Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) aims to promote innovation in India’s urban ecosystems through the application of smart technology-based solutions. Its goal is to improve the quality of life for citizens in the 100 selected Indian cities by upgrading basic infrastructure through partnerships with international and domestic research bodies, institutes and private players. These cities receive technical and management support from special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for the implementation of various projects, including smart mobility, common integrated payment systems and public bike sharing. As of September 13, 2024, a total of 7,247 projects worth Rs 1,453.69 billion have been completed under the SCM, while another 794 projects worth Rs 191.64 billion are currently in progress.
Some of the 100 smart cities have performed better than the others on various parameters including completed projects and financial progress. According to the 21st report on the evaluation of the SCM, released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in February 2024, Surat, Ranchi, Udaipur, Tumakuru, Agra and Ahmedabad have emerged as top performers. These cities have adopted a wide range of advanced technological solutions under two broad categories – area-based development (ABD) and pan-city projects. ABD projects focus on improving specific areas or neighbourhoods within a city through physical infrastructure development while pan-city projects address common challenges faced by the entire city, such as traffic management, waste management and sewerage systems.
Indian Infrastructure highlights the key initiatives taken by these front-runner cities…
Surat
Surat Smart City Development Limited, an SPV, has carried out multiple successful projects under the SCM. Some of the key ABD projects include water quality monitoring, sewage recycling, renewable energy projects and affordable housing. In the category of pan-city projects, a key project is the integrated traffic and mobility administrative centre (IT-MAC), which utilises information technology (IT)-enabled applications for city traffic and mobility management. Through this system, passengers in Surat can track the live location and passenger seat availability of public vehicles. It has also implemented the automatic fare collection system, which extends a package of smart transport options to citizens.
Another major achievement of the Surat Smart City is the automation of processes within the Surat Municipal Corporation through the adoption of an enterprise resource planning system. This provides a modular framework for integrated automation solutions. In addition, to improve internet connectivity in public places, the smart city has undertaken a project to provide fibre-to-the home connectivity. Besides, it has implemented a common city payment system, an emerging solution for transport and recreational facilities using a multilateral and contactless payment card. For example, the Surat money card enables citizens to make retail and transport transactions through a single card.
Ranchi
The Ranchi Smart City in Jharkhand has implemented several projects under the SCM. Some of the key ABD projects undertaken by Ranchi Smart City Corporation Limited are the development of power distribution infrastructure, the construction of urban civic towers and setting up of the convention centre and the Jharkhand Urban Planning and Management Institute. It has also implemented major pan-city projects including an integrated command and control centre (ICCC), which has strengthened the traffic management and real-time monitoring of city utilities. Moreover, the adoption of smart solutions such as internet of things (IoT)-based monitoring systems have revolutionised energy, water supply and waste disposal management in the city.
Another flagship programme of the smart city that demonstrates the efficient utilisation of government funds is “India Cycle for Change and Transport for All”. Consequently, cycles have become more noticeable on the streets of Ranchi, with local food delivery partners offering cycle-based deliveries in the city. This initiative has provided a significant impetus to sustainable and cleaner forms of transportation.
Udaipur
Udaipur Smart City Limited has implemented notable pan-city projects for effective sewerage treatment and its reuse. Freshwater consumption is expected to be reduced in the city with the setting up of sewage treatment plants along with other initiatives. With the completion of wastewater treatment projects, urban local bodies are expected to treat 100 per cent of the city’s sewage.
In addition, the SPV has focused on the roads and mobility sector by implementing key projects such as the Hiran Magri Smart Road Development, in collaboration with the Udaipur Municipal Corporation. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion, enhance parking facilities and improve pedestrian safety. It has successfully promoted non-motorised transportation by reclaiming 4,800 square metres of space for pedestrians and cyclists. Also, street lighting has significantly improved safety and enhanced the walking experience in the city at night. These projects have also created business opportunities for local vendors.
Tumakuru
The Tumakuru Smart City in Karnataka has undertaken various initiatives under the SCM. Tumakuru Smart City Limited, an SPV, has implemented key pan-city projects such as fitness theme parks, an ICCC, intelligent transport systems and a public bicycle sharing scheme. The fitness theme parks have amenities such as a basketball practice court, an, open-air gym, playground, hedges and a kids play area. The ICCC project includes intelligent signalling, CCTV camera surveillance and other technologies. Meanwhile, intelligent transport systems consist of an automatic vehicle locator system in public vehicles, enabling live tracking, recording and analysis of vehicle performance. The public bike sharing scheme is expected to encourage sustainable commuting in the city.
The flagship ABD projects undertaken by the SPV include a digital library solution, the construction of a ring road, skill development through National Cadet Corps simulators, and the creation of a smart lounge, offering facilities such as digital reading zones and cafeteria services.
Agra
Agra Smart City Limited has undertaken a few key flagship projects in the city. Among these, the ICCC project was completed in 2019 for the effective monitoring and surveillance of city functions. This project has helped the traffic police detect 836 stray cattle and find 2,000 blacklisted and stolen vehicles. There are plans to integrate parking, street lighting, water meters and grievance management into the system.
In the socio-economic domain, the establishment of four micro-skill development centres is an important project under the mission. These centres aim to benefit the local communities based in and around the Tajganj ABD area. This project was completed in 2021 with an investment of Rs 20.1 million, and its operation and maintenance is currently under way. Another important move has been the construction of automated self-cleaning toilets to bridge gaps in public sanitation. This system is equipped with online monitoring and sensor technologies. These automated toilets have been installed and are currently operational. Additionally, an important ongoing smart health initiative in the smart city is the establishment of advanced health centres to provide diagnostic services and medicines at subsidised rates. It is expected to provide access to physicians, pharmacies and diagnostics through a smart health card.
Future insights and potential hurdles
The SCM has made significant progress, with various projects focused on advanced technologies, infrastructure development and citizen engagement. SPVs have played a crucial role in this success, supported by dedicated teams of data, technology, engineering and other experts. However, they have also faced significant challenges, ranging from funding constraints to technological adoption.
Other smart cities are also gaining momentum. These include Varanasi, Bhopal, Kota, Madurai and Jhansi. The key flagship projects include a smart vending zone and incubation centre for start-ups in Jhansi, a modular rainwater harvesting system in Bhopal and LED street lighting in Madurai, which will help shape them as modern cities. The remaining ongoing projects under the mission are in advanced stages of implementation and are planned to be completed by the extended deadline of March 2025. The SCM also envisions a wider adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, drones, blockchain and 5G to further enhance urban resilience, efficiency and inclusivity.