Smart Cities Expo 2024: Showcasing Achievements and Innovations Transforming Urban Landscape

New Delhi: The 9th Smart Cities India Expo, organized by the India Trade Promotions Organization (ITPO) and the Exhibitions India Group, is underway at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from January 17 to 19, 2024. The event highlights the significant progress made under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), initiated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), showcasing innovative projects and fostering discussions on sustainable urban development.

The ‘National Smart Cities Mission Pavilion’ at the expo is a focal point, exhibiting models of impactful projects that embody the essence of smart and sustainable urban living. Notable showcases include the Chappan Dukaan of Indore Smart City, Connecting Past with Future of Surat Smart City, Area-Based Development of Udaipur Smart City, and Digitization of Manuscripts of Prayagraj Smart City.

One of the highlights of the expo is the City Leader’s Conclave scheduled for January 19, 2024. This event will bring together city leaders and private entrepreneurs on a common platform to discuss initiatives aimed at building livable and sustainable cities. Additionally, the Smart Cities India Awards, also to be held on January 19, 2024, will recognize projects that have significantly contributed to making cities more liveable, sustainable, and economically viable.

Overview of Smart Cities Mission: Launched on June 25, 2015, by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Smart Cities Mission aims to promote cities that provide core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and a decent quality of life to their citizens through the application of smart solutions. As of January 15, 2024, all 100 Smart cities have established Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for implementing projects, collectively worth more than ₹1.7 lakh crore.

The Smart Cities Mission has achieved several milestones, with 6,650+ projects completed, amounting to more than ₹1.32 lakh crores in investment. Notable accomplishments include the development of integrated command and control centers, which have significantly improved urban services, such as crime tracking, safety, transport management, solid waste management, and water supply.

Key Achievements:

• Citizen Safety and Security: Integration of Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS), surveillance systems, and emergency response mechanisms, with over 76,000 CCTV cameras installed, enhancing public safety.
• Urban Mobility: Completion of around 1,300 smart mobility projects, including the deployment of over 7,500 new buses (including 2000+ electric buses) and the development of more than 600 km of cycle tracks.
• Smart Infrastructure Development: Implementation of 600+ Smart Energy and 1,250+ Water and Sanitation projects, installation of 50 lakh solar/LED streetlights, and the adoption of technology-driven solutions for efficient water supply and sanitation.
• Vibrant Public Spaces: Development of 1377+ projects on public spaces, including waterfront projects, cultural heritage projects, and market redevelopment projects across 100 smart cities.
• Economic Infrastructure: Completion of 674 economic infrastructure projects and 37 incubation centers/skill development centers, attracting investments and creating jobs.
• PPP Projects: Completion of 186 Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects and 20 projects in progress, with a total investment of around ₹11,000 crore.

National Challenges and Initiatives: The Smart Cities Mission has adapted to emerging needs, launching campaigns such as ‘Cycles4Change’ and ‘Streets4People’ during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other challenges like ‘Transport4All’ and ‘EatSmart cities’ promote startups in public transport and improve food hygiene in smart cities.

The National Urban Digital Mission, piloted in February 2021, aims to foster a national urban digital ecosystem. The Urban Learning Internship Program (TULIP) provides hands-on learning experiences to recent graduates, benefiting states, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and Smart Cities.

As the Smart Cities Expo continues, it serves as a testament to the transformative journey of India’s urban landscape, highlighting the successes, innovations, and collaborative efforts shaping the future of smart and sustainable cities.