India′s mega urban challenge

The Indian government has allocated an outlay of $15,329.26 million to execute 100 smart cities, and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), which is an urban rejuvenation programme for 500 towns and cities in the next five years.The core infrastructure elements are: adequate water supply; assured electricity supply; sanitation, including solid waste management; efficient urban mobility and public transport; affordable housing especially for the poor; robust IT connectivity and digitalisation; good governance especially e-governance and citizen participation; sustainable environment; storm water drains to reduce flooding; pedestrians, non-motorised and public transport facilities and parking spaces; safety and security of citizens, particularly women, children and the elderly; and health and education.Currently, 31 per cent of India's population live in cities, and generate 63 per cent of the nation's economic activity. Urban population numbers are increasing rapidly, with almost half of India's population projected to live in cities by 2030.India's continued economic growth will be driven by this process.