International Investors capitalize on 100 Indian Smart Cities program

Prime Minister Modi's most ambitious project to build 100 smart has received support from other countries and international organizations. Under the government's 100 smart cities programme, approved by the Cabinet last month, each selected city will receive central assistance of Rs 100 crore annually for five years driving economic growth and taking progress forward. Special emphasis will be given to participation of citizens in prioritizing and planning urban interventions.

As per industry body NASSCOM, the government's smart cities programme can create business opportunities to the tune of $30-40 billion for the IT sector over the next 5-10 years.

In an ongoing Smart Cities India 2015 expo at Pragati Maidan, Babul Supriyo Minister of Urban Development and for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, present said, “Smart Cities is among the most vital initiatives of our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. To fulfill this dream of building self-sustainable and citizen friendly cities, we need an enlightened mind to make it a reality. It is time we think, plan and act fast. When we know we are walking in the right direction, the only option left for us is to just walk fast. The housing and urban development ministry is working 24 * 7 and is open for innovative ideas to empower the dream of smart cities.”

Guest of Honour for the event H.E. Mr. Harald Sandberg, Ambassador of Sweden said, “It is commendable that India is committed to developing the country in smarter and a sustainable way. Public-private partnership is the way forward for this initiative. Sweden has gained relevant experience through over-coming water and pollution related challenges and thereby transforming Sweden to an eco-friendly country. The ambitious smart cities project in India demands small steps to be taken by every citizen to make it a sprawling success.”

The Smart Cities program will enable Indians to find smarter ways to manage complexities, reduce expenses, increase efficiency, and improve the quality of urban life. The smart cities program has received considerable support and wide spread interest from countries and international organizations to explore investment and collaborative opportunities with India.