What Indian consumers gain when the country’s cities get smarter
19.11.2023 - 06:36
/ tech.hindustantimes.com
In the ever-evolving landscape of urban development, the concept of smart cities has emerged as a beacon of progress and efficiency. Smart cities use technology to make things like transportation, public utilities, and infrastructure safer and more efficient.
With India making significant strides in technology and connectivity, the implementation of smart cities holds immense promise for improving the lives of everyday people. But what will living in a smart city be like for an average Indian?
In 2015, the Indian government initiated the National Smart Cities Mission, a program focused on urban renewal and retrofitting, with the goal of creating citizen-friendly and sustainable smart cities across the nation.
According to data released by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to the Lok Sabha, as of 7 July 2023, work orders have been issued by 100 smart cities in 7,978 projects, of which 5,909 projects (74%) have been completed. The government has released INR 73,454 crore for 100 smart cities, of which INR 66,023 crore (90%) has been utilised.
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The Smart Cities India expo is coming up in January 2024, which will showcase the latest in information and communication (ICT) and sustainable technologies, and discussions are already scheduled on the key success factors of superior city development at the upcoming Horasis India Meeting -- a gathering of business and government leaders -- on 26 November 2023 in Adelaide, Australia.
In the annual Union Budget 2023, the government allocated INR 16,000 crore for the Smart Cities Mission for FY24 as opposed to INR 14,100 crore in FY23. As of September 2023, a total of 7,960 projects to the tune of INR171,432 crore (US$21 billion) have been tendered.
Currently, 99 cities are under this scheme. Already, metropolises such as Mumbai showcase intelligent solutions for urban planning, waste management, and transportation, all driven by advanced technology. Emphasizing sustainability and citizen-centric services, the city adopts a strategy that leverages digital platforms and data analytics.
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, incorporates technology to enhance traffic management and citizen services. Indore has gained acclaim for its cleanliness and waste management endeavors, aligning seamlessly with the smart city vision. The city's utilization of technology for waste tracking and management has been commendable.
As India continues to progress and form the smart cities of the country's future, let's take a look at what living in a smart city may look like for ordinary citizens in the not so distant future.
Meet Raj, a fictional resident of one such smart city in India. Raj's daily life has undergone a revolutionary change