India’s urban landscape is witnessing a transformative shift through the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), a flagship initiative aimed at creating cities that are sustainable, technology-driven, and citizen-centric. Launched on June 25, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the mission sought to improve quality of life across 100 cities by integrating robust infrastructure, digital technology, and innovative governance models.
As of late 2025, SCM is nearing completion, with over 7,700 projects (96%) successfully executed and the remaining few in advanced stages, amounting to a total investment of ₹1.64 lakh crore. With Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs), IoT, AI, and data-driven systems at the core, the mission has set new standards for urban management, mobility, water, waste, energy, and citizen services.
Mission Objectives: Building Cities for People and Progress
The Smart Cities Mission was designed with clear, long-term goals:
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Urban Renewal and Infrastructure: Upgrading housing, roads, public spaces, and heritage sites.
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Technology Integration: Use of ICT, IoT, and AI for smart traffic management, water monitoring, and e-governance.
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Sustainability: Promoting renewable energy, green spaces, and resource efficiency.
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Citizen-Centric Solutions: Inclusive services, accessibility, safety, and participatory governance.
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Economic Vibrancy: Supporting business ecosystems, startups, and local employment opportunities.
The SCM followed two key approaches:
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Area-Based Development (ABD): Retrofitting, redevelopment, or greenfield development in defined city areas.
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Pan-City Smart Solutions: Technology-enabled initiatives across the city, including mobility, waste management, water supply, and governance.
Key Achievements as of Late 2025
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Project Completion: 7,741 of 8,064 projects completed, valued at ₹1,55,386 crore; 323 projects worth ₹9,425 crore are ongoing.
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Funding: Central government outlay of ₹48,000 crore largely utilized; states and other sources supplemented investments.
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Integrated Command & Control Centres (ICCCs): Operational in all 100 cities, enabling real-time monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and efficient service delivery.
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Urban Services: Improvements in mobility, water and waste management, healthcare, and public safety.
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Sustainable Infrastructure: Solar street lighting, rejuvenation of lakes, green parks, and eco-friendly urban planning initiatives implemented across multiple cities.
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Digital Governance: Smart classrooms, e-health centers, traffic management systems, and online citizen services established for better accessibility and efficiency.
The mission officially closed its financial aspects on March 31, 2025, with Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) now focusing on the operation, maintenance, and repurposing of assets to meet evolving urban challenges.
Top 10 Smart Cities Leading the Transformation
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Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Renowned for cleanliness, waste management, and citizen-centric services.
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Pune (Maharashtra): Leader in smart mobility, IT infrastructure, and sustainable development.
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Surat (Gujarat): Innovative waste-to-energy projects and strong business ecosystem.
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Bhubaneswar (Odisha): Integrated infrastructure and intelligent city systems.
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Ahmedabad (Gujarat): Digital governance, smart grids, and enhanced safety measures.
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Kochi (Kerala): Balances modern amenities with cultural preservation and smart mobility.
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Jaipur (Rajasthan): Technology-driven land use, urban infrastructure, and citizen services.
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Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh): Inclusive urban growth with smart solutions in energy, transport, and governance.
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Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu): Renewable energy adoption, efficient waste management, and lake rejuvenation projects.
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Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh): Digital governance, solar energy projects, and inclusive public spaces.
These cities are evaluated on mobility, digital infrastructure, energy efficiency, waste management, citizen engagement, and sustainability, serving as models for the remaining urban centers.
Future Focus: Sustaining Momentum and Expanding Impact
Although the financial support under SCM officially ended in March 2025, the mission continues to evolve:
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SPVs are now responsible for completing ongoing projects and maintaining assets.
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Cities are encouraged to repurpose ICCCs and smart infrastructure to tackle emerging challenges, including climate resilience, urban mobility, and citizen safety.
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Continued integration of technology for smarter governance ensures cities remain adaptive, efficient, and citizen-focused.
The Smart Cities Mission has redefined urban development in India, emphasizing sustainability, technology, and inclusivity. As these 100 cities mature, the lessons learned and best practices implemented are expected to guide urban planning nationwide, creating a blueprint for modern, liveable, and resilient Indian cities.