Snippet of Smart City Mission Dashboard - Source (smartcities.gov.in)

The Smart Cities Mission in India is a transformative initiative aimed at redefining urban development by harnessing technology and innovation to improve the quality of life for citizens. Launched by the Government of India in 2015, the mission seeks to develop 100 smart cities across the country, each equipped with modern infrastructure and sustainable solutions to address urban challenges. These cities are envisioned to be centers of economic growth, innovation hubs, and models of efficient governance, promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

Through the Smart Cities Mission, India aims to utilise technology to enhance urban services such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, transportation, and public safety. By integrating smart technologies like IoT sensors, data analytics, and digital platforms, cities can optimize resource utilization, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the overall livability for residents. Moreover, the mission encourages citizen engagement and participatory governance, empowering communities to actively contribute to the planning and development process, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their cities.

Also Read: What do Smart Cities mean for Indian Realty?

• Promoting mixed land use in area-based developments i.e planning for 'unplanned areas' containing a range of compatible activities and land uses close to one another in order to make land use more efficient. The States will enable some flexibility in land use and building bye-laws to adapt to change
• Housing and inclusiveness i.e expand housing opportunities for all.
• Creating walkable localities i.e reduce congestion, air pollution and resource depletion, boost local economy, promote interactions and ensure security.
• The road network is created or refurbished not only for vehicles and public transport, but also for pedestrians and cyclists, and necessary administrative services are offered within walking or cycling distance;
• Preserving and developing open spaces i.e parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces in order to enhance the quality of life of citizens, reduce the urban heat effects in areas and generally promote eco-balance
• Promoting a variety of transport options i.eTransit Oriented Development (TOD), public transport and last mile para-transport connectivity
  
• Making governance citizen-friendly and cost-effective i.e increasingly rely on online services to bring about accountability and transparency, especially using mobiles to reduce cost of services and providing services without having to go to municipal Offices;
• Form e-groups to listen to people and obtain feedback and use online monitoring programs and activities with the aid of cyber tour of worksites
• Giving an identity to the city i.e based on its main economic activity, such as local cuisine, health, education, arts and craft, culture, sports goods, furniture, hosiery, textile, dairy, etc;
• Applying Smart Solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development in order to make them better. For example, vulnerable to disasters, using fewer resources, and providing cheaper services.