Top 10 Smart Cities of India in 2025

Nowadays smart cities- those next-level urban spaces that are not just about skyscrapers and busy streets. The specialty of smart cities is that they create vibes that scream “We’ve got this” with tech, sustainability, and overall convenience. India’s Smart Cities Mission has been a total game-changer, and honestly, it’s giving us the cities we didn’t know we needed. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a sustainability stan, or just someone who loves their life a little easier (and who doesn’t?), these cities are slaying the urban scene. Let’s deep-dive into the top 10 smart cities of 2025, where innovation is the main character and every other city is just an extra.

1. Bhubaneswar

Let’s start with Bhubaneswar because, hello, it was India’s first smart city. This city is the blueprint. It’s all about blending urban management with social development. They’ve invested ₹1,260 crore in housing redevelopment projects and even built a multi-modal railway hub. But wait, there’s more, a cycle highway and a public bicycle-sharing system. Bhubaneswar is one of those places where the perfect plan seems perfectly done. That city has people riding their bicycles and living close to nature due to green infrastructure. Goals.

2. Pune

The city of Pune is that overachiever friend always in the number one spot but does it in such a cool way that one can’t be angry with the city. Famed for education hubs and IT ambiance, the smart city can’t be talked about enough. With a whopping ₹190 crore investment in road projects, 100 electric buses plying, and a command center equipped with high-tech instruments to monitor activities happening in the urban space, the city talks all about efficiency here. The peace is cruising in an electric bus while the city’s command center keeps everything under control. This city just gets it.

3. Indore

If cleanliness is next to godliness, then Indore is straight-up divine. It’s killing it with waste management systems that are honestly futuristic. Think solar power installations, slum housing redevelopment, and revamped water management systems. The city has poured ₹615 crore into parking projects and ₹232 crore into housing. Indore gives a “we’ve got our act together” vibe. It’s the perfect blend of organization, tech, and sustainability. Honestly, this city is so clean, that you’d feel guilty littering.

4. Surat

Known as the ‘Diamond City of India’, Surat is all about shining bright. Be it solar power generation waste-to-energy plants or smart street lighting, Surat takes it to a whole new level. Key projects include ₹460 crore for affordable housing and ₹220 crore for city-wide connectivity, which includes Wi-Fi and fibre-to-home networks. Like such effortless elegance, Surat is also a low-key genius. Everything related to this place screams innovation while doing so with a laid-back attitude.

5. Jaipur

Jaipur is like your dadi who has just joined Instagram; it connects old with new and does so professionally. Heritage sites are being refurbished here, as well as some smart traffic systems and waste-to-energy projects are underway. The significant investments are worth ₹150 crores for improving mobility and ₹544 crores to upgrade the sewer lines. Jaipur is an example of how tradition and technology can be BFFs. Imagine wandering through old forts while your smart city app guides you around town. Now that’s peak urban planning.

6. Hyderabad

Hyderabad is a tech bro who also happens to be a history nerd. The city combines a thriving IT industry with historical landmarks like Charminar. On the tech side, Hyderabad’s smart traffic systems, integrated command centers, and improved transportation networks put it in direct competition with all the potential smart cities. This city feels like it’s a perfect balance between modern and vintage aesthetics. It’s giving “new-age Nizami” vibes.

7. Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is the kind of a ty that does not need to try too hard and is naturally cool. Famous for its rich cultural history, Ahmedabad is also killing it with smart initiatives like IoT-based traffic management and e-governance systems. They have invested ₹385 crore in utility networks and ₹451 crore in housing projects. It’s like the perfect sibling who’s good at everything and still super humble about it. Ahmedabad is all about blending the past with the future in the smoothest way possible.

8. Kochi

Kochi is all about serving coastal energy with a side of tech. From industrial development to urban mobility solutions, this city is checking all the boxes. They’ve invested ₹1,260 crore in water supply improvements and ₹845 crore in mobility upgrades. Oh, and ₹141 crore went into slum housing redevelopment. Just think about sipping coconut water while relishing free Wi-Fi at a beachside café. That is Kochi for you, cool and efficient together.

9. Lucknow

Lucknow is here to show that royalty and modernity can vibe together. The city is upgrading with smart traffic systems, public Wi-Fi, and even electric bus charging stations. Key projects include ₹280 crore for water supply upgrades and ₹96 crore for reviving heritage sites. It’s like walking into a royal palace where Alexa runs the show. The perfect mix of old-school charm and new-school tech.

10. Coimbatore

Coimbatore is low-key becoming the MVP of smart cities. From its industrial legacy, it’s stepping up the game with solar power initiatives, drainage systems, and urban connectivity projects. Major investments include ₹192.5 crore for housing and ₹45.66 crore for rooftop solar installations. This city is like that quiet kid in class who suddenly aces everything without breaking a sweat.

What Makes a City “Smart”?

Here’s the deal, being a smart city is not just about fancy tech or cool infrastructure, it’s all about creating an environment where everything works seamlessly. Other points are:

Smart Mobility: Electric buses, better road networks, and high-tech traffic systems.
Eco-Friendly Vibes: Solar power, waste-to-energy plants, and sustainable housing projects.
Tech Integration: Urban monitoring through command centers, IoT systems, and public Wi-Fi. These cities are basically like upgrading from your old-school flip phone to the latest iPhone everything’s just better.

Is living in a smart city the ultimate life hack?

It’s less chaos and more convenience. Imagine a city where you don’t have to worry about traffic, the water supply never runs out, and you can charge your EV anywhere. That’s what these cities are aiming for. Plus, for tourists, these smart cities are just like amusement parks in cities there’s just so much to see, explore, and experience. Whether it’s a cycle highway in Bhubaneswar or solar-powered streetlights in Surat, places are redefining what it means to be a city. 2024 is only the beginning of these cities. With more projects in the pipeline, the coming years are only going to be more exciting. From advanced AI in urban monitoring to completely green energy sources, these smart cities are leading the charge for a better, more sustainable India. India’s top smart cities are not just places to live, they’re experiences. Each city has its unique flavor and these cities are a testament to how technology can truly enhance our quality of life. Let’s talk about it in the comments, or better yet, plan a trip and see these smart cities for yourself.