, transport, and housing costs rise faster than incomes for the urban poor.

Climate stress: Heat waves, floods, and cold waves worsen survival conditions, increasing visible homelessness.

Lack of social security: Migrants and informal workers are often excluded from welfare schemes.

Conclusion. Homelessness in Indian cities is rising mainly due to urban growth without inclusive planning, combined with poverty, housing shortages, and weak safety nets.

Solving it requires affordable housing, stronger social protection, and humane urban policies.