India’s Smart Cities are revolutionizing how urban spaces function, from mobility and infrastructure to energy and public safety. These cities combine IoT, AI, and data-driven technologies to enhance daily life while promoting sustainability and innovation. Below, we’ll explore the top 10 Smart Cities in India and highlight their most remarkable features and achievements in transforming urban living.
Quick Overview of 10 Smart Cities in India
| Rank | City | State | Core Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhubaneswar | Odisha | Sustainable planning and public infrastructure |
| 2 | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | Clean energy and waste management |
| 3 | Indore | Madhya Pradesh | Digital governance and cleanliness |
| 4 | Surat | Gujarat | IoT connectivity and digital payments |
| 5 | Pune | Maharashtra | Smart mobility and housing |
| 6 | Coimbatore | Tamil Nadu | Eco-friendly infrastructure |
| 7 | Ahmedabad | Gujarat | Intelligent transport and heritage management |
| 8 | Kochi | Kerala | Sustainable design and mixed-use development |
| 9 | Hyderabad | Telangana | AI integration and e-governance |
| 10 | Jaipur | Rajasthan | Tourism, mobility, and urban innovation |
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these top 10 Smart Cities in India and understand how they are leading the country’s technological and sustainable growth.
1. Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Bhubaneswar is one of India’s earliest and most successful smart cities. It emphasizes sustainability, efficient infrastructure, and improved quality of life through data-driven development. Projects like Smart Janpath and Integrated Public Service Centers showcase the city’s forward-thinking approach to urban transformation.
Key Highlights of Bhubaneswar:
- Focuses on green infrastructure and urban renewal.
- Projects like BMC-ICOMC Tower and Smart Roads are operational.
- Promotes eco-friendly design and environmental balance.
- Integrates global technology partnerships for smart growth.
2. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow’s Smart City Mission centers around transforming traditional infrastructure with smart solutions such as waste management, energy efficiency, and urban sanitation systems. Programs like Swacch Lucknow and Sugam Lucknow aim to enhance both livability and sustainability.
Key Highlights of Lucknow:
- Advanced projects on solid waste and water reuse.
- Implementation of smart-grid systems and traffic sensors.
- Focus on citizen participation through “Smart Lucknow” apps.
- Enhances air quality, public transport, and safety.
3. Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Indore has become a model of digital innovation and cleanliness under the Smart Cities Mission. Its focus lies in waste management, e-governance, and intelligent transportation. The city integrates IoT to optimize resource use and enhance citizen services.
Key Highlights of Indore:
- Smart classrooms and healthcare digitization.
- Cleanest city in India for several consecutive years.
- Real-time waste and water management systems.
- Tech-driven transport and safety monitoring.
4. Surat, Gujarat
Surat is one of the most technologically advanced cities, implementing ICT-based transport systems and IoT-enabled communication platforms. With strong infrastructure and industry presence, Surat is setting benchmarks for smart financial and civic systems.
Key Highlights of Surat:
- Implementation of city-wide surveillance through IoT.
- Digital “Common City Payment System” for citizens.
- Advanced flood and disaster management centers.
- Emphasis on communication and traffic efficiency.
5. Pune, Maharashtra
Pune has evolved into a leading smart city with projects aimed at improving urban mobility, housing, and renewable energy. Known for its smart planning, Pune integrates eco-friendly transport and digital citizen engagement models for inclusive growth.
Key Highlights of Pune:
- Affordable smart housing initiatives.
- City-wide digital governance systems.
- Enhanced waste recycling and water conservation.
- Expansion of public electric vehicle (EV) systems.
6. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Coimbatore focuses on merging nature with innovation. The city’s Smart City Mission revolves around green infrastructure, smart mobility, and digital education. Its traffic and CCTV networks make it one of the safest smart cities in South India.
Key Highlights of Coimbatore:
- Smart traffic management through IoT sensors.
- Eco-friendly real estate and energy-efficient projects.
- Focus on renewable resources and green public spaces.
- Strengthening IT and manufacturing sectors.
7. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad’s Smart City Plan integrates heritage preservation with advanced infrastructure. Projects like Intelligent Transit Management System (ITMS) and Command and Control Centers enhance governance while protecting its cultural identity.
Key Highlights of Ahmedabad:
- City-wide real-time surveillance system.
- ITMS improves urban transport efficiency.
- Integration of cultural tourism with modern tech.
- AI-based energy and waste tracking tools.
8. Kochi, Kerala
Kochi’s Smart City Project promotes sustainable, mixed-use urban development. Its master plan includes smart residential and commercial spaces designed to maintain green architecture and encourage digital governance.
Key Highlights of Kochi:
- Strong focus on sustainable and smart zoning.
- ICT-enabled mobility systems for reduced congestion.
- Integration of offices, retail, and education centers.
- Water and waste recycling using smart tech.
9. Hyderabad, Telangana
Hyderabad has positioned itself as an AI and IoT innovation hub in India. Its Smart City initiatives focus on smart waste systems, AI traffic monitoring, and public surveillance. The city is driving digital governance to improve quality of life.
Key Highlights of Hyderabad:
- AI-powered command and control center for governance.
- Smart transport with traffic prediction models.
- Waste segregation and real-time monitoring systems.
- Major center for technology startups and innovation.
10. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur stands out as a smart heritage city that combines technology with tourism. The Smart Cities Mission in Jaipur promotes urban mobility, tourism management, and eco-friendly infrastructure while preserving the city’s royal charm.
Key Highlights of Jaipur:
- Public Bicycle Sharing and Tulip Internship initiatives.
- Enhanced digital mapping of heritage sites.
- Projects targeting reduced pollution and congestion.
- Smart lighting and energy efficiency programs.
What Is the Smart Cities Mission?
Launched in 2015 by the Government of India, the Smart Cities Mission aims to promote sustainable urban development through advanced technologies and smart solutions. It focuses on improving infrastructure, mobility, environment, healthcare, and public safety using data-driven systems.
Each city under this mission strives to offer efficient public services, clean environments, and citizen-centric planning. Projects under the mission include smart grids, traffic management, waste recycling, digital governance, and IoT-based utilities.
How Many Smart Cities Are There in India?
As of 2025, India has 100 officially recognized smart cities. Each city is selected based on key parameters like urban development, population, infrastructure, and sustainability. Among all Indian states, Maharashtra leads with 10 smart cities, followed by Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
Smart cities typically share these common features:
- Intelligent infrastructure and mobility
- Clean and green public spaces
- Efficient energy and water management
- Safety through AI-based surveillance
- Active citizen participation
The Future of Smart Cities in India
By 2030, India’s smart cities aim to achieve zero-emission zones, fully integrated e-governance, and real-time city monitoring. With continuous innovation in IoT, AI, and 5G networks, Indian cities are moving toward a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive future. Transline Technologies Limited and similar innovators are playing a major role in this revolution, developing Command and Control Centers, AI-powered surveillance systems, and intelligent traffic management that form the core of these evolving smart cities.
FAQs About Smart Cities in India
1. What is a Smart City in India?
A Smart City in India uses technology, data, and sustainable solutions to enhance public services, mobility, safety, and living standards.
2. How many Smart Cities are there in India as of 2025?
India has a total of 100 officially designated Smart Cities under the Smart Cities Mission initiated by the Government of India.
3. Which city was the first to be selected under the Smart Cities Mission?
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, was the first city chosen under the Smart Cities Mission for its innovative and sustainable development model.
4. What is the role of IoT in Smart Cities?
IoT helps Smart Cities manage services efficiently through sensors and real-time data used for traffic, energy, and waste management.
5. How does AI contribute to Smart City development?
AI enables automated decision-making in traffic control, surveillance, and infrastructure management, improving overall city efficiency.
6. Which state has the maximum number of Smart Cities in India?
Maharashtra leads with 10 Smart Cities, followed by Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, each contributing to urban transformation.
7. What are the main goals of the Smart Cities Mission?
The main goals are to create sustainable, efficient, and citizen-centric cities using technology-driven urban planning and innovation.
8. Which is the cleanest Smart City in India?
Indore, Madhya Pradesh, holds the record for being India’s cleanest city, combining IoT waste management and smart governance.
9. What are the benefits of Smart Cities in India?
Smart Cities improve quality of life through better infrastructure, safety, digital governance, efficient resource use, and sustainability.
10. What is the future of Smart Cities in India?
The future lies in deeper AI and IoT integration, green energy adoption, and building smart, self-sustaining, and inclusive urban systems.