Smart City Project in India Faces Implementation Challenges

Smart Cities Mission was launched in 2015 with an aim to develop 100 cities across the country, making them citizen-friendly and sustainable. The Smart City Mission was initially seen as a promising urban rejuvenation initiative aimed at providing essential infrastructure, improving quality of life, and fostering economic growth through sustainable and technologically driven development in 100 selected cities. Originally set for completion by 2020-21, the program was extended to June 2023 due to slow progress.
 
Under the Smart Cities Mission, several key projects have been implemented to enhance urban infrastructure and public safety. One of the major initiatives is the establishment of Integrated Command and Control Centres. These centers utilize real-time data to make informed decisions across various city services, improving efficiency and response times.
 
In addition to the Integrated Command and Control Centres, the installation of CCTV surveillance cameras has significantly bolstered crime monitoring efforts in smart cities. Other technologies like emergency call boxes, public address systems, traffic enforcement systems for red light violations and automatic number plate recognition have further enhanced security and public order.

 
These systems contribute to better traffic management, quicker emergency responses, and an overall safer environment for citizens, demonstrating the tangible impact of technology-driven urban management under the Smart City Mission. Despite its ambitious goals, the Smart City Mission has faced numerous challenges, leading many to regard it as a failure.
 
A significant issue has been the underutilization of the Public-Private Partnership model, a key component for project execution. Nearly half of the smart cities have yet to implement any projects under the PPP framework, and the total funding from PPP stands at ₹210,794 crore, which accounts for just over one-fourth of the original financial target.
 
The delays were attributed to several factors, including challenges in resettling local populations, legal issues related to land procurement, and the frequent transfer of smart city CEOs. Additionally, projects requiring coordination with other government ministries or agencies faced notable delays.