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Launched with great enthusiasm in 2015, the 100 Smart Cities Mission was envisioned as a transformative project to modernize India’s urban landscape. With a lofty goal to improve the quality of life, infrastructure, and sustainability of cities, the mission has indeed led to significant achievements—but as it reached its deadline on March 31, 2025, it’s crucial to reflect on its shortcomings to draw valuable lessons for future initiatives.

Missed Deadlines and Uneven Implementation

Perhaps the most glaring shortcoming of the Smart Cities Mission has been the inability of many cities to meet their project deadlines. By the mission’s conclusion, only 18 out of 100 cities had successfully implemented all their proposed projects, leaving substantial work incomplete in the majority. Approximately 7% of the total planned projects remained unfinished, indicating gaps in project management, execution, and oversight.

While cities like Surat, Pune, Varanasi, and Vadodara emerged as success stories, cities in states such as Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana significantly lagged behind, highlighting the uneven nature of implementation. This disparity underscores deeper structural problems, including inadequate administrative capacity, regional inequalities, and insufficient support mechanisms at the local government level.

Resource Allocation and Funding Bottlenecks

Another critical issue has been the uneven allocation and utilization of funds. While the mission’s total outlay was ambitious—over ₹164,000 crores—the effective utilization of these resources was inconsistent across states and municipalities. Poor fund management and bottlenecks in fund disbursal hindered timely completion, especially in regions lacking robust institutional frameworks.

Additionally, the focus on high-profile, resource-intensive projects sometimes diverted attention from basic urban needs like sanitation, affordable housing, and inclusive public transport. This imbalance raised questions about the equitable distribution of resources, suggesting that smarter cities should first address fundamental urban challenges.

Overemphasis on Technology, Underemphasis on Sustainability

The Smart Cities Mission emphasized technological integration as a primary solution for urban challenges, incorporating digital technologies such as smart meters, automated traffic systems, and surveillance infrastructure. However, critics argue that there was an over-reliance on technology-driven solutions without sufficient consideration for local contexts, sustainability, or inclusive growth.

For instance, cities focused heavily on “smart” interventions like CCTV surveillance or high-tech command centers, often at the expense of initiatives related to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and social equity. The mission’s approach sometimes resulted in superficial technological upgrades without adequately addressing deeper issues of urban sustainability.

Weak Citizen Participation

A foundational principle of any successful urban mission is active citizen engagement. Unfortunately, the Smart Cities Mission fell short in consistently involving local communities in planning, execution, and oversight. Despite efforts toward citizen-centric planning, many projects were perceived as top-down initiatives, disconnected from the real needs and aspirations of local residents.

This lack of genuine participation often led to resistance or limited adoption by communities, undermining the long-term sustainability and acceptability of projects. Future initiatives must ensure robust citizen participation from the outset, creating projects that communities truly own and sustain.

Administrative and Institutional Challenges

Finally, administrative complexities and coordination issues significantly impeded progress. Delays due to bureaucratic hurdles, land acquisition problems, and conflicts between multiple government agencies became common, slowing project momentum. Limited technical capacity among local administrative bodies also emerged as a substantial barrier, suggesting a critical need for institutional capacity-building.

Conclusion: Lessons for the Future

Despite its achievements, the shortcomings of India’s 100 Smart Cities Mission provide important lessons for future urban development initiatives. To avoid repeating these pitfalls, India needs:

• Enhanced institutional capacity and streamlined governance mechanisms.
• A balanced approach that combines technological innovation with fundamental infrastructure and sustainability goals.
• Equitable and transparent resource allocation, prioritizing the most pressing urban needs.
• Robust citizen participation mechanisms to ensure alignment with community needs and aspirations.

As India continues its urban transformation journey, integrating these insights will be crucial for creating genuinely sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities for the future.

A PESTEL analysis is a framework for analyzing the various factors that can affect the performance and operations of a business, organization or even a city. These factors include Political, Economic, Sociocultural, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors. Here’s an overview of PESTEL analysis of Indian cities:

Political factors

Cities in India are often subject to the policies and regulations set by the national government, as well as by state and local governments. This can include regulations related to land use, zoning, transportation, and public services, as well as policies related to infrastructure development, urban planning, and public-private partnerships.

Large cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata are typically politically active and have a mix of political parties represented in local government. These cities also tend to have a higher voter turnout compared to smaller towns and rural areas.

In smaller cities and towns, local politics is often dominated by regional parties and independent candidates, rather than national parties.

Cities with a strong economy and robust infrastructure tend to be more politically stable. On the other hand, cities facing economic challenges and infrastructure issues often experience more political turmoil.

Furthermore, Political scenario at the state level have a huge impact on the local cities and towns as well. Indian Political scenario is very dynamic and diverse, with multiple parties vying for power at the state and national level.

Economic factors

Cities in India are major drivers of the country’s economic growth and are home to many of India’s key industries, such as manufacturing, services, and construction. Economic factors that can impact cities in India include GDP growth, inflation, and the availability of credit and financial services.

ndia is a diverse country with a wide range of economic conditions across its cities. Some cities have a strong and growing economy, while others are facing economic challenges.

Large cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru have a strong economy and are home to a large number of businesses and industries. These cities also tend to have a higher per capita income and a higher standard of living compared to smaller towns and rural areas.

In contrast, smaller cities and towns often have a weaker economy and a lower standard of living. Many of these cities and towns are dependent on agriculture and small-scale industries for their livelihoods.

India’s fast-growing tier-II and tier-III cities are increasingly becoming attractive to foreign investors and showing great potentials to grow further. These cities are rich in human capital, have a large consumer market. Hence, they are less expensive to operate in than the larger Tier I cities.

Economic development in cities is also affected by various factors such as the availability of infrastructure and resources. It is affected by the level of education and skill of the local population, and the presence of economic opportunities and industry.

Also worth noting, Economic development and opportunities for these cities is also affected by the policies, regulations and investment environment set by the central and state government.

Sociocultural factors

Cities in India are diverse and are home to many different ethnic and religious groups. Socio-cultural factors can include issues related to poverty and inequality. These factors also account for demographic trends such as population growth and urbanization.

Each city has its own unique sociocultural identity, shaped by factors such as history, geography, and the local population’s way of life.

Large cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata are melting pots of different cultures and religions. These cities are known for their vibrant street life and festivals. They are also more cosmopolitan and open to different lifestyles and ways of thinking, compared to smaller towns and rural areas.

Smaller cities and towns tend to be more homogeneous in terms of culture and religion. They often have a more traditional way of life. Cities like Varanasi, Jaipur, and Kota have strong historical, cultural, and religious significance. These factors shape the sociocultural identity of the city.

India’s fast-growing tier-II and tier-III cities are increasingly becoming exposed to the world culture and showing great potentials to grow further. However, as these cities are relatively new, their sociocultural identity is still evolving. It is influenced by the locals, migrants and the modernization taking place.

Sociocultural development in cities also affected by various factors such as the availability of resources, education and accessibility to information, and the presence of social opportunities.

It’s worth mentioning that Indian cities are widely diverse in terms of languages spoken, customs, and traditions. Even within a single city, different neighbourhoods may have vastly different sociocultural characteristics.

Technological factors

India is rapidly advancing in terms of technology. This is reflected in the technology infrastructure and usage in its cities. Cities in India are increasingly adopting new technologies to improve the delivery of public services, to manage traffic and transportation, and to reduce pollution. These can include smart city technologies such as internet of things (IoT), big data analytics and 5G networks.

Large cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are known for their well-developed technology infrastructure and a large pool of skilled workers in the technology sector. These cities are home to many technology companies, startups, and research and development centers. They are also known for having a large number of young, tech-savvy population.

In smaller cities and towns, the technology infrastructure is not as well-developed, but the use of technology is growing. Many of these cities and towns are also seeing an increase in the number of technology-related businesses and job opportunities.

Technology adoption has been increasing rapidly in the recent years. Government policies and initiatives have been designed to increase digital literacy and connectivity in cities. This has also opened new opportunities for digital services, e-commerce, and startups in various sectors.

In addition, India has also been pushing for smart cities. Smart cities promote the use of technology to improve urban infrastructure and services such as transportation, energy, and healthcare.

Environmental factors

Cities in India are facing a number of environmental challenges. The most pressing challenges air and water pollution, waste management, climate change, and loss of green spaces. These issues can have an impact on public health and can also affect the availability of resources such as water and electricity. Such problems are particularly acute in large cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata. These cities have a high population density and rapid urbanization.

Air pollution is a major problem in many Indian cities. This is due to factors such as high levels of vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and the burning of fossil fuels. Air pollution in Indian cities is among the highest in the world.

Water pollution is another serious problem in Indian cities. Many of the country’s rivers and lakes are heavily polluted due to untreated sewage and industrial waste.

Waste management is also a major issue in Indian cities. Most cities have inadequate infrastructure for waste collection, transportation, and disposal. This leads to the buildup of garbage in urban areas.

India’s fast-growing tier-II and tier-III cities are also facing similar environmental challenges. These cities are increasingly becoming polluted as well, but with less attention and less resources to solve them.

Additionally, many Indian cities have lost green spaces and natural habitats due to urbanization and development. This has led to a decline in biodiversity. Besides, it can have negative impacts on the health and well-being of the urban population.

Steps to mitigate environmental risks

India has been taking steps towards sustainable urban development and promoting the use of renewable energy and green technologies to address these environmental challenges. In recent years, several initiatives have been launched to make Indian cities more environmentally friendly. These initiaives include promoting electric vehicles and investing in public transportation systems. However, much more needs to be done to ensure the long-term sustainability of these cities.

It’s worth noting that environmental policies and regulations in India are set by both the central and state government. The effectiveness of these policies varies between different cities and regions.

Legal factors

Cities in India are subject to a complex legal framework, including national, state and local laws and regulations. These include regulations related to land use, zoning, construction, environment, labor, and transportation. The legal framework and justice system in India’s cities can vary, depending on the specific city and the laws and regulations that are in place at the state and national level.

In general, larger cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata have a more developed legal system. They have a greater number of legal professionals and resources, compared to smaller towns and rural areas. These cities also tend to have higher levels of legal awareness among the population.

However, the legal system in India’s cities can also be complex and bureaucratic. Access to justice can be limited for certain sections of the population, particularly for marginalized communities.

The Indian legal system is based on the common law system. It is inherited from the British colonial system and also incorporates some aspects of civil law. Indian Constitution is the supreme law of India.

The justice delivery system in India is multi-tiered, with courts at the district, state and the national level. The lower court, which is the district court, deals with the criminal and civil matters. The higher courts such as High courts and Supreme court, deals with the appellate matters.

India’s fast-growing tier-II and tier-III cities are also facing similar legal challenges. Most are still in the process of developing their legal system to be able to keep up with the urbanization taking place.

PESTEL analysis of Indian cities – Conclusion

I hope this article could give the reader a broad overview of the PESTEL analysis of Indian cities. It is important to note that the factors influencing the cities can be highly interrelated. They are also influenced by historical, economic, social, political and environmental factors. Therefore, a PESTEL analysis of Indian cities provides a broad picture of the environment in which the cities operate. This allows the cities to better understand the opportunities and challenges that it may encounter and plan accordingly.

Indian cities are diverse and vary widely in terms of population size, economic activity, and infrastructure. In this article, we will discuss some of the major challenges of Indian cities.

Rapid urbanization and overpopulation

Many Indian cities have experienced rapid population growth in recent years, driven by both migration and natural population increases. As a result, Indian cities are struggling to keep up with the demand for housing, transportation, and other services. This is leading to increased pressure on infrastructure and housing. The increasing demand for housing in Indian cities has led to a shortage of affordable options for low- and middle-income residents.

Despite their rapid growth, many Indian cities struggle to provide residents with basic services such as clean drinking water, reliable electricity, and healthcare. Some cities do not have adequate sanitation facilities and proper waste management, leading to public health problems.

As Indian cities are heavily populated and can be quite chaotic and noisy. Traffic is often heavy, and streets can be crowded with vendors and pedestrians. With a growing number of vehicles on the road, traffic in Indian cities can be extremely heavy, causing delays and air pollution.

Root causes of overpopulation in Indian cities

The root causes of overpopulation in Indian cities are multifaceted and complex. Some of the key factors include:

1. Economic growth and development in India has led to increased opportunities for employment and higher wages in urban areas. Cities attract people from rural areas in search of better economic opportunities.
2. Many people living in rural areas, especially in agriculture-dependent areas, face a lack of job opportunities and a lack of access to resources such as land, water and other basic infrastructure.
3. There is often a lack of access to education and healthcare in rural areas. This is leading many people to move to cities in search of better opportunities and services.
4. Government policies like subsidies for urban land and housing can also contribute to overpopulation in cities. However, many times governments fail to create policies or fail in implementation of policies to provide access to basic services, affordable housing and other facilities for the migrants.
5. Socio-cultural factors such as the traditional preference for large families. Lack of access to family planning services and education also contribute to population growth in cities.
6. Climate change and natural disasters have led to displacement of many people and have pushed them to migrate to cities in search of better living conditions.

Tackling overpopulation

The causes are interrelated and are also influenced by historical, economic, social, political and environmental factors. Therefore, it is difficult to identify a single root cause. Tackling overpopulation in Indian cities will require a comprehensive and holistic approach. The solution must address the underlying economic, social, and political factors that contribute to population growth.

To address these challenges of Indian cities, local governments are implementing various solutions such as urban planning, public transportation and housing schemes. Governments are also encouraging the development of satellite towns and promoting rural-urban migration. But, cities are yet to see significant improvement in tackling this issue.

Pollution and environmental issues

Indian cities also face a number of environmental issues such as air pollution, water pollution, and waste management. Some Indian cities also increasingly exposed to the effects of climate change and extreme weather, such as flooding and heatwaves.

Some of the key factors that contribute to pollution in Indian cities include:

1. Rapid industrialization and economic growth have led to increased pollution from factories, power plants, and other industrial activities.
2. The high number of vehicles on the road in Indian cities, combined with poor traffic management and lack of public transportation options. This leads to heavy air pollution from vehicle emissions.
3. Rapid urbanization and construction activity in Indian cities also contributes to air pollution, as well as noise pollution.
4. The lack of clean energy sources also leads to high levels of pollution in many Indian cities. This is because power plants burn coal and other fossil fuels to operate.
5. Inadequate solid waste management infrastructure in Indian cities leads to the uncollected trash, open burning and air pollution, water pollution, and breeding ground for disease.
6. Lack of regulations and enforcement of existing regulations lead to high levels of pollution in Indian cities.
7. Social and cultural factors: Socio-cultural factors such as traditional practices, religious and festival customs can also lead to pollution in Indian cities. For example, open burning of trash, burning of firecrackers during festivals,
8. Climate change can also exacerbate air pollution, as well as water pollution. This is primarily due to rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns.

Addressing pollution in Indian cities will require a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses the underlying economic, social, and political factors that contribute to pollution. It will also require implementing effective regulations, enforcing existing regulations and promoting clean energy options.

Economic inequality

Indian cities also have large slums inhabited by people living in poverty. A large number of them face issues of inadequate housing, poor sanitation and limited access to basic services. There is often a significant divide between wealthy and poor neighbourhoods in Indian cities. Many slums are located in close proximity to more affluent areas.

Key factors that contribute to economic inequality

Some of the key factors that contribute to economic inequality in Indian cities include:

1. Lack of access to education and skills training: Many people living in low-income neighbourhoods in Indian cities lack access to quality education and skills training. This limits their opportunities for higher-paying jobs and career advancement.
2. Limited access to credit and financial services: Many low-income residents in Indian cities also face limited access to credit and financial services. This makes it difficult for them to start or grow small businesses or invest in assets such as housing.
3. Limited access to social services and government benefits: Low-income residents in Indian cities often have limited access to social services and government benefits. Such benefits can include healthcare, food subsidies, and affordable housing, which can further exacerbate economic inequality.
4. Structural discrimination: Economic inequality in Indian cities is also driven by structural discrimination. Discrimination based on caste, gender, and religious beliefs is common in India.
5. Limited job opportunities and low wages: Many low-income residents in Indian cities are only able to find low-paying, informal sector jobs with little job security. This makes it difficult for them to improve their economic status.
6. Historical factors: Historical factors such as colonialism, discrimination and lack of land ownership rights also have an impact on economic inequality in Indian cities
7. Natural Disasters and Climate change: Natural disasters and climate change can also lead to displacement and loss of livelihood. In turn, this can further exacerbate economic inequality.

Addressing economic inequality in Indian cities will require a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses the underlying economic, social, and political factors that contribute to inequality. It will also need policies such as progressive taxation, social welfare programs, affirmative action and anti-discrimination laws and policies.

Despite challenges of Indian cities

Despite the challenges of Indian cities, the have some virtues too.

Visually striking: Many Indian cities are visually striking, with a mix of old and new architecture, colourful markets, and busy streets. Some cities have historic landmarks such as forts and palaces, as well as religious sites, such as temples and mosques.

Cultural diversity: Indian cities are known for their cultural diversity and cosmopolitan atmosphere, with many different ethnic and religious communities living together.

Growing economy: Many Indian cities are centres of industry and commerce and are key drivers of India’s growing economy. They also attract large number of migrant population looking for work opportunities.

India is making significant efforts to develop smart cities as part of its Smart Cities Mission, which was launched in 2015. The mission aims to develop 100 smart cities in the country by modernizing urban infrastructure and services and improving the quality of life for residents.

As part of this mission, several Indian cities have implemented smart city initiatives. Some are working on building smart cities or certain smart features to their cities. The Indian government is actively working on providing support, funding, and guidance to these cities to enable them to develop smart infrastructure, and provide better living conditions to citizens.

How many smart city projects are there in India?

India’s Smart Cities Mission, which was launched in 2015, aims to develop 100 smart cities in the country. As part of the mission, a total of 98 cities have been selected for development. These cities were chosen through a two-stage competitive process, in which cities were first nominated by state governments and then evaluated based on their smart city proposal and their track record of urban development.

The 99 smart cities are spread across the country, with a mix of big cities and smaller towns, and they represent a diverse range of regions and cultures. The Indian Government has provided funding and technical assistance to help these cities implement smart city initiatives. These initiatives include things like the development of smart transportation systems, the use of IoT sensors and data analytics, the use of clean energy, and the development of e-governance services.

It’s worth mentioning that The Smart Cities Mission, is a long-term initiative, which has a 5-year period for the cities to complete their projects and the final goal is to develop 100 smart cities. However, each smart city have their own timeline to meet their specific goals and timelines, so it may vary on the actual completion of the smart city projects.

Which is the best smart city in India?

It can be difficult to determine the “best” smart city in India, as different cities excel in different areas and have different priorities when it comes to implementing smart city initiatives. However, some cities that have made significant strides in smart city development and considered as examples of successful smart city development include:

1. Bhubaneswar: The city was one of the first 20 cities selected for development under the Smart Cities Mission and has implemented several smart city initiatives such as development of city-wide WiFi network, use of IoT sensors to monitor traffic flow and air quality, implementation of a smart grid to manage the city’s energy consumption, and many more.
2. Pune: Pune has implemented several smart city initiatives such as development of a city-wide WiFi network, use of IoT sensors to monitor traffic flow and air quality, implementation of a smart grid to manage the city’s energy consumption, and many more.
3. Surat: Surat was selected as a smart city under the mission and has implemented several smart city initiatives such as online building plan approvals, integrated command and control centers, and introduction of e-governance services and e-mobility solutions, among others.
4. Jaipur: Jaipur, one of the selected smart city under the mission, has implemented several initiatives such as city-wide WiFi network, use of IoT sensors to monitor traffic flow and air quality, implementation of a smart grid to manage the city’s energy consumption, and many more.

It’s worth mentioning that these cities have implemented many successful smart city initiatives, and the evaluation of smart city is an ongoing process, as no city is ever truly finished “becoming smart” and each city has its own strengths and challenges.

Status of Smart cities in India

The Smart Cities Mission in India is a major initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of urbanization in the country and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in urban areas.

One of the key components of the mission is the use of technology to improve the delivery of services and enhance the livability of cities. This includes the use of digital platforms and systems to improve the efficiency of urban services such as transportation, waste management, and energy distribution. The mission also emphasizes the development of sustainable infrastructure, including green buildings and renewable energy sources, as well as the promotion of smart mobility solutions to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

The implementation of the mission has been met with some challenges. One of the main challenges has been the limited capacity of the urban local bodies(ULBs) to implement such complex projects. There has also been a lack of coordination between the ULBs and the state governments, which has made it difficult to execute the various components of the mission. Additionally, there have been issues with the availability of land, as well as with the financing and operation of smart city projects.

However, despite these challenges, several development projects have been completed or are underway in the selected smart cities, which has led to the improvement in the quality of life for citizens in these areas. The smart cities mission has also helped to promote the development of sustainable infrastructure and has served as a catalyst for the development of smart city technologies.

Overall, while there are still challenges that need to be addressed, the Smart Cities Mission in India has the potential to drive transformative change in urban areas and improve the quality of life for citizens.

What were the objectives of India’s smart city mission?

The main objectives of India’s Smart Cities Mission are to:

1. Promote compact urban areas with a mix of land uses to reduce pressure on surrounding rural and agricultural land
2. Encourage a mixture of housing and employment opportunities within the city to reduce commuting time and improve access to services
3. Develop sustainable and inclusive infrastructure that can meet the needs of citizens
4. Use technology, specifically information and communication technology, to improve the delivery of services and enhance the livability of cities
5. Create a replicable model for other cities to follow
6. Create an enabling environment for private sector participation and investments

The mission aims to improve the quality of life for citizens by making urban areas more liveable, sustainable, and resilient. It aims to address the challenges of urbanization in the country and promote sustainable and inclusive growth in urban areas through the development of smart cities. The Smart Cities Mission focuses on leveraging technology and data to improve the delivery of urban services and to enhance the liveability of cities, while also promoting sustainable infrastructure and smart mobility solutions. It is expected that these developments will eventually improve economic growth and urban development in India.

Can we call India’s smart city mission successful?

It’s difficult to make a definitive statement about the success of India’s Smart Cities Mission as a whole, as it is a large and ongoing initiative that has been met with both challenges and successes.

On one hand, the mission has led to the development of several smart city projects in the selected cities, which has improved the quality of life for citizens in those areas. For example, some of the smart city projects have led to the development of sustainable infrastructure, such as green buildings and renewable energy sources, as well as the promotion of smart mobility solutions to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

However, the implementation of the mission has also faced several challenges. One of the main challenges has been the limited capacity of the urban local bodies(ULBs) to implement such complex projects. There has also been a lack of coordination between the ULBs and the state governments, which has made it difficult to execute the various components of the mission. Additionally, there have been issues with the availability of land, as well as with the financing and operation of smart city projects.

It’s also worth noting that only 98 cities were selected under the mission, which is less than the initial goal of 100 cities, and even the 98 cities selected, some of them are yet to be able to fully utilize the fund allocated to them.

In conclusion, while the Smart Cities Mission has led to the development of several smart city projects in the selected cities and improved the quality of life for citizens in those areas, it has also faced several challenges in implementation, which have limited its overall success.

Is smart city in India an elitist concept?

The concept of a “smart city” in India, as it is being implemented through the Smart Cities Mission, has been criticized by some as being elitist. This criticism arises from a few points:

1. Selective development: Smart city projects tend to focus on developing high-end infrastructure and technology in select areas, rather than addressing the basic needs of all citizens across the city. This can result in exclusive, upscale areas that only serve a small percentage of the population.
2. Displacement: Smart city development projects often involve the acquisition of land and the displacement of existing communities, particularly those who are informal settlers or slum dwellers.
3. Exclusion of the poor: Smart city projects are often driven by private investment, which can lead to the exclusion of low-income citizens and marginalized communities who cannot afford the services and amenities provided by the smart city.
4. Limited participation in planning and execution: The citizens themselves may not have enough representation in decision making and planning, leading to the lack of understanding and thus ownership of the proposed development among citizens.

However, it is worth noting that the Smart Cities Mission does include provisions for affordable housing, inclusivity and citizen participation, but the execution and the actual outcome may not have met the expectations.

It’s worth to mention that the Smart Cities Mission is still ongoing, it is not a finished project, so there’s a lot that can be done to address these criticisms and ensure that the development of smart cities in India benefits all citizens, rather than just a select few.

Why does no one talk about smart cities these days?

The concept of “smart cities” has been a topic of interest and discussion in recent years, but it is possible that the level of discussion and attention paid to it may have decreased recently. There could be a few reasons for this:

1. Shift in priorities: As with any topic, the public and media’s attention can shift to other issues. Smart cities may no longer be at the forefront of people’s minds or considered a priority.
2. Limited progress: Despite the high level of interest in smart cities in the past, progress on smart city development in India may have been slower than expected. This could have led to a decrease in discussion about smart cities as people’s interest in it might have waned.
3. Criticism and skepticism: As mentioned before, the concept of smart cities has faced criticism from some quarters, and this could have led to a decline in enthusiasm for the topic. As well as, concerns about its potential as an elitist and displacement-causing concept also might have led to less attention on smart cities.
4. Inconclusive results: Another reason could be the lack of substantial results in smart city projects. While some progress has been made in certain areas, the impact of smart city development may not have been as visible or significant as initially anticipated. This could have dampened interest in the topic among the public and media.

It is worth noting that smart cities are a complex topic and the interest in it can be affected by multiple factors and it does not necessarily mean that smart cities is not important for the development of cities.

Imagine you are traveling on a bus. You have several co-passengers who are going to different destinations. The bus driver knows exactly where each of her passengers will disembark. She also knows the traffic condition on each route option and how many passengers are waiting on each stoppage. With this information, the software on her dashboard flashes the most optimized route so that everyone can reach their destination on time. This also saves fuel and keeps traffic normalized. After all, all the buses in your city are fitted with this smart system. This is just one example of what it could be like to live in a smart city.

Smart cities can automatically process billions of data points from multiple sources. The entire infrastructure is designed in a manner that creates a rewarding experience for citizens. At the same time, it optimizes the available resources so that the benefit of incremental saving can be realized fruitfully.

Basic definition of a smart city

A smart city is a city that uses technology and data to improve the quality of life for its residents, enhance sustainability, and improve economic efficiency. Smart cities use a wide range of technologies and approaches to achieve these goals, including:

1. Internet of Things (IoT) sensors: These devices are used to gather data on things like traffic flow, energy consumption, and weather patterns, which can be used to optimize the city’s infrastructure and services.
2. Data analytics: Smart cities use data analysis to identify patterns and trends in the data they collect, which can be used to inform decision-making and improve the delivery of public services.
3. Automation: Smart cities use automation to streamline processes and increase efficiency, for example, by using self-driving vehicles for public transportation, or by automating industrial processes.
4. Connectivity: Smart cities have a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure that enables residents to have high-speed internet access and facilitates the use of a wide range of digital services.
5. Cybersecurity: Smart cities are proactive in protecting their infrastructure and resident’s data from cyber attacks and data breaches.
6. Collaborative governance: Smart cities have an inclusive governance, working with citizens, public, private and academia sectors to co-create the vision and strategy, and to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.

While there is no single blueprint for building a smart city, smart cities generally share a focus on using technology and data to improve the delivery of public services, and to make the city more livable, sustainable, and economically competitive

How was the term smart city created?

You might think of a smart city as something new and a recent catchphrase. But surprisingly, the concept has been around for the last 50 years at least. The first-ever attempt at planning a wholistic approach towards city management was recorded in Los Angeles. In a report, the State of the city, the city governance used data analysis tools to evaluate concern areas for the city. These included traffic incidents, serious crimes, mental illness, infant mortality, unemployment, poverty levels – just to name a few.

The use of technology to manage a city’s objectives gained more and more momentum over the years. In the 1990s, the term “smartness” and “smart growth” were commonly used in city development debates in the US. Large technology firms such as CISCO and IBM saw this as an opportunity. They could develop and sell the concept to other parts of the world. The term “Smart Cities” would have been coined in one of their boardroom meetings. Soon enough, a model was available for other ambitious cities to imitate and incubate – Amsterdam.

Objectives of a smart city

Every city has its own set of problems. Some are marred with high traffic. Some are skewed with uneven growth. Many do not have adequate infrastructure to cope up with the growing population. Each city has a unique set of problems. Smart cities try to tackle the specific problems of the city while improving the life of citizens.

Therefore, the main objectives of a smart city are to improve the quality of life for residents, increase sustainability, and make the city more efficient and effective in its use of resources. Some specific ways that these objectives can be achieved include:

• Improving transportation and mobility by implementing intelligent transportation systems and encouraging the use of public transportation, walking, and biking.
• Enhancing public safety through the use of advanced technologies such as surveillance cameras and emergency management systems.
• Promoting sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, green buildings, and recycling programs.
• Improving government services and citizen engagement through the use of digital technologies such as online portals, mobile apps, and social media.
• Enhance the urban environment, and make it more accessible, livable and resilient.
• Improving the efficiency of city services and operations through the use of data and analytics to inform decision-making and manage resources.

How do smart cities work?

A smart city is a city that uses technology to improve the quality of life for its citizens. This can be achieved by using data and communication technologies to manage a city’s assets and infrastructure more efficiently, and by using this technology to engage with citizens and make the city more responsive to their needs.

Some specific examples of how technology is used in a smart city include:

• Using sensors to monitor traffic flow and optimize traffic signal timing, which can reduce congestion and emissions.
• Using smart meters to monitor and manage energy consumption, which can help reduce energy costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• Using IoT and other technologies to improve public safety, such as by providing real-time information to first responders during emergencies.
• Using data analytics to better understand how citizens use city services and to improve service delivery.

Smart cities also use communication networks to connect various systems, sensors and devices to a central control center, where data is collected and analyzed to make real-time decisions to improve city operations.

It is important to remember that the implementation of Smart City varies depending on the specific needs and context of the city, and thus implementation may vary in different parts of the world.

Who coined the term “smart city”?

The term “smart city” was first coined by IBM in the late 1990s. The company used the term to describe a city that uses technology to improve the quality of life for its residents, enhance sustainability, and improve economic efficiency. IBM’s vision of a smart city included the use of sensors and other technology to gather data on things like traffic flow, energy consumption, and weather patterns, which would then be used to optimize the city’s infrastructure and services.

Since then, the definition of smart cities has been expanded and broadened, and various actors have taken up the idea and transformed it to their own vision and goals. So while IBM was the first company to use the term, smart city concept has been taken up by many organizations, academics and governments around the world.

What are the most common features of a smart city?

The most common features of a smart city include:

1. Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) such as traffic management systems, public transportation management, and connected vehicles
2. Smart buildings and energy management systems
3. Intelligent public safety systems such as surveillance cameras and emergency management systems
4. Smart lighting systems
5. Smart waste management systems
6. Air and water quality monitoring
7. Advanced communication infrastructure and platforms for data collection and analysis
8. Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensor networks
9. Citizen engagement platforms and e-governance systems
10. Advanced data analytics and modeling capabilities to support decision-making and planning.

Why are smart cities important?

Smart cities use technology to improve the quality of life for residents. It enhances sustainability and make the city more efficient and resilient. This can include using data and internet of things (IoT) sensors to manage traffic and public transportation. It also entails implementing energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure, and providing better access to public services. Additionally, smart cities often prioritize the use of open data and citizen engagement to promote transparency and collaboration between the government and the community. Overall, the implementation of smart city technology can lead to improvements in areas such as economic development, public safety, and environmental sustainability.

Building smart cities is important for several reasons, including:

1. Smart cities use technology to improve residents’ access to services and increase their overall well-being. This can include things like providing free public WiFi, implementing energy-efficient systems, and using data analysis to improve traffic flow.
2. Smart cities use technology to reduce their environmental impact. For example through energy-efficient buildings, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting the use of clean energy.
3. Improving economic efficiency: Smart cities use technology to create a more efficient and productive economy. This can include things like using data analysis to identify new business opportunities, and using automation to streamline industrial processes.
4. Enhancing public safety: Smart cities use technology to improve emergency response times and increase the overall safety of residents.
5. Smart cities use technology to improve governance and increase transparency. For example by providing real-time information about government services. They also make it easier for residents to provide feedback to local authorities.
6. Smart cities often serve as testing grounds for new technologies. Tested technology can then be implemented at a large scale. Thus they bring about new opportunities for innovation.

Which is the best smart city in the world?New

It can be difficult to determine the “best” smart city in the world. Particularly, as different cities excel in different areas and have different priorities when it comes to implementing smart city initiatives. However, some cities that are often cited as examples of successful smart city development include:

1. Singapore: The city-state is widely considered to be a leader in smart city development, with a strong emphasis on technology and innovation. Singapore has implemented a wide range of smart city initiatives. These include the use of sensors to monitor traffic flow and air quality, and the use of data analysis to optimize the delivery of public services.
2. Barcelona: The city has been at the forefront of smart city development in Europe, and has implemented a wide range of initiatives to improve the quality of life for residents, enhance sustainability, and improve economic efficiency. This includes the launch of a city-wide WiFi network, the use of smart lighting and the promotion of electric vehicles.
3. Amsterdam: Amsterdam is another European city that has made significant strides in becoming a smart city, with a focus on sustainability and improving the quality of life for residents. Amsterdam has a well-developed cycling infrastructure and encourages the use of electric vehicles. It also has a focus on water management and energy efficiency.
4. Songdo, South Korea: Songdo is a planned smart city that has been built from scratch. The city features a wide range of smart city initiatives, such as a city-wide WiFi network, a centralized waste management system, and the use of sensors to optimize the delivery of public services.

It’s worth mentioning that, while these cities have implemented many successful smart city initiatives, smart city development is an ongoing process, and no city is ever truly finished “becoming smart.”