For the past decade, the Smart Cities India Expo has played a crucial role in showcasing innovation and sustainability to build a better urban future. This prestigious event integrates cutting-edge technology with key pillars of urban development, optimising resources to make cities smarter and more sustainable.

Highlighting the significance of the expo, Sanjiv Shankar, IRS Joint Secretary (Broadcasting), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, stated, "While Convergence India Expo champions the nation's digital revolution, the Smart Cities Mission Expo plays a vital role in advancing modernisation and urban development, together forming a unique platform to promote 'Brand India' and foster collaborations that strengthen the country's global position."

The 10th edition of the Smart Cities India Expo, scheduled from 19 to 21 March 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, is set to be a hub of future technologies, focusing on Robotics, Automation, Drones, Cyber Security, Urban Innovation, Smart Mobility, Smart ICT, Greentech, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). With over 1,200 participants and 350 startups expected to showcase their innovations, the event anticipates attracting around 55,000 visitors. The high-level conference and City Leaders Conclave will feature influential policymakers, Smart City CEOs, city planners, mayors, ambassadors, and key stakeholders from India and across the globe, offering invaluable insights into the future of smart urban development.

A significant highlight of the expo will be a panel discussion titled "Mission Accomplished? Reflecting on the Journey and Scaling Innovation for Future-Ready Smart Cities." This session will evaluate the progress of India’s Smart Cities Mission (SCM), assess completed projects, and explore evolving policy frameworks designed to sustain and expand smart city initiatives. The discussion will also focus on strategies for scaling these initiatives beyond pilot projects while addressing the mission’s key achievements, challenges, and the future roadmap for innovation in India’s urban landscape.

Eminent Speakers:

●       Venkata Subbarao Chunduru, Director and Head, India Operations, IBI Group
●       CC. Lalchhuangkima, MCS, Chief Executive Officer, Aizawl Smart City Ltd.
●       Syeda Afreen Banu S. Bellary, KAS, Managing Director, Belagavi Smart City Limited
●       Aaditya Dachalwal, IAS, Municipal Comm & CEO, Ludhiana Smart City Corporation
●       Satya Prakash, IAS, CEO (Municipal Commissioner), Jhansi Smart City Limited
●       Amit Kumar IAS, Director/ CEO, Ranchi Smart City Corporation Limited
●       Neeraj Kumar Singh IAS, Collector Ujjain and Chairman, Ujjain Smart City Limited
●       Ashwija BV, IAS, Managing Director and CEO, Tumakuru Smart City Limited
●       Shekhar Singh, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Pimpri Chinchwad Smart City Limited

Another compelling panel discussion, “The Indian Smart Cities Mission: From Inception to Fruition,” will take a deep dive into the evolution of the Smart Cities Mission and its transformative impact on India’s urban centres. Key themes will include leveraging IoT, AI, and data-driven solutions to enhance urban management, prioritising sustainability and inclusivity in Smart city development, and identifying best practices that can be scaled to the Indian cities.

Eminent Speakers:

●       Rahul Kapoor, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Govt of India
●       Durga Shankar Mishra, Former Chief Secretary, Govt of UP
●       Rajkumar Khatri, SAS, Chief Executive Officer, Sagar Smart City
●       Th. Harikumar Singh, CEO, Imphal Smart City Limited
●       Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chairman, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)

A Decade of SCM: Progress and Achievements

Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission was envisioned to drive sustainable and citizen-centric urban development in India. Over the past ten years, the initiative has made remarkable strides in transforming urban landscapes, improving the quality of life, and boosting economic growth.

As of December 2024, the Smart Cities Mission has successfully completed 91 per cent of the proposed projects, with a total investment of ₹1.47 lakh crore. These projects span a wide array of initiatives aimed at enhancing urban living, including the establishment of Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) across all 100 Smart Cities in India.

Beyond digital governance, the mission has also prioritised sustainable infrastructure development, smart mobility solutions, energy-efficient buildings, and robust waste management systems. These initiatives are not only improving the efficiency of urban services but also making cities more resilient and livable.

Scaling Innovation for Future-Ready Cities

With urbanisation accelerating rapidly, the need for scalable and innovative urban solutions is more pressing than ever. The Smart Cities India Expo 2025 will be instrumental in fostering collaboration between government bodies, private sector leaders, and technology innovators. The event will serve as a catalyst for ideation, investment, and implementation of future-ready solutions that align with India’s vision of sustainable and digitally empowered cities.

The presence of leading global and domestic stakeholders, including city planners, smart mobility experts, cybersecurity specialists, and ESG advocates, will create an environment conducive to knowledge-sharing and strategic partnerships.

Smart Cities India Awards 2025

Building on the remarkable success of previous years, the Smart Cities India Awards 2025 will continue to highlight exemplary initiatives that drive meaningful change across diverse sectors. This platform celebrates and honours groundbreaking contributions to urban and rural transformation and recognises excellence in smart and sustainable development.

The awards acknowledge the dedication and innovation of individuals, policymakers, municipalities, corporations and industry associations that are shaping the future of urban and rural living. As urban and rural areas across the nation embrace smart solutions, these awards serve as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing outstanding projects that redefine the way we live, work and grow. 

The awards will be adjudicated by an esteemed jury panel, comprising industry leaders and policy experts:

●       Rahul Kapoor, Former Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
●       Jagan Shah, CEO, The Infravision Foundation
●       Rajeev Chadha, Former Joint Director (Finance), National Capital Region Planning Board, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
●       Sheila Sriprakash, Founder & Chief Architect, Shilpa Architects Planners Designers Pvt. Ltd.
●       ARKS Srinivas, CEO, IITK Foundation for Advanced Consulting Education & Training (IFACET), IIT Kanpur
 
With 16 award categories, the Smart Cities India Awards recognise innovation across various domains, including:

Best Social Impact Project Award, Best Cultural Innovation, Best Use of Tech in Governance, Excellence in Smart Infra Awards, Smart Water Management Award, Smart Building and Urban Design Award, Innovation in Urban Mobility Awards, Best Smart City Startup, Smart City of the Year Award, and many more. 

The Future of Smart Cities in India

With the growing focus on automation, digital governance, and climate resilience, the future of smart cities in India looks promising. The expo will be a pivotal event to accelerate this momentum, ensuring that Indian cities are not just smart but also sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready. For policymakers, industry leaders, and technology enthusiasts, the Smart Cities India Expo 2025 is an unmissable opportunity to engage, innovate, and contribute towards building cities that are intelligent, efficient, and aligned with the aspirations of a rapidly modernising India. 

Register today at www.smartcitiesindia.com/ and follow social media channels for the latest event updates!