As India strives toward the vision of a developed nation by 2047, the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) has emerged as a cornerstone of urban transformation. Launched on June 25, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the initiative has made remarkable progress, with 91% of its projects completed, reflecting an investment of ₹1.47 lakh crore. The mission underscores the government’s commitment to improving the ease of living in urban centres through innovative, sustainable, and inclusive development.
Mission Overview
The Smart Cities Mission aims to revamp urban living by addressing critical aspects like infrastructure, governance, and social development. The mission envisions 100 cities leading the change by creating replicable, smart, and sustainable urban spaces. Adopting a citizen-centric approach integrates area-based development (ABD) and pan-city initiatives to ensure impactful and scalable solutions.
Key mission highlights include efficient public services, robust infrastructure, and sustainable practices that enhance the quality of life. The strategies focus on retrofitting, redevelopment, and greenfield development while incorporating technological advancements for smart governance and service delivery.
Achievements and Milestones
As of December 13, 2024, the SCM has completed 7,380 out of 8,075 planned projects. Below are some key achievements as of November 15, 2024:
- Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs): All 100 Smart Cities have operational ICCCs, which utilize data analytics and emerging technologies like AI and IoT for improved decision-making. These centres played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic, functioning as war rooms to manage resources effectively.
- Public Safety and Security: Over 84,000 CCTV cameras, 1,884 emergency call boxes, and 3,000 public address systems have been installed. Traffic management systems and automatic number plate recognition technologies have further strengthened urban safety.
- Water Supply: More than 17,026 kilometres of water supply networks are monitored through SCADA systems, reducing water loss and enhancing efficiency.
- Solid Waste Management: With 66 cities implementing RFID-enabled vehicles for automated waste collection, waste management has become more efficient, improving daily operations and route optimization.
- Urban Mobility: Around 1,740 kilometres of smart roads and 713 kilometres of cycle tracks have been developed, supported by Intelligent Transport Management Systems (ITMS) monitored through ICCCs. These efforts have reduced travel times and improved traffic enforcement.
- Education and Health: The mission has established 9,433 smart classrooms, 41 digital libraries, 172 e-health centres, and 152 health ATMs, ensuring better access to education and healthcare.
Adapting to Emerging Needs
In response to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, SCM introduced innovative campaigns such as ‘Cycles4Change’ and ‘Streets4People’ to promote open spaces and active lifestyles. Initiatives like ‘Transport4All’ and ‘EatSmart Cities’ aim to support startups in public transport and enhance food hygiene standards in urban areas.
Strategic Vision
SCM employs a robust framework to promote local area development and pan-city technological solutions. The mission’s adaptability is evident in its inclusive approach, with reduced area development requirements for North Eastern and Himalayan states, ensuring equitable growth across diverse regions.
The Smart Cities Mission has transformed the urban landscape of India, enhancing public services, infrastructure, and quality of life through sustainable practices and technological innovation. By fostering active community participation and addressing emerging challenges, the mission sets a benchmark for urban development. As it progresses, SCM continues to pave the way for smarter, more livable cities, embodying India’s aspirations for a developed and inclusive future.
