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ABOUT SMART CITIES INDIA

The urban population in India is currently 31% of the total population and it contributes over 60% of India’s GDP. It is projected that urban India will continue to grow and contribute nearly 75% of the national GDP in the next 15 years. Experts predict that about 25-30 people will migrate every minute to major Indian cities from rural areas in search of better livelihood and better lifestyles. It is estimated that by the year 2050, the number of people living in Indian cities will touch 843 million. To accommodate this massive urbanization, India needs to develop smarter ways to manage complexities, reduce expenses, increase efficiency and improve the quality of life. To deal with the predicted growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a plan to build 100 smart cities by 2022, at a cost of one trillion dollars. He hopes the construction of the cities will provide jobs for the one million Indians who join the workforce every month.

In June 2015, Prime Minister launched the Smart Cities Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), unveiling the roadmap for developing 100 smart cities and 500 AMRUT cities over the next five years. The 100 smart cities mission intends to promote adoption of smart solutions for efficient use of available assets, resources and infrastructure with the objective of enhancing the quality of urban life and providing a clean and sustainable environment. Special emphasis is given to participation of citizens in prioritizing and planning urban interventions. This will be implemented through an 'area based approach' consisting of the following: retrofitting, redevelopment, pan-city initiatives, and development of new cities. The focus will be on core infrastructure services like adequate and clean water supply, sanitation and solid waste management, efficient urban mobility and public transportation, affordable housing for poor, power supply, robust IT connectivity, governance, especially e-governance and citizen participation, safety and security of citizens, health and education, and sustainable urban environment.

SMART CITIES CHALLENGE
The MoUD is using the Smart Cities Challenge to select cities to receive funding and using a strategy of area-based development. The challenge is a competition designed to inspire and support municipal officials as they develop smart proposals to improve resident’s lives. The Bloomberg Foundation is providing technical support for the organization and structure of the challenge.

Background information on the Smart Cities Challenge and the process used for selecting participating cities can be found on The Ministry of Urban Development of the Government of India (MoUD)’s website and at the Smart Cities Challenge website.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

100 Smart Cities in India Facilitating Implementation, by Deloitte, February 2015

India’s Economic Geography in 2025: States, Clusters and Cities, McKinsey & Co., October 2014

Smart Cities, Mission Statement and Guidelines, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, June 2015

The Smart Cities Mission, PowerPoint Presentation by Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, June 2015

Smart Cities Readiness Guide, Smart Cities Council

Brookings Institution, Delivering on the Promise of India’s Smart Cities, January 2015

TEAM

NEWS & EVENTS

SMART CITIES INDIA NEWS

Times of India Article, US to focus on infra investment in smart cities: Ambassador, April 22, 2016

Financial Express Article, How Smart Cities are Getting Smarter, April 21, 2016

The Economic Times Article, All 23 Cities in Smart City List Submit Revised Urban Plans Seeking Central Assistance, April 21, 2016

Hindustan Times Article, Government Names 20 Cities for Smart Makeover, January 28, 2016

Techstory.In Article, Smart Cities Project in India – Know Your Basics! January 25, 2016

The Economic Times Article, PM Modi to launch missions for 100 smart cities, 500 AMRUT cities this month, June 5, 2015

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST

Smart Cities India Expo
Date: May 11-13, 2016
Location: New Delhi, India

USTDA: Smart Cities Technology Roundtable in Ajmer
Date: March 4, 2016 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Merwara Hotel Palace, Ajmer

USTDA: Smart Cities Technology Roundtable in Allahabad
Date March 10, 2016 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Allahabad

U.S. Department of Commerce: Smart Cities Trade Mission to India

Date: February 8-12, 2016

USTDA India: Smart Solutions for Smart Cities – Andhra Pradesh Reverse Trade Mission
Date: February 22 - 26, 2016
Locations: Washington, D.C.; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA

India Smart Cities Event in Mumbai

Date:February 10, 2016

Location: Mumbai, India

US OPPORTUNITIES