New Delhi, July 3 -- Perched on the eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is quietly scripting a story that few Indian capitals can tell, one of clean air, reduced traffic and people-first planning. In 2024, it recorded an average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) level of just 13.8 - making it the cleanest capital city in India, according to state officials. Unlike most urban centres grappling with rising pollution, Gangtok offers a compelling model of efficient mobility.

Despite population growth and ongoing construction projects, the city's air quality has remained largely unaffected. According to the State Pollution Control Board, Gangtok's Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the "Good" to "Satisfactory" range throughout the monsoon and winter - ...