Master planning in the megalopolis: exploring the opportunities and barriers for urban governance reform in Bangalore, India

ABSTRACT Residents from the Indian city of Bangalore perceive the degradation of quality of life primarily attributed to unprecedented levels of growth. The city has been guided by routinely updated master plans since 1985, which should have anticipated and mitigated the consequences of urban growth. Today, new forms of collective action are emerging to gain control over urban space, life and ultimately governance. Based on the voices of multi-sector stakeholders in various ‘domains’ of urban governance during the latest master planning process, this paper provides an exploratory case study about the relationship between the planning process and governance reform. Master planning could facilitate reform through collaborative decision-making, accountability for outcomes, and greater inclusion. Master planning processes need to go beyond current means of citizen participation and ensure sustained social learning among the various actors at the ward-level to strengthen urban governance structures. More research is needed for planners in this area.