By Avishka Jain
What is the first thought that comes to mind when we hear the term “intelligent city”? Perhaps shiny skyscrapers, with solar collectors, cars that drive themselves, or drones that deliver their food? It probably sounds like science fiction, but no more! But what does an “intelligent city” actually promise: a city in which we solve real problems such as traffic jams, pollution, water shortages and waste with a merging of technology, politics and citizen participation. Nowadays, an intelligent city means much more than futuristic technology.
Since India quickly urbanized with almost 590 million people who are expected to live in cities by 2030, the dream of transforming India into a “Smart City Hub” can no longer be a dream. It is now an urgently needed dream and a bad requirement to ensure sustainable growth, efficient resource management and an improved quality of life of millions.
However, it is easier said than done to transform India's cities in Kluge to transform sustainable hubs. Several challenges are to be countered and attacked, but with the right solutions, India can become the next center of Future Ready Cities. India's cities were originally designed for fewer people and for far smaller economic activities than today. But today urban pressure and environmental problems are the main causes of obstacles. Whether traffic, overcrowded public transport and poor infrastructures in Mumbai to the increasing level of pollution in Delhi, there is great economic stress.
When the Indian government initiated the “Smart Cities Mission” (SCM) in 2015, the vision was brave: transforming 100 Indian cities into knowledge, innovation and replication, similar to Singapore in East Asia or Barcelona in Europe. But converting this vision into reality came with steep hurdles. The largest roadblock was the infrastructural deficit. Many Indian cities are still running on outdated systems. For example, due to its poor road and pathway networks, Bengaluru was referred to as “the most overloaded city”, while almost 40% of the population Mumbai lives in slums, a direct result for decades of poor urban planning. Another urgent challenge is the digital gap. Although smartphones are widespread, according to a common Iaamii cantar study, 45% of Indians have not yet had any Internet access. This makes millions of urban arms cut off from the very digital tools, on which Smart City Services depend.
And the challenges don't stop here. Indian cities are also struggling with financing restrictions. The establishment of intelligent public transport systems or modern waste management systems requires billions from dollars, far beyond what most communities can afford. Add this to the lack of an experienced workforce. In order for intelligent cities to really thrive, India needs urban planners, data scientists and IoT architects. However, the majority of our qualified talent currently drives the IT industry instead of reinterpreting the future of our cities.
Another roadblock lies in the way our cities are managed. In India, the U -Bahn rail is supervised by an agency, the traffic control by another and wastewater systems by another. This fragmented governance makes coordination extremely difficult and slows down progress. In addition, the commitment of the citizens remains a challenge. Unless people see concrete advantages, they are reluctant to participate in digital apps or in parish -related projects. Combating apathy and distrust of the citizens is therefore just as important as the determination of infrastructure or financing gaps.
But hey! Here is the advantage, none of these roadblocks are permanent. You can overcome India by weaving technology, good government and community voices together. Indian cities have to update what exists before building new ones. Instead of creating new “planned urban projects”, Indian cities have to develop and restore their existing systems. In Indore, for example, street lamps are replaced by solar -powered smart LEDs, which saves up to 60% for electricity bills.
India cannot completely copy expensive technologies from cities like Singapore and therefore needs internal innovations. For example, use inexpensive IoT sensors for air and water monitoring as well as encouragement of startups and Indian companies instead of importing costly foreign technology. Cities have to use public-private partnerships (PPP) and ropes in private companies through models for revenue participations. For example, have the installation of telecommunications operators installed 5G-SMART Poland, while the residents have access to public Wi-Fi zones.
Like Bopal and Pune, intelligent cities need a one -stop control area. A command center in which transport, electricity and safety data flow into a screen. Therefore, the integration of urban governance should be promoted. An intelligent city loses its purpose if it is not sustainable and therefore rainwater harvest sensors, green roofs and intelligent recycling of firm waste must be embedded by design.
A flourishing smart city is not only built through guidelines and plans, but also by ensuring that the citizens are the focus of every decision. Apps such as “Fix mystreet” in London enable residents to photograph potholes or faulty lights. Similarly, Indian apps such as “I change my city” should be promoted. When citizens report and react, this is a real progress.
Fun fuel action and therefore the citizens are more likely to take part in solutions if there was a “green point” controversy with various advantages. For example, the Green Exchange program in the Curitiba system promotes recycling, the municipality offers advantages and the support of local farmers. With this program, citizens can exchange recyclable materials (such as paper, plastic and aluminum) for fresh foods such as vegetables and fruit.
Intelligent cities must not become an elite project. With technical help and SMS services, home employees and informal providers can also be part of the digital transformation.
When it comes to Smart City innovations, India does not necessarily have to invent something new, but to accept successful ideas worldwide. For example, Barcelona (Spain) is known for its “intelligent parking sensors”, which lead the drivers to available places and reduce traffic jams. Singapore uses “Digital Twin”, a virtual 3D replica of the physical environment, streets, buildings, transport systems and even underground tunnels. What makes it special? It is “live”, which means that real-time data (from sensors, IoT devices and satellites) flow into them so that planners can simulate, test and predict the results.
Can you guess where we can see some insights into smart cities in India today? For 8 years, Indore has been consistently classified as an India as India's cleanest city due to the strict collection of waste, the participation of the citizens and the GPS garbage trucks, while Pune enables its citizens to vote directly for the urban projects that earn the assigned city funds. The “Namma Metro” transit system from Bangalore with an operating time of around 96.10 km offers over 83 stations free of charge and develops.
On the 79th India Independence Day (August 15, 2025) Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the youth of India to promote innovative ideas and contribute to the establishment of nations. “Don't let your ideas die, I'm with you,” he said, and so the time is to be innovative in this area. Whether by student projects, local startups or public services, even something as simple as a college robotics club that builds an inexpensive waste-regulation mechanism, adds an essential piece for the smart city trip of India.
Intelligent cities are not science fiction. You are already here in pieces and prototypes. But India's smartest step can not only hunt digital dreams, but also build cities that work for everyone. Because in a country of 1.4 billion, intelligent cities can not only be built on sensors and screens, but also on trust, access and inclusive.
(The writer is a student in the first year at Plaksha University, is driven by curiosity, creativity and a outgoing spirit.)