Synopsis With rapid urbanization the cities and towns are unable to provide basic services as the infrastructure remains inadequate. Migration from the rural areas has added to the problem. The book deals extensively with the patterns and processes of urban development and highlights their spatial an temporal changes. The study examines the problems being faced by the small and medium towns in providing basic services to their residents. As municipalities deliver the basic services an attempt has also been made to evaluate the financial resources of the Urban Local Bodies. The case study of the processes of urbanization in Ranchi city gives a blue print for future urban planning. It also evaluates the infrastructural and financial resources that are needed to deliver quality services since a large part of city falls in a tribal belt and land transfer is not permissible. Other aspects of Ranchi’s development have also been examined in this study which includes the demographic character, the social structure and the availability of basic services and amenities to the different socio-economic groups. Even though the study relates to Jharkhand it is relevant to a large number of states facing the pressures of urbanization. The book will be useful for policy makers, researchers and students of urban planning.