At the 32nd Convergence India Expo 2025, Amit Singh, Partner at EY, reflected on the transformative impact of India's Smart City Mission. His statement encapsulated the essence of the initiative: "The biggest outcome of the Smart City Mission is that, over the last 10 years, our cities, decision-makers, and policymakers have learned not to be afraid of experimenting. The mission empowered all 35 states and union territories to identify at least one city to think beyond traditional municipal frameworks. By establishing SPVs, cities gained the flexibility to operate like startups—unafraid of failure, willing to test new ideas, and embracing an entrepreneurial mindset."

Launched on June 25, 2015, the Smart City Mission was a pioneering step towards reimagining urban governance and infrastructure. It encouraged cities to move beyond conventional municipal administration and explore innovative urban solutions. Unlike traditional government initiatives, it provided cities the autonomy to function independently through SPVs, fostering an experimental and results-driven approach to urban development.

A Decade of Innovation and Resilience

The mission’s most significant achievement has been changing the mindset of urban governance. Cities were no longer just administrative entities executing pre-defined projects; they became incubators of new ideas. Policymakers and urban planners were given the space to take risks, explore new financing models, and develop smart solutions without the fear of bureaucratic setbacks.

The effectiveness of this approach was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs) set up across 100 smart cities were rapidly repurposed as COVID-19 response centres. These centres played a crucial role in managing healthcare resources, monitoring real-time data, and ensuring essential services reached citizens efficiently. This swift adaptation highlighted the mission’s success in fostering resilience and adaptability in urban governance.

Financial Impact and Private Sector Engagement

While the central government initially pledged Rs 45,000 crore to the Smart City Mission, the overall project investments have surpassed Rs 1.64 lakh crore. This remarkable financial mobilization underscores the mission’s success in attracting private-sector investment and alternative financing. It demonstrated that cities when equipped with innovative governance mechanisms, could raise funds beyond state and central assistance.

The mission also encouraged public-private partnerships, proving that a well-planned and efficiently managed city can attract investments from stakeholders willing to contribute to its long-term sustainability. This financial independence is a crucial milestone for India's urban landscape, showcasing the power of smart city initiatives in fostering economic self-reliance.

Beyond Technology: A New Urban Governance Paradigm

The Smart City Mission was never just about deploying technology, installing cameras, or implementing intelligent traffic management systems. It redefined the way cities functioned, promoting a frugal and resource-efficient approach to urban development. The initiative provided a blueprint for cities to think differently, optimize resources, and implement scalable solutions that benefit both policymakers and citizens.

Singh stated, "The mission was not just about making cities smarter through technology, but about making urban governance smarter. It empowered policymakers to break away from the constraints of traditional planning and work in collaboration with citizens to create cities that are more efficient, resilient, and innovative."

Scaling Innovation for Future-Ready Cities

As India moves forward, the learnings from the Smart City Mission must not be forgotten. While its primary aim was to improve urban infrastructure, its real success lies in the shift in governance culture. Policymakers now have the confidence to experiment, iterate, and co-create cities that meet the evolving needs of their residents.

Reflecting on the journey of the last decade, Singh emphasized the need to scale these innovations beyond the initial 100 smart cities. "We must take the learnings from this initiative and apply them to every urban and semi-urban area in India," he noted. The future of Indian cities lies in their ability to continually innovate, engage stakeholders, and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit that the Smart City Mission has successfully instilled.

The panel discussion at the 32nd Convergence India Expo 2025 further explored these insights, evaluating the mission's hits and misses while identifying pathways for future-ready urban development. The journey of smart cities in India is far from over; it is only the beginning of a new era in urban transformation.

32nd Convergence India Expo & 10th Smart Cities India Expo:

Held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the Smart Cities India and Convergence India expo held 40+ conference sessions, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss emerging technologies and market trends. Ministry representatives highlighted the event’s role in shaping India’s tech-driven future.

Smart Cities India Expo Smart Cities India Expo has endeavoured to build a better future by showcasing innovation & sustainability and has enforced the smart city mission greatly. The Smart Cities India expo integrates technology with the key pillars of urban development for optimising resources and making cities smart and sustainable.