The Global Liveability Index 2026 released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranked Delhi at 120 among 173 cities, followed by Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. This topic is important for aspirants preparing for GS3 Economy and urban governance through upsc online coaching.
Index
• Publisher: Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
• Purpose: Evaluates everyday living conditions, not economic size or tourist appeal.
• Coverage: Assesses 173 cities across 30 indicators.
• Parameters:
- Stability – 25%
- Healthcare – 20%
- Culture & Environment – 25%
- Education – 10%
- Infrastructure – 20%
• Scoring: Uses a 1–100 scale.
Key Highlights
• Global Average: Liveability score remained at 76.1/100.
• Healthcare: Registered strongest improvement (+0.74 points year on year).
Top Cities
- Copenhagen (Denmark) – most liveable city.
- Vienna (Austria) and Melbourne (Australia) follow closely.
India’s Ranking
- Delhi – 120
- Mumbai – 121
- Chennai – 123
- Bengaluru – 127
Implications for India
• Urban Governance: Rankings highlight gaps in healthcare, pollution control, and infrastructure.
• Policy Context: Linked to Smart Cities Mission and National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
• Global Comparison: Indian metros lag behind Asian peers like Singapore and Tokyo, reflecting challenges in urban planning.
• Exam Relevance: Demonstrates India’s urbanisation issues and need for sustainable city models.
Conclusion
India’s performance in the Global Liveability Index underscores the urgency of strengthening urban infrastructure, healthcare, and environmental management to make its cities truly world class.
