Smart_city
Smart_city
Smart_city
0
Topic: Crea ng a Data-Driven Smart City in India
Submi ed by
Adarsh Ragesh- 232001
Akshay Karayil Sadanandan- 232002
To
Digital University Kerala
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Contents
1.Executive Summary
2.Introduction
3.Methodology
4.Vision for a Smart City
5.Case Studies: Bhubaneswar and GIFT City
5.1 Smart Governance
5.2 Smart Mobility
5.3 Smart Energy
5.4 Citizen-Centric Design
6.Findings
7.Conclusions
8.References
List of Illustrations
1.Map of GIFT City Master Plan
2.Bhubaneswar's Town Centre District Development Plan
3.Smart Mobility Framework in GIFT City
4.GIFT PMS control System
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1. Executive Summary
India’s fast-paced urbanization brings pressing challenges such as traffic congestion,
pollution, and inefficient resource use. To address these issues, the country is turning to
smart cities—urban centers that use technology and innovative planning to create
sustainable, livable environments. This report highlights two notable examples:
Bhubaneswar, the winner of the 2015 Smart Cities Challenge, and GIFT City, India’s
first greenfield smart city.
2. Introduction
Smart cities bring together the powers of advanced technology, sustainability, and
governance to create a responsive urban ecosystem. For instance, India's Smart Cities
Mission was launched in 2015 for transforming the urban landscape via projects that
attach importance to efficiency and inclusiveness.
For a more granular analysis, it is worth highlighting two of the most characteristic
examples:
Important Infrastructure Development Planning Services
Bhubaneswar, an inclusive smart city transformed through retrofitting and
grassroots initiative.
GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City), the futuristic greenfield
project conceived as a global financial hub with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
On studying these diverse approaches, the report will present a holistic strategy
for building scalable, data-driven smart cities for India.
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Integrating Lessons and Building the Future
This report synthesizes lessons from Bhubaneswar’s inclusive, retrofitted approach and
GIFT City’s advanced, greenfield model to propose a holistic framework for creating
smart cities in India. Key recommendations include:
Governance: Combine Bhubaneswar’s citizen-centric policies with GIFT City’s
data-driven systems to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Mobility: Merge sustainable transport solutions, like Bhubaneswar’s pedestrian
corridors and GIFT City’s MRT systems, to create accessible urban spaces.
Energy and Environment: Adopt renewable energy solutions and advanced
cooling systems to reduce urban carbon footprints.
Social Equity: Implement programs that bridge socio-economic gaps, ensuring
inclusive growth for all residents.
By leveraging these strategies, India can develop cities that not only meet
today’s challenges but also serve as resilient, adaptive hubs for future
generations. This report serves as a guide for policymakers, urban planners, and
stakeholders in creating smarter, more sustainable cities.
3.Methodology
This report synthesizes information drawn from several sources of academic research,
government publications, and case studies on Bhubaneswar and GIFT City. The
methodology includes:
Analysis of data: Urban planning documents, reports, and metrics were
examined.
Comparative Framework: Retrofitted versus greenfield development models are
contrasted.
Thematic Focus: Governance, mobility, energy, and citizen participation.
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4. Vision for a Smart City
A smart city brings together technology, sustainability, and citizenry in aiming to make a
dynamic, responsive urban environment. Its underlying vision is to improve the quality of
life of its citizens, optimize resource consumption,
and influence sustainable development. A utopian smart city is not just technologically
advanced but also inclusive, resilient, and adaptable to the needs and requirements of
its community.
Citizen-Centric Approach:
Answers to citizen needs through participative governance and policies.
Equips citizens with feedback mechanisms and participates in the process
of urban development.
Sustainable Infrastructure:
Sustainability "Incorporates renewable energy, smart grids, and efficient water
and waste management systems. Designs green buildings and open spaces
to improve urban livability with minimal environmental impact.
Efficient Mobility:
Implements integrated and sustainable transportation systems, including public
transport, EVs, and last-mile connectivity. Leverages smart traffic management to
reduce congestion and improve travel experiences.
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4.2. Takeaways from GIFT City and Bhubaneswar
Both GIFT City and Bhubaneswar are lessons for the ideal smart city dream, but from
different ends.
GIFT City:
Technological Sophistication: It elucidates the way modern
infrastructures available, such as automated utility systems and district
cooling, can make the city environment an extremely efficient one.
Focused Economic Hubs: It Stresses the point that smart city designs
need to be done on goals, like financial and technological innovation.
Bhubaneswar:
Inclusivity and Citizen Engagement: It showcases the prospects of
participatory governance as well as community-led initiatives to make
cities more inclusive.
Scalable Solutions: It demonstrates how existing cities can be retrofitted
with smart systems towards solving issues of traffic, waste, and housing.
The potential of GIFT City with innovation and forward planning merged with the
inclusiveness and scalability of Bhubaneswar will help in including both futuristic and
adaptability in an ideal framework for a smart city in India. Hybrid design for smart cities
ensures that these cities are catered to varied needs with smart solutions for urban
challenges.
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5. Case Studies: Bhubaneswar and GIFT City.
5.1. Smart Governance
Governance plays a middle and crucial role in any smart city solu on and both Bhubaneswar
and GIFT City present two quite different ways of ge ng the goal. Management in these ci es
lies in fiscal processes, the private sector and the adop on of intelligent technology in city
organiza on.
Bhubaneswar
Budget Alloca on: While Bhubaneswar has opened about ₹4,095 crore out of the total smart
city fund ₹4,537 crore, the focus has been given for area-based development. This budget is
mainly devoted to Bhubaneswar town Centre district (BTCD), which envisions to become new
central business district (CBD) equipped with necessary and modern infrastructures, inclusive
public domain and integrated development.
Project Comple on: By 2022, Bhubaneswar had u lized 80% of the central grants
allocated under the Smart Ci es Mission, indica ng significant progress but also
highligh ng delays in fund u liza on for certain projects. Challenges such as
bureaucra c hurdles and the need for extensive stakeholder coordina on have slowed
implementa on. Despite this, the city’s governance model priori zes transparency and
ci zen engagement, ensuring that development aligns with public needs.
Key Governance Features: The city has implemented the Intelligent City Opera ons and
Management Centre (ICOMC), which integrates various urban services such as traffic
control, surveillance, and disaster management into a centralized pla orm. This data-
driven approach enables more efficient and responsive governance.
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GIFT City
Budget Alloca on: In the first phase of its development, GIFT City allocated over ₹2,000
crore for infrastructure projects, including smart monitoring systems. This substan al
investment reflects its focus on leveraging advanced technologies to create a globally
compe ve urban environment.
Development Phase: GIFT City’s governance emphasizes public-private partnerships,
par cularly for cri cal infrastructure like mul -level parking systems and traffic
monitoring facili es. These systems streamline urban mobility and reduce conges on,
improving the quality of life for residents and professionals working in the city. The
governance model ensures accountability through private sector involvement while
maintaining oversight through government frameworks.
Key Governance Features: With a focus on centralized governance, GIFT City employs
cu ng-edge tools like automated service delivery systems, integrated surveillance, and
IoT-enabled management pla orms. These features not only enhance opera onal
efficiency but also posi on the city as a model for smart governance globally.
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5.2. Smart Mobility
Smart mobility solu ons are vital for ensuring accessibility, reducing conges on, and minimizing
environmental impact. Bhubaneswar and GIFT City have adopted tailored strategies to address
their unique urban mobility challenges and goals.
Bhubaneswar
GIFT City
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5.3. Smart Energy
Smart energy solu ons are pivotal in achieving urban sustainability, par cularly in smart ci es
like Bhubaneswar and GIFT City, which aim to minimize energy consump on and maximize
efficiency through innova ve projects.
Bhubaneswar
Solar Energy Projects: Bhubaneswar has allocated ₹150 crore to solar energy projects
focused on the solarifica on of public infrastructure. This includes installing roo op
solar panels on government buildings, public schools, and healthcare facili es. Solar
streetlights and solar-powered water pumps have also been introduced, ensuring
cleaner and more sustainable energy sources for essen al services.
o Impact: These projects reduce dependence on fossil fuels, significantly lowering
greenhouse gas emissions. In addi on, they provide cost savings in the long run,
as solar energy systems have minimal opera onal costs once installed.
o Future Scope: Scaling this ini a ve to include residen al and commercial
buildings, along with offering incen ves for private sector adop on, could
amplify the impact of solar energy in Bhubaneswar.
GIFT City
District Cooling System: GIFT City has implemented a ₹500 crore district cooling system
(DCS), a centralized approach to air condi oning that reduces energy consump on
across the urban area by up to 40%. The system works by genera ng chilled water at a
central facility and distribu ng it to buildings through an underground network of
insulated pipes.
o Benefits: DCS significantly enhances energy efficiency, as centralized cooling is far
more effec ve than individual air condi oning units. It also reduces the urban
heat island effect by minimizing heat emissions from conven onal HVAC systems.
o Global Benchmark: GIFT City’s adop on of district cooling posi ons it alongside
global leaders like Singapore and Dubai, where similar systems are key to
sustainable urban planning.
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5.4. Ci zen-Centric Design
Ci zen-centric urban design ensures that smart ci es priori ze the needs, well-being, and
par cipa on of residents. Both Bhubaneswar and GIFT City incorporate innova ve projects to
create livable, inclusive urban environments.
Bhubaneswar
GIFT City
Pedestrian Infrastructure: GIFT City has invested ₹200 crore in crea ng pedestrian-
friendly infrastructure, including elevated walkways and ac vity nodes.
o Features: Elevated walkways connect key areas such as office complexes,
residen al zones, and transit hubs, promo ng walkability and reducing
dependence on vehicles. Ac vity nodes are designed as public spaces for leisure,
community engagement, and small-scale commerce, fostering a sense of
belonging and vibrancy.
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o Benefits: These ini a ves encourage sustainable mobility, improve air quality by
reducing vehicular traffic, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents and
workers.
o Urban Design Philosophy: GIFT City’s walkable urban environment aligns with
global trends in sustainable urban design, emphasizing human-scale
development and accessibility.
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Compara ve Analysis of Retrofi ed and Greenfield Models
Retrofi ed and greenfield smart ci es are two approaches to urban development, each
with dis nct methodologies and advantages. Retrofi ng involves upgrading exis ng
ci es to meet smart city standards, while greenfield projects create en rely new urban
spaces, built from the ground up.
Bhubaneswar:
A retrofi ng model, Bhubaneswar priori zes ci zen engagement in planning processes
through par cipatory governance frameworks. Ini a ves like “My City My Pride” ensure
that urban policies align with residents’ needs.
The Intelligent City Opera ons and Management Centre (ICOMC) centralizes data
collec on and processing, enabling authori es to monitor city opera ons efficiently and
provide real- me responses to urban challenges.
GIFT City:
Designed with a futuris c master plan, GIFT City incorporates IoT, AI, and cu ng-edge
infrastructure from incep on. This proac ve approach eliminates legacy issues faced by
retrofi ed ci es.
Governance in GIFT City emphasizes centralized, high-tech service delivery, focusing on
global compe veness and catering to financial and IT sectors.
Mobility
Bhubaneswar:
Low-carbon mobility projects include cycling lanes, pedestrian-friendly zones, and public
transit corridors, improving accessibility while reducing environmental impact.
Retrofi ng exis ng streets for transit-oriented development (TOD) presents challenges
but achieves significant sustainability gains.
GIFT City:
Features like Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems, walk-to-work zones, and dedicated EV
infrastructure highlight its greenfield advantage in transit-oriented development.
The integra on of technology ensures seamless mobility, enhancing the efficiency of
public transport systems.
Bhubaneswar:
Retrofi ng solar power infrastructure into exis ng urban areas underscores the city’s
commitment to renewable energy.
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Green building cer fica ons for new developments ensure adherence to sustainable
construc on prac ces.
GIFT City:
Advanced technologies like district cooling systems and automated waste management
solu ons reflect the city’s emphasis on sustainability from the outset.
Renewable energy projects complement its energy-efficient infrastructure, se ng
benchmarks for large-scale urban efficiency.
Bhubaneswar:
Programs like Project Swabhiman focus on inclusivity, offering skills training and
economic opportuni es for marginalized groups.
The city strikes a balance between technological upgrades and social equity, ensuring
benefits are distributed across diverse socio-economic segments.
GIFT City:
Economic development focuses on a rac ng financial ins tu ons and IT companies,
making it a global investment hub.
However, its emphasis on high-income sectors limits its inclusivity, with fewer programs
targe ng the needs of economically weaker communi es.
Both Bhubaneswar and GIFT City have relied heavily on PPPs to fund their projects, but their
approaches differ significantly due to their retrofi ng and greenfield models.
Bhubaneswar:
o Total Budget: ₹4,537 crore.
o Funding Sources:
₹950 crore from the Smart Ci es Mission.
₹2,563 crore (approximately 56%) from Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
₹1,024 crore from other sources, including state funding and local municipal
revenues.
o U liza on Rate: The city has u lized 80% of central government grants and 75%
of state funds effec vely, reflec ng efficient financial management and project
execu on.
o Focus Areas: Bhubaneswar's PPPs have targeted areas such as transporta on,
parks, roads, and urban u li es, ensuring a balance between technology
upgrades and social inclusivity.
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GIFT City:
o Total Budget: Exceeds ₹10,000 crore.
o Funding Sources:
Joint ventures between Gujarat Urban Development Company Ltd. and private
en es.
Revenue generated from Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and financial hubs.
o Economic Model: The city's revenue streams include leasing land to businesses,
tax incen ves for SEZ units, and service fees, ensuring long-term financial
sustainability.
o Focus Areas: GIFT City priori zes large-scale infrastructure, such as the district
cooling system, automated waste management, and state-of-the-art office
complexes. These projects aim to posi on the city as an interna onal financial
and IT hub.
Findings
Investment Breakdown: Bhubaneswar emphasizes area-based development, dedica ng over
90% of its ₹4,537 crore budget to urban renewal projects. GIFT City’s costs focus on
infrastructure and greenfield development, with an es mated total investment of ₹12,000
crore.
Funding Sources: Bhubaneswar relies on public funding and PPPs, while GIFT City integrates
interna onal financing and PPP models.
Cost-Efficiency: While GIFT City’s per-capita infrastructure cost is higher, Bhubaneswar
demonstrates cost-efficiency in leveraging retrofi ed solu ons.
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Conclusion
The development of smart ci es is a cri cal response to the growing challenges of urbaniza on
in India. This report explored two dis nct yet complementary approaches to smart city
development—Bhubaneswar and GIFT City—and derived valuable lessons from their
experiences. While Bhubaneswar exemplifies inclusivity and grassroots engagement through
retrofi ed solu ons, GIFT City showcases the power of greenfield urban planning with
advanced technological infrastructure.
Key Insights
1. Bhubaneswar:
o Bhubaneswar demonstrates how engaging ci zens in the planning process
fosters a sense of ownership and ensures the relevance of urban solu ons.
Programs like My City My Pride and Project Swabhiman illustrate how social
equity and inclusivity can be integrated into a city’s development agenda.
o The city’s focus on transit-oriented development, coupled with ini a ves to
enhance pedestrian infrastructure and low-carbon mobility, highlights its
commitment to sustainability. Despite challenges such as underu liza on of
public bike-sharing systems, Bhubaneswar's adaptable and community-driven
model serves as an inspira on for retrofi ng other Indian ci es.
2. GIFT City:
o As India’s first opera onal greenfield smart city, GIFT City sets a new standard for
urban planning with its futuris c infrastructure and technology-driven solu ons.
The city’s district cooling system, intelligent parking management, and Mass
Rapid Transit systems are exemplary innova ons designed to improve efficiency
and sustainability.
o However, GIFT City also reveals the challenges of implemen ng large-scale
projects, such as delays in public-private partnership funding and the need for
substan al ini al investments. Despite these hurdles, its success as a financial
and IT hub demonstrates the poten al of greenfield projects to a ract global
a en on and investment.
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Toward a Hybrid Model
The experiences of Bhubaneswar and GIFT City underscore the importance of a hybrid approach
to smart city development in India. By integra ng the inclusivity and adaptability of
Bhubaneswar with the technological sophis ca on of GIFT City, India can create urban centers
that are not only sustainable and efficient but also equitable and resilient. Key elements of this
hybrid model include:
Ci zen-Centric Governance: Encouraging public par cipa on, as in Bhubaneswar, while
leveraging real- me data systems, as in GIFT City, to improve transparency and service
delivery.
Sustainable Mobility: Combining pedestrian-friendly urban design with advanced transit
systems to reduce traffic conges on and emissions.
Energy Efficiency: Scaling renewable energy projects and adop ng innova ve solu ons
like district cooling to reduce urban carbon footprints.
Social Inclusivity: Ensuring that all segments of society, including marginalized groups,
benefit from smart city ini a ves.
Implica ons for India’s Urban Future
India’s Smart Ci es Mission has already catalyzed significant progress, but there is s ll a long way
to go in achieving its ambi ous goals. As ci es grow, the focus must shi from isolated projects
to integrated planning frameworks that balance technology, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Smart ci es are not an end goal but an evolving process. Bhubaneswar and GIFT City demonstrate
that success requires con nuous adapta on, stakeholder collabora on, and innova ve funding
mechanisms. As India prepares to urbanize further, these two ci es offer a blueprint for
addressing the complexi es of urban growth while enhancing the quality of life for millions of
residents.
In conclusion, the lessons learned from Bhubaneswar and GIFT City provide a roadmap for
crea ng scalable and sustainable smart ci es across India. By embracing a hybrid approach and
focusing on people, technology, and the environment, India can lead the way in reimagining urban
living for the 21st century.
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REFERENCES
Cha erji, T. (2023). Planning and Development of Smart Ci es: A Case Study of
Bhubaneswar. Ins tute of Town Planners, India Journal, 20(2), 69–78.
Cita on: (Cha erji, 2023)
Reddy, D. S., Ganesh Babu, K. V., & Murthy, D. L. N. (2016). Transporta on Planning
Aspects of a Smart City - Case Study of GIFT City, Gujarat. Transporta on Research
Procedia, 17, 134–144.
Cita on: (Reddy, Ganesh Babu, & Murthy, 2016)
Shaping Smart City Transporta on with Technology and Sustainability. (2020). Shaping
Smart City Transporta on with Technology and Sustainability.
Cita on: (Shaping Smart City Transporta on with Technology and Sustainability, 2020)
Real- me Disaster Management and Resilience in Smart Ci es: Bhubaneswar's Response
to Cyclone Fani. (2020).
Cita on: (Real- me Disaster Management and Resilience, 2020)
GIFT City: Transforming the Urban Landscape. (2021).
Cita on: (GIFT City, 2021)
Smart Ci es and the Role of IoT in Urban Development. (2021).
Cita on: (Smart Ci es and the Role of IoT, 2021)
Bhubaneswar Smart City Ltd. (2020). Bhubaneswar Smart City Development Report.
Bhubaneswar Smart City Ltd.
Cita on: (Bhubaneswar Smart City Ltd., 2020)
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