How did the shift to steam power lead to the growth of cities?

The shift to steam power contributed to the growth of cities in many way. Firstly, it provides a continuous source of power to industries, which leads to high level of productivity. The availability of jobs in the industries makes the people in the rural areas to migrate to the cities in search of greener pastures. Steam power also created a new and efficient means of transportation which make it possible to move people and goods over long distances in record time.