Introduction

The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) aims to enhance the quality of life in India's cities through smart, sustainable solutions. Its goal is to create cities that are economically vibrant, inclusive and environment friendly. By focusing on key areas like infrastructure, governance and social development, SCM seeks to transform urban living across the country. With 100 cities leading the initiative, the mission has made significant progress, having completed 7,380 out of 8,075 projects, with an investment of ₹1,47,704 crore. These completed projects demonstrate SCM’s commitment to creating smarter, more livable urban spaces for all.

Smart Cities Mission in a Glance

 

Launched on 25 June 2015 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Smart Cities Mission aims to improve the quality of life in 100 cities by providing efficient services, robust infrastructure, and sustainable solutions. Focused on economic growth, inclusivity, and sustainability, it addresses diverse needs such as housing, transport, education, healthcare, and recreation, with the goal of creating adaptable urban spaces that serve as models for other cities.

Approach of this Mission

Implementing the Smart City Mission is carried out primarily through two approaches. First, under the Smart Cities Mission, cities are being developed using an Area-Based Development (ABD) approach, where each of the 100 cities has selected a defined area for targeted interventions. These ABD areas, chosen through citizen participation, are being developed as replicable models for other parts of the city.

Second, every city has included Pan-City Projects, which are technology-driven solutions. Other key dimensions of the mission include creating a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) structure for program implementation, promoting multiple sources of funding for projects, fostering competitive federalism, and engaging citizens.

Key Achievements of the Mission [2]

As of 13th December 2024, 91% of the total projects have been successfully completed, reflecting significant progress in reshaping urban landscapes across India.

Below are some key initiatives and milestones achieved by SCM (As on 15.11.24):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adapting to Emerging Needs and Overcoming Challenges

In addition to the core initiatives, the Smart Cities Mission has introduced projects in response to emerging challenges. For example, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, campaigns like ‘Cycles4Change’ and ‘Streets4People’ were launched to promote open spaces for active living. To ensure inclusive access to public spaces, initiatives such as the ‘Placemaking Marathons’ and ‘Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge’ focused on vulnerable groups. Other challenges, like ‘Transport4All’ and ‘EatSmart Cities’ aim to support public transport startups and improve food hygiene in smart cities.

Strategies for Smart City Mission

The Smart Cities Mission seeks to boost economic growth and enhance the quality of life by promoting local area development and utilizing technology for smart outcomes. The approach involves transforming existing areas through retrofitting and redevelopment, developing new areas through greenfield projects, and implementing smart solutions across the city with Pan-city initiatives. Each city's proposal must include one of the area-based models (retrofitting, redevelopment, or greenfield development) along with a Pan-city feature to ensure inclusivity and benefits for all residents. In North Eastern and Himalayan states, the development area requirements are reduced by half.

Conclusion

The Smart Cities Mission has made great progress in improving cities across India. Through smart technology, sustainable solutions, and active community involvement, the mission has enhanced infrastructure, public safety, mobility, water supply, and healthcare. Additionally, it has adapted to new challenges, like promoting open spaces and safer transport, through initiatives such as ‘Cycles4Change’ and ‘Streets4People.’ As the mission moves forward, it continues to work towards building smarter, more livable cities that can serve as examples for others to follow.

References

• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2083808
• https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=151908&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1
• https://smartcities.gov.in/
• https://smartcities.gov.in/about-the-mission
• https://mohua.gov.in/cms/smart-cities.php
• https://smartcities.gov.in/mission-dashboard  (Beached Project Progress)

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Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kamna Lakaria

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