India’s smart city movement is gaining momentum, driven by pressing challenges ranging from rapid urbanization and strained infrastructure to demands for citizen safety and better living standards. With over 100 cities selected under the Smart Cities Mission and more than Rs 1.64 lakh crore invested nationwide as of 2025, the country is reshaping its urban future with technology, sustainability, and people-centric design at its core. State-of-the-art projects, including Integrated Command and Control Centres, AI-powered surveillance, and smart transportation systems, are transforming city management, reducing traffic congestion, improving emergency response times, and enhancing public services for millions. As urban populations surge and digital adoption accelerates, smart city solutions are transitioning from futuristic concepts to an essential movement for scalable growth, environmental health, and the well-being of India’s next generation.
Also read: Milestone Powers Smart Cities with its AI Video Technology
Here is a look at the key projects and the companies behind them, shaping the future of urban living in India.
1. Xenius at Mahindra World City Jaipur: Integrating Energy, Water, and Street Light Management
One of the earliest and most comprehensive smart city models in India was implemented by Xenius at Mahindra World City, Jaipur, in 2014. This project prioritized smart energy management systems designed to optimize electricity usage across public and private spaces, significantly reducing wastage.
The installation of intelligent street lighting controls allowed dynamic adjustment of brightness based on real-time conditions. This, in turn, helped with energy conservation and enhanced public safety. Water management systems were integrated to monitor and regulate consumption, ensuring efficient usage. All these subsystems, spanning power, lighting, water, waste, parking, surveillance, and communication, were linked to a centralized command center for real-time monitoring and control. This ecosystem significantly improved operational efficiency and sustainability, turning Mahindra World City Jaipur into a model urban ecosystem.
2. Secutech Automation in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar: Comprehensive Urban Safety, Surveillance, Traffic Management
Secutech Automation has pioneered multi-faceted smart city technology deployments in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, radically improving urban safety and traffic regulation. The city-wide public announcement system, consisting of hundreds of networked PA speakers, enables authorities to instantly communicate traffic alerts and emergency information directly to citizens. Complementing this is an incident management software platform that auto-detects road congestion, crowd build-ups, and high-risk situations, allowing police to respond swiftly via one-click broadcasts, dramatically enhancing emergency responsiveness and crowd control.
Traffic enforcement is strengthened by a wide network of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and Red Light Violation Detection (RLVD) cameras strategically placed at key entry and exit points. These smart cameras monitor violations such as helmet non-compliance, wrong-way driving, and red light breaches, enabling automated fine collection and supporting law enforcement efforts to maintain discipline on city roads. Additionally, Secutech’s drone surveillance provides real-time aerial monitoring during large events and sensitive situations, further bolstering public safety and disaster management capabilities.
Through these integrated technologies, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has witnessed marked improvements in traffic behavior, expedited incident handling, enhanced surveillance coverage, and increased police operational efficiency.
3. Ishan Technologies’ Safe City Initiatives in Gujarat: Surveillance and Connectivity across Surat and Rajkot
Ishan Technologies has driven several landmark projects enhancing urban safety in Gujarat, including Surat’s “Suman Eye Project,” Rajkot’s “Eye Way Project,” and the Gujarat Police’s expansive “Vishwas Project.” These initiatives deploy state-of-the-art video integration and city-wide surveillance infrastructures that combine hardware, software, and analytics to bolster law enforcement and public security. The projects also involve comprehensive internet and server infrastructure, along with industrial IoT solutions to create connected city networks. By providing real-time data and secure communication channels across these cities, Ishan Technologies has enabled responsive policing, rapid incident management, and safer public spaces.
4. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) Across 18 Smart Cities: From Adaptive Traffic Systems to Command Centers
BEL’s footprint in the smart city arena covers 18 Indian cities, including Bangalore and Chandigarh, where it deploys integrated and adaptive traffic management solutions that aid in easing congestion and reducing commute times. BEL’s projects incorporate tools like City Surveillance systems, GIS-based monitoring, Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCC), and environmental sensors that collectively enhance urban governance. These systems enable data-driven decision-making for traffic flow, solid waste management, and emergency responses.
For instance, in Chandigarh, BEL has set up an Integrated Command and Control Centre that acts as the nerve center for monitoring various city functions, streamlining communication across departments while improving urban safety and service efficiency.
India’s smart cities are rapidly transitioning into digitally empowered urban ecosystems, thanks to these innovative projects. The efforts of these companies and others in integrating solutions that address energy efficiency, safety, traffic management, and citizen engagement pave the roadmap for holistic and sustainable urban development.
