The Advent of Smart Cities in India

The advent of smart cities in India marks the culmination of an extended process of reforms in the urban sector, which refers to the broader national approach to the system of urban settlements in the country as well as the interventions that have been undertaken to develop urban infrastructure, services and urban governance. The reform of urban development and governance was radically affected by the economic liberalization initiated in 1991, marking a dramatic shift away from statist planning towards competitive and free-market driven
processes. Two events, one immediately before and one after 1991, give a glimpse of this dramatic shift.

This article on Smart Cities discusses the trajectory of urban reforms in India leading to smart cities with their governance and economic implications. It illustrates how Smart Cities have evolved through these learnings, further elaborating the current status and the future possibilities of the mission.