FReconfiguring the City: A Case Study of Urban Resilience and Accessibility in Post-COVID Kolkata in Global South

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored how critical urban crises demand new planning and governance paradigms to create more resilient, accessible, and sustainable cities. Drawing on the special issue theme of “Rethinking Urban Design Paradigms for Resilient Public Spaces,” this paper examines how the pandemic has spurred innovative approaches to urban governance, equity, and spatial design. We analyze scholarly literature on health-driven urban reform and apply it to the Kolkata, India context (population ~15 million), situating it within broader Global South lessons. Kolkata’s dense informal settlements and infrastructure deficits made it highly vulnerable: studies show COVID-19 “hotspots” there closely tracked indices of deprivation (overcrowding, poor sanitation) rather than simple density. We discuss how pre-existing inequalities shaped both risks and responses. The article then explores how post-pandemic planning concepts – such as 15-minute cities, pandemic-resilient public spaces, and participatory governance – can be adapted in Kolkata and similar contexts. We review examples like park upgrades, pedestrianization, and digital command centers, highlighting both successes and limitations (e.g. the “digital divide” hampered inclusive outreach). Throughout, we emphasize the need to design public spaces with equity and health in mind. In particular, we argue for extending green and open space access beyond traditional parks, integrating resilient infrastructure (ventilated, modular, multi-use facilities), and empowering local communities in planning. The pandemic recovery offers a “wake-up call” to planners and policymakers: by addressing embedded vulnerabilities (slums, informality, mobility inequities) and fostering cooperation across government and civil society, cities can transform crisis lessons into lasting innovations for more just, sustainable urban futures. This analysis concludes with actionable policy recommendations tailored to Kolkata and comparable Global South cities, aiming to guide a more inclusive, “chrono-urban” transition that aligns with diverse social needs.