Top 10 Smart Cities in India [2024 New Updated List]

The smart cities in India are growing and changing. Led by recent development in August 2024, with approval of 12 smart city projects worth INR 286B (US$3.41B) under NICDP which could attract investments up to INR 1.5T and create jobs for over 4 million people in industries and MSME sectors. They use technology to make life better for people who live there, while also helping with sustainable development. Here in this blog we show the 10 best smart cities in India and their impressive facts. 

Smart Cities Mission:

The Smart Cities Mission started on June 25, 2015. Its main purpose is to encourage cities to give basic infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and a good quality of life to their residents via smart solutions. The mission wishes for the enhancement of city functionalities, effective utilization of scarce resources, and betterment in citizen’s living conditions by concentrating on improving safety and security aspects, making municipal services more efficient as well as promoting sustainable development efforts. As of July 3, 2024, out of 100 cities in India’s Smart Cities Mission, 90% of projects worth ₹1.44 lakh crore are complete. The remaining 830 projects, valued at ₹19,926 crore, are near completion. The government has extended the deadline to March 2025 to finish these projects, without any extra funding.

Top 10 Smart Cities in India 

1. Bhubaneshwar, Odisha:

Bhubaneshwar continues its ranking in one Top 10 smart cities in India that is socially focused, giving importance to the improvement of the social environment and development based on areas. The management of traffic is smooth, and functional parks create an easy-going and family-orientated feel.

Being home to educational establishments as well as Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Bhubaneshwar contributes to fast urbanization which adds attractiveness for investment purposes. The IT Incubation Center and Golden Quadrangle NH-5 are what make the city more appealing. Moreover, initiatives like the Intelligent City Operations and Management Centre (ICOMC) enhance urban management through technology. Places like Kalinga Nagar and Chandrasekhar see an increase in demand for residential properties.

Key Highlights in Proposal:

• Massive ₹1,260 crore investment in Janpath Government Housing Redevelopment
• Two-phase Railway Station Multi Modal Hub (₹845 crore combined)
• Focus on sustainable mobility with cycle highways and public bicycle sharing
• Digital transformation through City Wi-Fi and smart metering systems
• Urban renewal projects including multi level parking facilities

2. Indore, Madhya Pradesh:

Indore is still on top when it comes to waste handling process and famous heritage, having ideas for sustainable retrofitting. Ideas like smart classrooms and better healthcare make Indore a place where people want to live. Recent initiatives include the integration of smart waste management systems that utilize technology for efficient collection and processing, further enhancing the city’s reputation.

Places of education and learning like IIT and IIM bring students here as well as create jobs, helping in the growth of property. The city has been given awards for its good handling of waste and efforts in preserving heritage.

Key Highlights of Smart City Proposal (SCP):

• Slum housing redevelopment: ₹232.76 crore
• Parking infrastructure: ₹615.88 crore
• Real estate sale component: ₹1,418.35 crore
• Sustainable transport focus: Road development (₹129.41 crore) and new river bridges (₹30 crore)
• Water management: Smart water meters (₹19.50 crore), SCADA-enabled systems
• Riverfront development: ₹46.80 crore
• Smart power: Solar terrace installations (₹215.40 crore)
• Public parks and spaces: ₹62.27 crore
• IT connectivity and command center: ₹93 crore

3. Pune, Maharashtra:

The fast growth of Pune is supported by educational institutions and SEZs, becoming one of the Top 10 smart cities in India. Travel from one place to another is made easier with smart buses, a planned metro rail system, and better roads for transportation. The Pune Metro, which recently inaugurated its first train for Line 3, will significantly enhance connectivity between key areas like Hinjawadi and Shivajinagar.

Improvement can also be seen in both residential and commercial spaces. A smart city proposal encompasses the twin city of Pimpri-Chinchwad, which is recognized for its organized structures. Places such as Hadapsar and Baner are also involved in this smart city plan.

Key Highlights:

• Massive ₹190 crore investment in road and road widening projects
• Sustainable mobility focus with 100 electric buses (₹125 crore) and bicycle infrastructure (₹10 crore)
• Urban street redesign for improved traffic flow and aesthetics (₹189 crore)
• Smart technology integration with an Adaptive Traffic Control System (₹123 crore) and Intelligent Transport Management System for buses (₹70 crore)
• Major infrastructure enhancements including riverfront development (₹100 crore) and redevelopment of bus stops (₹27 crore)
• Significant electricity distribution and smart grid investment (₹364 crore)
• Focus on water management with initiatives like wastewater recycling (₹99 crore), rainwater harvesting (₹6 crore), and smart water metering (₹22 crore)
• Affordable housing development project with a budget of ₹40 crore
• Command and Control Center for smart city monitoring and management (₹42 crore)

4. Ahmedabad, Gujarat:

Ahmedabad, it is a place where history and development come together. Being recognized by UNESCO for its historical importance adds to the special quality of this city that combines old with new in an interesting way. Ahmedabad’s inclusion on the list of top smart cities in India is not surprising because it has very good tourism facilities, focuses strongly on safety matters and manages urban areas efficiently.

In the city, there are many places for staying that can meet the needs of people from different parts of life. Also, Ahmedabad has good waste management and sanitation systems which make sure it is clean and healthy for both locals living there and those visiting as tourists.

In Ahmedabad, smart projects like e-governance, city surveillance and unified command centers show the embrace of technological progress. Recent initiatives include the deployment of IoT technologies for real-time monitoring of environmental conditions and traffic management, enhancing overall urban governance. These actions have made administration smoother while also improving safety for everyone and how services are given out.

Moreover, the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City and also the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway have been very important for economic growth and connecting this city.  The city is also experiencing a surge in tourism, with over 1.5 lakh visitors expected this winter season, thanks to attractions like the Atal Bridge and Gandhi Ashram. These efforts have made Ahmedabad a central place of new ideas and chances in business.

Ahmedabad’s successful combination of history, tourism, safety and urban management with smart initiatives has placed it in the Top 10 smart cities of India. This makes Ahmedabad an appealing place for both people who live there and those who visit them.

Smart City Highlights:

• Intermodal hub: ₹125 crore
• Utility network development: ₹385 crore (internal), ₹28 crore (external)
• Residential & allied development: ₹451 crore
• Wastewater treatment plant: ₹125 crore
• Solar energy: ₹22 crore
• Smart features: Rainwater harvesting (₹15 crore), smart metering (₹26 crore)
• Integrated transit management: ₹90 crore
• Command & Control Centre: ₹203 crore

5. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu:

Coimbatore harmoniously mixes its industrial history with current urban growth, making it one among the top 10 smart cities in India. Recognized for sustainable energy and water preservation, this city displays a balance of green practices along with progress. The functioning traffic system, open parks and CCTV surveillance add to its smart city attribute.

The city provides a wide range of places to stay and has put in place effective methods for managing waste and hygiene. Coimbatore is accepting technology by using e-governance, observation systems, and combined control centers which make things work better while also improving public protection.

Recent initiatives include the development of smart traffic management solutions and IoT-based waste monitoring systems, further solidifying its smart city status.

The rising IT industry is also helping in the development of real estate, especially in places like Vadavalli and along Trichy Road. The Coimbatore metro and ring road projects are enhancing connectivity, making commuting easier for residents and boosting local businesses. The Coimbatore metro and ring road projects are adding to its smart city reputation by enhancing connectivity.

Smart City Highlights:

• Lake development: ₹15.82 crore for desilting, bund strengthening; additional ₹14.96 crore for forestry and landscaping
• Drains and inter-linkages: ₹120.34 crore
• Recreational facilities: ₹10 crore each for boating/water sports and themed nature parks
• Cycling/walking tracks: ₹18.54 crore
• Stormwater and footpaths: ₹109.80 crore
• Cycle sharing system: ₹50 crore
• Housing and social infrastructure: ₹192.50 crore
• Rooftop solar: ₹45.66 crore

6. Kochi, Kerala:

Kochi, the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of Kerala, is a fascinating mix of past and present. It has plans for balanced development that focus on creating sustainable living around its industrial growth. Canal restoration, better housing, health centers, waste management, and water supply are important parts of its smart city plan. Traffic management and control centers: These play a crucial role in maintaining safety and security.

They help to monitor the movement of vehicles, manage traffic flow efficiently, and respond promptly to any emergencies or accidents on the roadways.

Kochi’s Smart City plan includes a massive waterfront development project set for completion in 2028; coastal infrastructure with promenades and parks planned along it. Kochi Metro is operating now – targeting 75 km extension by 2028, also introducing 100 e-buses by 2025. The city strives to achieve complete waste segregation at source in the same year for better sustainability practices.

Real estate development: The Kochi metro along with special economic zones (SEZs) as well as information technology (IT) parks are key factors that boost real estate growth.

These ventures create high demand for commercial spaces, residential units, and other property types around their locations. My friend, these two points are what I think is the answer you’re looking for to your question.

Key Highlights in Proposal:

• ₹1,260 crore investment in smart water supply and sanitation infrastructure, including a 24/7 water supply system
• ₹845 crore for urban mobility improvements, including multi-level car parking (MLCP) and road redevelopment
• ₹110 crore for decentralized sanitation systems and sewage treatment plants
• ₹17.58 crore for solar panels in households
• ₹20 crore for the Market Canal redevelopment
• ₹141.4 crore for slum housing redevelopment and affordable housing upgrades

7. Hyderabad, Telangana:

Hyderabad blends historical charm with modern advancements, earning its place as one of the top 10 smart cities in India. The city offers comfortable living with affordable land options and well-planned infrastructure. Its thriving IT clusters contribute to its smart city status.

Hyderabad prioritizes smooth transportation through 135 link roads and the Strategic Road Development Plan. Intelligent development corridors like Patancheru Industrial and Hyderabad Airport attract real estate investments. Recent developments include the establishment of integrated command centers for better urban management and smart traffic signal systems that adapt to real-time conditions, enhancing overall mobility. The city’s seamless integration of historical richness and technological progress makes it an attractive destination for residents and businesses alike.

8. Jaipur, Rajasthan:

Pink City, Jaipur, is writing a splendid section in its history as it becomes part of smart cities. Smart schemes in Jaipur are linked with land rejuvenation and advancements at heritage spots.

You can find intelligent auto stands, info kiosks, UG metro stations as well as automated water quality management among other things here.

Regarding real estate investments, places such as Sikar Road Corridor and Ajmer Road are promising, effectively putting it in the position of Top 10 smart cities in India.

Key Highlights in Proposal:

• ₹150 crore for Personal Rapid Transit System (PRTS) to enhance mobility
• ₹544 crore for rehabilitating old sewer lines in the Walled City area using trenchless technology
• ₹200 crore for waste-to-energy projects, promoting sustainability
• ₹52 crore for city-wide Wi-Fi network implementation
• ₹130 crore for adaptive reuse of heritage structures, including the City Museum and global art square
• ₹35 crore for the upgradation of Chaugan Stadium with solar power and energy-efficient lighting
• ₹41 crore for assured electricity supply with 15% from solar energy

9. Surat, Gujarat:

Surat, known as the ‘Diamond City of India.’ It stands high among the top 10 smart cities in India with its many smart city efforts. The Surat Municipal Corporation is responsible for solar power generation here, along with waste-to-energy plants and clever water management systems. Big projects such as the city-wide Surat IT-MAC and Common City Payment System add to its recognition of being a smart city.

Surat has recently launched an extensive smart street lighting project aimed at replacing over 38,000 traditional street lights with energy-efficient LED bulbs.  This innovative initiative comes alongside recent developments such as advanced waste segregation techniques and improved public transport services.

Surat, with its mix of cultural variety and technological progress, is a city that provides an interesting blend of heritage and modernity. This makes it appealing for people who want to live in a place where they can find both tradition as well as innovation.

Key Highlights in Proposal:

• ₹178 crore for 24×7 Water Supply and Water Quality improvements
• ₹155 crore for upgrading Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with SCADA and energy generation
• ₹210 crore for smart mechanized parking solutions
• ₹460 crore for affordable housing through Public-Private Partnerships (5750 units)
• ₹200 crore for remodeling and restructuring creeks into open spaces with smart features
• ₹107 crore for developing an ERP with GIS integration
• ₹220 crore for Connected Surat initiative, including city-wide Wi-Fi and Fibre to Home (FTH)
• ₹35 crore for renewable energy generation through solar, wind, and biogas initiatives

10. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh:

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh and a place known for its cultural and historical importance, is now among India’s top 10 smart cities. The city gives attention to managing traffic effectively with an organized traffic control system.

It also has places for charging electric buses. Lucknow makes the smart city experience even better by providing wi-fi spots in parks and public areas.

Emphasizing this blending of cultural wealth with modern facilities, Lucknow presents a distinct mix of heritage and technological advancements. This makes it appealing to both people who live here and those coming to visit.

Key Highlights in Proposal:

• ₹280 crore for water network upgrades
• ₹156 crore for underground cabling
• ₹113 crore for Gomti Riverfront development
• ₹93.82 crore for Smart City Knowledge Center
• Smart bins and metering initiatives
• ₹96 crore for Chattar Manzil heritage revival
• Mobility, security, and parking enhancements

Conclusion

To finish, the top 10 smart cities in India show a strong commitment from the nation’s side to make use of technology for sustainable progress. They are not only providing high-quality living conditions but also offering good investment opportunities.

These cities act like symbols for new ideas and growth, which demonstrate how much India is focused on smart urban development and the better life quality of its people. Smart cities in India are ready to take charge with continuous improvements and planning towards a lively future that is efficient too.