USINPAC hosted a round table discussion on developing smart cities in India with representatives from government, non-profits, and technology companies. The discussion emphasized the need for model Indian cities with modern infrastructure as populations grow in both rural and urban areas. Creating pollution-free, efficient smart cities was highlighted as a priority to address current air quality problems. Collaboration between leadership, public-private partnerships, and a focus on citizen services over just technology were noted as important factors for successful smart city projects in India.

1. USINPAC Hosts Round Table on
Smart City Development
By Sanjay Puri

2. Introduction
• On June 9, 2015, the US India Political Action Committee
(USINPAC) hosted a round table to generate discussion on the
development of smart cities in India. A product of an
increasingly urbanized and technical world, the term “smart
cities” refers to cities that use innovative technologies to
improve the quality and efficiency of services for their
residents, often prioritizing citizen engagement and resource
conservation.
The round table benefited from the insight of Dr. Udit Raj, a
member of India’s parliament representing Northwest Delhi.
USINPAC also welcomed representatives from organizations
that have led the way in smart city planning and development,
including the Smart City Council, World Bank, and Cisco
Systems.

3. Smart City Development
• Citing India’s growing populations in both rural and urban
areas, Dr. Raj addressed the increasing need for “model”
Indian cities and villages that provide examples of modern,
efficient infrastructure and service technologies. He stressed
the importance of creating smart cities that are pollution free,
noting current air-quality problems in India’s major urban
centers.
USINPAC co-founder Vikram Chauhan commended the
efforts of Dr. Raj and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
to create a framework for smart city development in India. He
highlighted the importance of leadership, vision, and
collaboration to the country’s smart city initiative, noting that
effective smart city projects are service-driven rather than
focusing solely on infrastructural technologies.