The Smart Cities: Strategy and Planning In India

Abstract

There is no precise and universally accepted definition of ‘smart city’. In context of India, a smart city is that city which has basic infrastructure and uses smart solutions to make infrastructure and services better. It works toward an environmentally, socially, healthy and resilient habitat for existing populations without compromising the ability of future generations to experience the same.

The present paper discusses India’s strategy of developing smart cities through Smart Cities Mission and other associated programmes. The smart cities project aims at enhancing the quality of urban life and providing a clean and sustainable environment to 100 smart cities with ‘smart’ solutions. It will be implemented through ‘area based’ approach consisting of retrofitting, redevelopment and pan-city initiatives. New areas (Greenfield cities) will be developed around cities in order to accommodate the expanding populations in urban areas.