“Uttar Pradesh is transforming urban living through its Smart Cities Mission, integrating advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics. With 17 smart cities, including Lucknow and Kanpur, UP focuses on sustainable infrastructure, e-governance, and smart mobility. Despite challenges like funding and digital inclusivity, these cities aim to enhance quality of life and drive economic growth by 2030.”
Uttar Pradesh’s Smart Cities: Pioneering Urban Innovation
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, is at the forefront of the country’s urban transformation through the Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015 by the Government of India. With 10 centrally designated smart cities—Lucknow, Agra, Aligarh, Bareilly, Jhansi, Kanpur, Moradabad, Prayagraj, Saharanpur, and Varanasi—and seven additional state-designated smart cities—Ayodhya, Firozabad, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Mathura, Meerut, and Shahjahanpur—UP is leveraging technology to redefine urban planning. As of January 2025, 7,479 out of 8,058 tendered projects worth ₹150,002 crore have been completed across India’s Smart Cities Mission, with UP playing a significant role.
Lucknow, the state capital, has emerged as a leader in smart city initiatives, implementing intelligent traffic management systems, surveillance networks, and digital services. The city’s Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) uses IoT and AI to monitor traffic, manage public services, and enhance safety. In April 2025, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation allocated over ₹500 crore for infrastructure and smart city projects, including renewable energy and waste management solutions. Similarly, Kanpur is developing a 300-acre leather cluster and the Trans Ganga City project, integrating industrial, residential, and commercial infrastructure to boost economic growth.
Aligarh is focusing on renewable energy and digital platforms for citizen engagement, while Saharanpur, known for its wood carving industry, is enhancing smart transport and connectivity. Moradabad, a hub for brass handicrafts, is improving urban services through technology, driving demand for real estate. Varanasi, a spiritual and cultural center, is part of the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), blending tradition with modern infrastructure like sewage treatment plants to prevent untreated waste from entering the Ganga.
The state’s smart cities employ technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data analytics to optimize urban operations. For instance, drones are used for precision aerial mapping and traffic monitoring, enabling data-driven decisions. Bhubaneswar’s Smart Janpath project, though not in UP, serves as a model for UP’s cities, with initiatives like smart parking and intelligent traffic control systems. UP’s cities are also adopting sustainable practices, such as green buildings, electric vehicle promotion, and smart waste management, aligning with India’s net-zero goals.
However, challenges persist. Funding remains a hurdle, with only 5% of the Smart Cities Mission’s funding coming from public-private partnerships (PPPs). Estimates suggest India needs USD 1.2 trillion by 2030 to meet urban development demands, highlighting the need for innovative financing like Municipal Green Bonds, as seen in cities like Toronto and Cape Town. The digital divide also poses a risk, with marginalized communities needing better access to technology to ensure inclusivity. Additionally, the mission’s focus on less than 1% of a city’s area has led to criticism for excluding broader urban regions.
UP’s smart cities are also boosting real estate potential. With a total project budget of ₹40,000 crore, including ₹145 crore approved in April 2025 for 57 municipalities, the state aims to create inclusive and sustainable urban hubs. These cities are expected to contribute significantly to India’s GDP, with urban areas projected to house 40% of the population and contribute 75% of GDP by 2030. Initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the National Urban Transport Policy are enhancing connectivity, making UP’s cities attractive for investors and residents alike.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports, government data, and news sources available as of September 2025. Information is subject to change as new developments emerge.