Jaipur on the Smart Track: A Citizen-Centric Review of the Smart City Vision

Urban development today encompasses more than infrastructure—it integrates technology, sustainability, and inclusive governance. Launched in 2015, India’s Smart City Mission aims to enhance urban living through modern infrastructure and citizen-centric planning. Jaipur, selected among 109 cities, balances historical significance with the pressures of rapid urbanization and infrastructural challenges. This study evaluates the Smart City Mission’s impact in Jaipur by analyzing implementation progress and public perception. Using both primary and secondary data, including a structured survey of 100 residents across varied demographics, the research assesses changes in urban services such as transport, sanitation, water supply, waste management, and digital governance. Findings reveal mixed outcomes: while there are notable improvements in waste collection, pedestrian infrastructure, and heritage conservation, gaps persist in areas like road conditions, public lighting, and digital platforms. Low public engagement with digital tools, limited awareness, and unequal access have hindered broader adoption and effectiveness. Challenges include inter-departmental coordination, funding constraints, and community resistance to change. Despite these, Jaipur shows potential through initiatives like smart mobility corridors, solar projects, and integration with national programs like Digital India. The paper recommends enhancing digital literacy, institutionalizing citizen feedback, and improving data-driven decision-making. It concludes that Jaipur’s smart city transformation must focus not only on infrastructure but also on quality of life, transparency, and inclusive growth. Balancing innovation with cultural heritage, Jaipur’s progress under the Smart City Mission demonstrates both achievements and areas requiring sustained attention.