In 2024, amidst the country’s vast population, a revolution is brewing in the form of smart cities in India. Likewise, the Indian government, state governments, and authorities are making this beautiful reality of smart cities a tangible truth across the country.
Home to 1.4 billion people and one of the oldest cultural civilizations, India is raising its cities. The mission focuses on developing 100 selected cities in the nation. We are listing 10 out of that big list for you to understand how the changes will impact your life.
What is a Smart City?
There is no clear definition of a smart city. It varies from region to region. In general, a smart city is considered smart when it has a balanced city structure, proper water storage & management, well-connected public transport services, social and economic balance, digital infrastructure, and sustainability.
Considering these mentioned points, we have come up with the below-mentioned list of 10 smart cities in India:
- Bangalore
- Delhi
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Navi Mumbai
- Pune
- Ahmedabad
- Jaipur
- Lucknow
- Indore
1. Bangalore
- State: Karnataka
- GDP: $352 billion
Everyone knows Bangalore as the Silicon Valley of India. But very few know that it is also popular as the Garden City of India. The well-planned city, with many green spaces and many public parks, has earned it the title.
Inaugurated in November 2022, Terminal 2, also known as the Garden Terminal, lives up to Bengaluru’s nickname, “Garden City.” This stunning terminal boasts a lagoon, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery, including outdoor gardens and hanging plants right at the check-in counters.
In December 2023, it received a prestigious UNESCO award, becoming the only Indian airport recognized among the “World’s Most Beautiful Airports” by Prix Versailles. Further embracing nature, Terminal 2 incorporates a unique 90-meter-wide forest belt with open-air walkways, allowing passengers to stroll through a mini-forest before reaching their gates.
Every cricket lover in India knows the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. It is the first cricket stadium in the world to use solar panels to generate most of its electricity. The stadium’s “Go Green” initiative also includes a water purification plant and an aeration and drainage system to prevent wet outfield conditions.
A techie from Bangalore named Anand Malligavad rejuvenated several lakes in the city. His efforts to date have revived around 33 lakes. Bengaluru alone has 85% of the Karnataka state’s EV charging stations, which is 4,281 out of 5,700 in the entire state. These unique features make it the top contender of smart cities in India.
2. Delhi
- State: NA (Union territory of India)
- GDP: $272.603 billion
Delhi’s smart city initiatives showcase how technology can enhance urban living, promoting sustainability, efficiency, and a better quality of life for all. The capital is at the forefront of the national mission of smart cities in India, with a range of innovative projects.
Delhi prioritizes e-governance, streamlining government services. Smart Grid technology manages energy use, and solar power projects contribute to a greener future. Additionally, a pan-city water management system ensures efficient water usage and wastewater treatment.
Urban mobility receives a boost with para-transit options like pelican crossings. Electric vehicle charging stations are being installed in parking areas, promoting eco-friendly travel. Not just that, traffic violations are monitored through e-surveillance, with e-challans issued for offenses. Smart bus stops and automated multi-level car parking further improve convenience and efficiency. Even, smart parking with sensors will help drivers find available spots quickly.
The most challenging task of waste management is being tackled easily by Delhi head-on. Automatic sewer cleaning machines maintain hygiene, while upgraded automated road cleaning equipment keeps streets spotless. Green waste gets a new lease on life as it’s converted into smart gas, a sustainable energy source. Public toilets are being transformed into smart public amenity centers, enhancing sanitation and user experience.
3. Hyderabad
- State: Telangana
- GDP: $175 billion
Hyderabad offers a unique blend of history, innovation, and a commitment to a greener future. It’s a prime example of how smart cities in India are creating a better quality of life for all. Renowned for its mouthwatering Biryani, Hyderabad is also a hub for smart city initiatives. The city hosts Amazon’s biggest office, with a capacity of 15,000 employees working at a time.
The government’s commitment to digital transformation simplifies life. Online property registrations, e-permits, and virtual civic services streamline bureaucracy, making real estate investment in Hyderabad easier than ever.
Hyderabad’s planners prioritize well-connected neighborhoods. The Outer Ring Road eases traffic flow, while the Hyderabad Metro revolutionizes public transport. This thoughtful approach boosts real estate value, attracting residents and investors alike.
Embracing the smart city vision, Hyderabad seamlessly integrates technology. Initiatives like Smart Parking, Intelligent Traffic Management, and Smart Waste Management optimize resources and create a more livable city. This focus on sustainability attracts property buyers seeking eco-friendly homes.
Hyderabad prioritizes environmental sustainability. Parks, green belts, and eco-friendly projects create a healthier, more conscious living environment. Developers are responding to buyer demand for eco-friendly features, integrating sustainability into new projects.
4. Kolkata
- State: West Bengal
- GDP: 150 Billion
Kolkata is known as the Cultural Capital of India. Rajarhat and New Town are the fastest-growing areas in Kolkata. Due to its rapid expansion, the Indian government has declared New Town as a Solar City and Smart Green City.
The New Town Green Smart City Corporation (NKGSCC) prioritizes renewable energy, with plans for canal-top solar plants and electric buses. Green building regulations ensure eco-friendly construction practices, and New Town has even been recognized for its award-winning green building projects.
New Town champions water conservation through rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment initiatives. This commitment to responsible resource management adds to the city’s green credentials.
Beyond sustainability, New Town excels in smart city initiatives. Their efforts have been recognized for achievements in smart waste disposal, clean city projects, and digitalization. Notably, New Town boasts India’s first Wi-Fi road connectivity, offering a 10.5 km Wi-Fi zone along a major arterial road.
Furthermore, the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) plans to develop infrastructure like – drains, roads, water supply lines, sewerage lines, and majors in the city. The other key ongoing project is the Kolkata Siliguri Expressway. These ongoing projects and initiatives are making Kolkata one of the top smart cities in India.
5. Navi Mumbai
- State: Maharashtra
- GDP: $140 billion
Navi Mumbai is said to be a well-planned city. It is the extension of Mumbai with the tag of a smart city. It hosts several IT Parks, Industrial Parks, and Swedish furniture retailer IKEA.
Navi Mumbai excels in connectivity. A well-planned infrastructure and transportation system keeps the city moving. The recently integrated Navi Mumbai Metro (November 2023) adds another layer of convenience. The extensive network of roads, bridges, and flyovers ensures smooth traffic flow, even during peak hours. Additionally, a robust public transportation system with buses and trains caters to residents’ needs.
The city boasts the second-largest container terminal in India, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port at Nhava Sheva, making it a vital trade center. With good road and rail connections, it handles around 56.13% of India’s container cargo.
Beyond its economic strength, Navi Mumbai prioritizes a high quality of life. Residents enjoy recreational facilities like Central Park, a Golf Course, and the scenic Pandavkada Waterfalls in Kharghar. The city’s commitment to cleanliness is evident, having ranked third among 73 Indian cities in a national survey.
But Navi Mumbai’s vision extends further. The city actively embraces sustainable practices, integrating eco-friendly principles into its development. Technology plays a crucial role in various aspects of city management and governance.
6. Pune
- State: Maharashtra
- GDP: $69 billion
The city is fueled by a vibrant culture of education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Pune emerges as a key player in smart cities in India. The city is focusing on developing connected communities, supporting renewable energy, and improving urban mobility in 2024.
Pune is home to reputable educational establishments, which include private and public institutions. The list starts with the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, the University of Pune, the National Insurance Academy, and Symbiosis University. Further, the city thrives in the IT and manufacturing industries.
For city buses, PMPML has introduced the UPI payment system. The objective of this initiative is to reduce dependence on cash transactions only. The city transportation body is making efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Hence, they have upgraded fleets into e-buses. They even build fast charging centers at various locations, like Bhekrai Nagar, Wagholi, Pune Railway Station, Nigdi Depot, and Baner E-Bus Depot. Besides that, the Municipal Corporation (PMC) is currently working on the revival of the Mula Mutha river.
7. Ahmedabad
- State: Gujarat
- GDP: $47 billion
Known as Gujarat’s commercial center, Ahmedabad is a prominent urban area on the list of smart cities in India.
This dynamic city boasts a state-of-the-art public transit system with a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) for fast commutes. An Intelligent Transit Management System (ITMS) keeps things moving smoothly by providing real-time tracking, journey planning, and even monitoring journeys for optimal efficiency.
Ahmedabad offers a convenient smart parking system to manage vehicles effortlessly. Water management gets smart too, with a reliable 24/7 metered water supply and a 60 MLD sewage pumping station ensuring responsible wastewater treatment. Smart waste management initiatives are another plus, helping to prevent water contamination and reduce water-borne diseases.
Technology plays a key role in Ahmedabad. E-governance is bolstered by a city-wide CCTV surveillance system, enhancing security for all. Free Wi-Fi access is available in a whopping 186 Wi-Fi zones across the city, keeping residents connected.
The city harnesses wind power to generate electricity (8.4 MW capacity), reducing dependence on fossil fuels. A commitment to a greener future is further evident in the switch from conventional sodium vapor lamps to energy-efficient LEDs.
Above all, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) is working on transforming the city. It plans to transform into a multimodal transport hub with Indian Railways under the mission of smart cities in India.
8. Jaipur
- State: Rajasthan
- GDP: $24 billion
Jaipur, sometimes known as the “Pink City,” welcomes modern technology while maintaining its rich history. In 2024, Jaipur will be recognized as a beacon of intelligent urban growth, having implemented innovative approaches to traffic management, historical preservation, and public facilities.
The city has undertaken the task of creating multi-level parking areas at Jaipuria Hospital, Anaj Mandi, and Chaugan Stadium through the mission of smart cities in India.
Furthermore, Vaishali Nagar has become one of the top land objections in Jaipur. Due to its actual outstanding foundation within the neighborhood. Also, the fastest-growing areas in Jaipur are Vaishali Nagar, Tonk Road, and Mansarovar.
9. Lucknow
- State: Uttar Pradesh
- GDP: $16 billion
Lucknow serves as the administrative center for the district and division in the state.
The city is the country’s eighth ‘Magnet City.’ Lucknow plans to develop a larger state capital as per a government statement recently.
The city has taken initiatives in collaboration with Nagar Nigam and other stakeholder departments to provide efficient, easier, convenient, and affordable access to municipal services in the city.
Above all, the key industries in the city are the manufacturing sector including automotive, food processing, textiles, electronics, and chemicals. Yes, Gomti Nagar has been the preferred destination for both beginner homebuyers and experienced real estate investors.
10. Indore
- State: Madhya Pradesh
- GDP: $14 billion
Indore is emerging as an urban ecosystem that aims to integrate digital knowledge, technology, and assets. It focuses on becoming more responsive, improving city services, and making the city more loveable than it already is.
Aside from that, Indore, among the smart cities in India, has secured the title of the cleanest city in the country for the sixth time in a row due to its smart waste management. Every day, more than 1,900 tons of urban garbage are processed in Indore.
Due to its advancement in Global Data, the city monitors and describes more than 170,000 power plants globally. Furthermore, the other large ongoing project is Internal Roads in the ABD Area which is estimated at 237.4 crore.
Conclusion
In this blog, we explore the top 10 smart cities in India, which shows the country’s dedication to inclusive growth, sustainability, and innovation. These smart cities show how technology can change cities and are a source of inspiration for India’s ongoing urbanization.
Above all, these are the questions we need to ask ourselves.
- What can you practice to reduce the environmental impact in smart cities in India?
- How can individuals contribute to making smart cities more sustainable and resource-efficient?
The answers to the questions lie within you. Thanks for reading!
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