India, Sept. 8 -- According to the Ministry of Urban Development (2013), cities accommodate nearly 31% of India's current population and contribute 63% of GDP (Census 2011). Urban areas are expected to house 40% of India's population and contribute 75% of India's GDP by 2030. This requires comprehensive development of physical, institutional, social and economic infrastructure. All are important in improving the quality of life and attracting people and investment, setting in motion a virtuous cycle of growth and development. Development of Smart Cities is a step in that direction

Smart cities mission was conceived by the Government of India in 2015 as a response to address the numerous challenges that the growth of urban population cons...