### A New Global Giant Emerges
For decades, Tokyo held the title of the world’s largest city. However, according to the latest United Nations data, it has now been surpassed by another colossal urban area boasting an astonishing 42 million residents. This shift marks a significant demographic milestone and reshapes the list of the world’s most populated megacities.
### The Rise of Delhi
The Indian capital, Delhi, has officially overtaken Tokyo in terms of population. Rapid urbanization, economic migration, and expanding suburban territories have all fueled Delhi’s massive growth. The UN’s latest estimates highlight that Delhi’s population has now exceeded 42 million, compared to Tokyo’s 37 million, making it the new record-holder.
### Drivers of Growth
Several factors have contributed to Delhi’s demographic boom:
- Continuous migration from rural areas seeking better job opportunities.
- Expansion of the National Capital Region (NCR), blending nearby cities such as Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad into one vast urban sprawl.
- High birth rates and improved healthcare, boosting life expectancy.
Tokyo, on the other hand, has experienced a gradual population decline due to an aging population and lower birth rates—a trend common across developed nations.
### Challenges Ahead
Despite its growing size, Delhi faces mounting challenges in urban planning, infrastructure, and sustainability. Issues such as air pollution, traffic congestion, and housing shortages remain key concerns for city authorities. Policymakers are under pressure to balance growth with livability and environmental responsibility.
> “The rise of Delhi marks both an extraordinary achievement and a major test in modern urban management,” said a UN spokesperson.
### A Global Power Shift
This new ranking reflects broader global patterns of population growth shifting toward Asia and Africa. As economic opportunities expand in developing regions, megacities continue to swell, reshaping global demographics and influencing future policy on migration, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
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**Author’s summary:** Delhi has overtaken Tokyo as the world’s largest megacity, reaching 42 million people amid rapid urbanization, marking a historic population shift from developed to developing regions.
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Daily Express on MSN — 2025-11-29