The Smart Cities Mission’s Broken Promise: How India’s Tech-Driven Urban Experiment Failed Its People

Seriously, folks, I’ve been digging into India’s Smart Cities Mission, and let me tell you, it’s a mess. Launched in 2015 with all the hype of a Black Friday sale, this ambitious project promised to revolutionize urban life with cutting-edge tech and data-driven governance. But after a decade of half-finished projects and displaced communities, it’s clear the mission has done more harm than good. As the mall mole of urban economics, I’ve sniffed out the real story behind this so-called “smart” initiative—and trust me, the receipts don’t add up.

The Techno-Utopian Fantasy vs. Urban Reality

The Smart Cities Mission was supposed to be India’s ticket to the future—a digital paradise where IoT sensors, command centers, and data analytics would magically solve urban problems. But here’s the twist: the mission ignored the basics. While officials were busy showcasing fancy dashboards and AI-driven traffic systems, millions of Indians still lacked access to clean water, reliable electricity, and affordable housing. The mission’s obsession with “smart” tech created a dangerous disconnect between the government’s vision and the actual needs of urban communities.

Take the case of Bhopal, one of the mission’s poster cities. The government spent millions on a “smart” command center, but when I talked to locals, they told me the real problem wasn’t traffic management—it was the lack of proper sanitation and public transport. The mission’s planners were so busy chasing the latest tech trends that they forgot to ask the people who actually lived in these cities what they needed. And now, after years of delays and broken promises, many of these projects are either abandoned or barely functional.

The Corruption and Mismanagement Behind the Scenes

Here’s where things get really shady. The Smart Cities Mission was supposed to be a model of efficiency, but in reality, it became a playground for corruption and mismanagement. The government created Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to oversee projects, but these entities operated with little transparency. Contracts were awarded to private companies with questionable track records, and public funds disappeared into black holes. I’ve seen reports where entire budgets were allocated for “smart” projects, only to have the money vanish without a trace.

The most infuriating part? The mission’s failure wasn’t just about wasted money—it was about lost opportunities. While officials were busy cutting ribbons on half-baked tech projects, basic infrastructure like roads, schools, and hospitals continued to crumble. The mission’s focus on flashy, high-tech solutions meant that real, tangible improvements were pushed to the back burner. And now, after billions of rupees have been spent, many of these cities are no smarter than they were a decade ago.

The Destruction of the Commons: A Loss for Urban Communities

But the biggest crime of the Smart Cities Mission? The destruction of the commons. Public spaces—the parks, markets, and streets where communities gather—were bulldozed in the name of “modernization.” In cities like Pune and Ahmedabad, entire neighborhoods were displaced to make way for flyovers, shopping malls, and “smart” infrastructure. The mission’s planners treated these spaces as obstacles to efficiency, not as the lifeblood of urban life.

I’ve seen firsthand how this has torn communities apart. In one city, a beloved local market was demolished to make way for a “smart” commercial hub. The vendors were promised compensation, but many never received a rupee. The new development? A ghost town of empty stores and overpriced cafes. The mission’s obsession with aesthetics and efficiency erased the very things that made these cities livable—social connections, local economies, and a sense of belonging.

The Way Forward: Lessons from a Failed Experiment

So, what’s the takeaway from this urban disaster? First, stop chasing tech for tech’s sake. A “smart” city isn’t about gadgets—it’s about people. Before investing in AI traffic systems, make sure everyone has access to clean water and decent housing. Second, transparency is non-negotiable. The Smart Cities Mission failed because it operated in the shadows, with little accountability. Future projects need public oversight and real engagement with communities.

And finally, let’s stop destroying the commons. Public spaces aren’t just concrete and steel—they’re the heart of urban life. Instead of bulldozing neighborhoods for the sake of “modernization,” we should be investing in inclusive, walkable, and sustainable cities. The Smart Cities Mission was a cautionary tale, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. If we learn from its mistakes, we can build cities that are truly smart—not just in technology, but in how they serve their people.