Why this matters now
The Smart Cities Mission is tested for its twin approaches, the SPV model and its place in urban transformation — a recurring GS-2 governance/urbanisation topic.
What is the mission?
Launched in 2015 (Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs), the mission selected 100 cities (through a competitive City Challenge) to develop as “smart cities” — providing core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and a decent quality of life through the application of smart solutions.
The two-pronged approach
It combines Area-Based Development (ABD) — redeveloping/retrofitting a part of the city (retrofitting, redevelopment, greenfield) — with Pan-City solutions — technology applied city-wide (smart transport, water, energy, governance). Each city set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to implement projects, and many built Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs).
Significance and challenges
The mission has delivered ICCCs (vital during the pandemic), smart infrastructure and urban data. Challenges: the SPV model bypassing elected city governments (urban-governance concern), uneven progress, funding, and the focus on small areas rather than whole cities.
UPSC angle
Know the Smart Cities Mission (2015, 100 cities), Area-Based Development vs Pan-City solutions, the SPV model (and its governance criticism), and ICCCs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Smart Cities Mission?
A 2015 mission to develop 100 cities with core infrastructure, a sustainable environment and smart, technology-driven solutions.
What are the two approaches of the mission?
Area-Based Development (redeveloping part of the city) and Pan-City solutions (technology applied across the whole city).
What is the SPV in the Smart Cities Mission?
A Special Purpose Vehicle set up in each city to plan, implement and manage smart-city projects.
What is a key criticism of the mission?
The SPV model can bypass elected municipal governments, raising urban-governance concerns.