Greening India’s smart cities: From budgetary intent to scalable impact

The recent announcement of the Urban Challenge Fund in the Union Budget marks a pivotal shift in India’s urban development strategy. By positioning “Cities as Growth Hubs” and enabling “Creative Redevelopment”, the initiative reflects growing recognition that India’s economic future, climate resilience, and overall livability will be shaped by our cities.

Urban India already drives over 60% of the country’s GDP, despite occupying just 3% of its land. By 2036, nearly 600 million Indians—close to 40% of population—will call cities…