India is undergoing one of the most significant urban transformations globally. With almost half its population projected to reside in cities by 2050 (according to UN data), the pressing question is not whether India can establish smarter cities, but rather how swiftly and effectively it can scale them. The Smart Cities Mission, initiated in 2015, has established a foundation by re-envisioning 100 cities with technology-integrated governance, improved infrastructure, and citizen-focused designs.
A decade later, the vision is coming into clearer focus. Out of the 8,067 projects approved under the Mission, 94%, amounting to ₹1.64 lakh crore, are now complete. Each city in the initiative now boasts an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) that utilizes IoT, AI, and analytics for real-time urban service management. From traffic oversight to water distribution, Indian cities are starting to harness data as a cornerstone of governance.
However, industry leaders emphasize that the next phase must transcend isolated initiatives. What India requires is a framework for dynamic cities that are scalable, adaptable, and grounded in sustainability.
Cities as living entities
Kushal Kunder, COO of ANJ Group, presents a compelling analogy: “The future of India’s smart cities won’t be determined by sensors or Wi-Fi installations, but by how we design cities to function like living organisms,” he asserts.
In his perspective, future cities will operate on a real-time data-driven nervous system, where interconnected grids of energy, water, and transportation flow seamlessly, with sustainability as the core principle. Achieving this vision entails transitioning toward Urban Operating Systems—integrated platforms where transportation, housing, utilities, and governance collaborate rather than function as separate entities.
Data as the new cornerstone of urban development
This evolution is already manifesting. Manik Malik, CEO of BPTP, observes that the dialogue has shifted from showcasing technological projects to incorporating them into daily life. “India’s smart city vision is progressing from experimental pilots to practical, scalable solutions. The focus has evolved from merely demonstrating technology to seamlessly integrating AI, AR, and data-centric tools into routine urban services,” he states.
For businesses, this data-driven revolution translates into sharper insights into demand patterns, pricing dynamics, and commute flows. “Data is no longer buzzword… The fusion of technology-driven information and human insight is making city development more confident and future-ready,” Malik adds.
Bridging the gaps: Regulation and financing
Despite the clearer vision, challenges remain in aligning execution. Anand Pandit, chairman and managing director of Sri Lotus Developers, notes that regulatory frameworks are yet to catch up. “There remains a void of specific legislation tailored to smart urban solutions. This can lead to approval delays that stymie projects dependent on advanced technologies or new urban models,” he explains.
Financing poses another obstacle. Although the intent is strong, funding for smart infrastructure is often approached with a short-term perspective. Kunder warns that infrastructure ROI generally spans 15–20 years, but political and financial cycles typically limit investment horizons to five years. Without long-term financing solutions, India risks remaining in a cycle of pilot projects.
Collaboration with purpose
Leaders agree: the future of smart cities hinges on reimagined public–private partnerships. “Traditionally, PPP has stood for Public–Private Partnership. In the new urban landscape, it must represent Public–Private Purpose,” Kunder states. In this paradigm, governments create the framework, private developers innovate, and citizens actively contribute to the final outcomes.
Rohit Mohan, chief design and sustainability officer at Godrej Properties, believes these partnerships must be founded on accountability. “Defining clear outcome-based contracts and sustainability-linked KPIs is essential. Most importantly, citizen participation must be central to the process: collaborating with communities to ensure adoption, stewardship, and enduring impact,” he asserts.
The human-centric smart city
A commonality among these perspectives is the emphasis on positioning people, rather than just technology, at the forefront of urban transformation. Pandit highlights the necessity of mixed-use developments, walk-to-work neighborhoods, and renewable energy mandates for fostering healthier city environments. Mohan stresses the importance of open data standards and interoperability to guarantee inclusivity and long-term resilience.
India’s urban narrative is evolving beyond mere experiments. It is about constructing self-learning, self-sustaining, and future-ready cities—a joint purpose among businesses, governments, and communities.
Kunder encapsulates this vision: “India’s real transformation will not occur when we unveil 100 smart cities. It will take place when every city in India becomes smart for its citizens, when pilot projects expand, when traditional barriers fall, and when sustainability is an imperative, not an option.”
Future Proof Realty by RealtyDailyNews Studios will delve into these pressing questions, focusing on what it takes to ensure India’s urban growth is future-proof.
The main takeaway? India’s smart city initiative is evolving beyond just infrastructure to encompass responsive, resilient, and ultimately, human-centered cities.
Key insights for industry stakeholders
- Scale is critical: smart cities must transition from pilot projects to integrated ecosystems.
- Data is fundamental: analytics is reshaping decision-making for planners, developers, and buyers alike.
- Financing horizons need extension: long-term models are essential for unlocking sustained value.
- Collaboration is evolving to co-creation: PPP must transition to Public–Private Purpose.
- Sustainability is essential: from policy mandates to KPIs, green resilience is at the core of urban planning.
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