IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

A smart city is not defined solely by the use of technology or the presence of sensors, but by its ability to interpret the information it collects from the urban environment and use it to make decisions. Artificial Intelligence is the central axis that allows a city to function in a coordinated, efficient and sustainable manner. In this sense, AI acts as the ‘brain’ that allows large volumes of data to be transformed into concrete actions that improve the functioning of the city. Thanks to this capacity, cities can predict needs, anticipate incidents and adapt their services in real time.

Without AI, the smart city would not be able to learn, evolve or respond to changes in the environment automatically. It is this technology that converts data into useful knowledge to optimise resources.

The development and completion of national databases is a cornerstone in the digital transformation process. When data is standardised, interconnected, and effectively utilised, it becomes a critical foundation for modern governance, digital economic growth, and enhanced national competitiveness.

The Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation identifies data as a key production resource and a central driver for rapid and sustainable development. In parallel, the National Assembly’s issuance of the Law on Data, along with related legislation such as the Law on Digital Technology Industry, the Law on Personal Data Protection, and the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as guiding decrees from the Government, has helped establish a comprehensive legal framework for data governance, utilisation, and protection.

A report that compiles research findings on the implementation of AI-powered surveillance systems in 11 African countries has warned that nations deploying such systems risk collapsing into digital authoritarianism if certain safeguards are not quickly put in place.

The report by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), published this month, examines the deployment of surveillance systems aided by Chinese technology in Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The focus was on surveillance systems that monitor public spaces through facial or vehicle number plate recognition.

IoT Society of India has appointed a Chennai-based technology specialist to head its national division focused on Internet of Things (IoT) applications, a move that reflects the growing importance of connected systems in shaping India’s urban infrastructure and service delivery frameworks.

The leadership change comes at a time when Indian cities are accelerating the adoption of IoT-driven solutions across mobility, utilities and public services. From intelligent traffic systems to smart water management, IoT applications are increasingly embedded in how cities operate. Industry observers say the new appointment signals a stronger push towards scaling these technologies beyond pilot projects into city-wide deployments.

A new study claims that a largely overlooked solution, tube-based freight transport systems, could redefine how goods move within cities. These systems are a potential next-generation logistics layer that operates beneath or alongside traditional road networks, offering faster, cleaner, and more efficient delivery pathways in increasingly dense urban environments.

The study, titled "Smart Urban Logistics and Tube-Based Freight Systems: A Review of Technological Integration and Implementation Barriers", published in Smart Cities, reviews tube-based freight technologies and their role in transforming urban logistics. It evaluates existing models, emerging innovations, and real-world pilot projects while identifying the structural, economic, and governance barriers that continue to limit widespread adoption.

Sovereign AI matters for cities because it helps strengthen and extend smart city efforts -enabling cities to achieve outcomes such as less congestion, faster response times, improved safety, and tangible savings in energy and operations. AI can deliver these results in measurable ways when it is deployed on an architecture designed for low latency, high availability, and clear governance, while keeping sensitive data and operational control under trusted local management. This city-level shift also reflects a broader national trend, as more countries are investing in Sovereign AI to keep critical data, infrastructure, and model governance under local control.

The Smart Zambia Institute has begun the process of engaging an international partner to support the development of Zambia’s national digital identification system.

The project has entered a key implementation phase, with completion targeted for 2026.

The move to bring in an international partner is intended to strengthen local capacity as the country works towards delivering a fully functional and inclusive digital ID system.

Urban technology has advanced rapidly over the past decade, with cities investing heavily in sensors, connectivity, and digital platforms to improve services. These initiatives have delivered meaningful progress, but they have also revealed structural limits: as cities become more complex, they are increasingly focused on transforming existing data into coordinated, real-time action.

Smart cities taught us how to connect urban systems and make city operations more visible through sensors and integrated data. Cities are now looking for ways to strengthen these foundations with more intelligent tools that enhance decision-making and service delivery. Rather than adding more devices, the focus is shifting toward building the capability to act at speed, and toward open, cross-domain platforms that support co-creation across industry, government, and academia. In this context, AI becomes a natural extension of the Smart City framework — enriching and empowering existing strategies rather than replacing them.

Tainan — Taiwan’s oldest city and cultural capital — has quietly transformed into one of the region’s most forward-thinking AI Cities. Building on its early smart‑city programs, Tainan now operates as an open, scalable testbed for next-gen urban innovation, attracting technology providers, research institutions, and international partners.

Sustainable, data-driven urban development

Tainan’s Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City showcases how AI can enhance sustainability at scale. From integrated energy management to intelligent transport systems, the district serves as a proving ground for low-carbon mobility, clean-energy adoption, and autonomous‑vehicle testing. These deployments demonstrate how AI can help cities optimize energy use, reduce emissions, and accelerate green transformation.

Smart city development refers to the integration of advanced technologies and innovative urban planning to enhance the quality of life, sustainability, and operational efficiency in cities. By leveraging data, connectivity, and intelligent infrastructure, smart cities optimize transportation, energy management, public services, and environmental systems. Beyond creating more livable urban environments, these initiatives are significantly influencing real estate, shaping property values, buyer preferences, and investment opportunities.

Cities spent the last decade building digital foundations to transform themselves into Smart Cities—deploying sensors, expanding connectivity, and integrating data to modernize services. These investments created valuable visibility into how cities operate. But visibility alone is no longer enough. As urban systems become more interconnected and complex, the imperative shifts from data gathering to coordinating real-time actions across mobility, energy, safety, and public services.

AI City is that next step: integrating AI into the operating fabric of smart cities so systems can understand context, predict change, and orchestrate responses — reliably, at scale, and under clear governance.

Cities are constantly engaged in data collection, from monitoring traffic and energy usage to demand for public services. Their goal is to detect anomalies like water leaks or traffic congestion before they escalate, and respond faster by dispatching crews, adjusting signal timing, or prioritizing resources. But how does a city do this at scale? That’s the idea behind an AI City: using artificial intelligence to help urban systems understand what’s happening and decide what to do next.

An AI City integrates AI into public services and infrastructure to analyze data, predict needs, and improve how the city operates across areas like mobility, utilities, safety, and citizen services.

Urban planning shapes the spaces where we live, work, and interact with communities.

From housing developments and transport systems to recreational parks and commercial hubs, the decisions made today will define the quality of life of the community for generations to come.

But too often, these decisions are made behind closed doors, with limited input from the communities that will be affected.

Himachal Pradesh is pioneering AI-enabled smart city development while preserving its unique mountain ecosystem. The state leverages platforms like the Him Seva Portal and the Him Data Portal to deliver citizen-centric services and improve governance. Technology initiatives have increased efficiency and yielded significant cost savings.

Himachal Pradesh is setting an example with its AI-enabled smart city initiatives that integrate seamlessly with the state's mountain ecosystem, according to Chief Minister's Principal Advisor for Information Technology and Innovation, Gokul Butail. At the Urban Innovation Summit in Chandigarh, Butail emphasized that innovation is vital for sustainable urban growth.

The Ministry of Labour (MoL) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital transformation and simplifying administrative procedures through its Integrated Digital Gateway, which now provides more than 325 digital services to employers and workers across the country.

According to the ministry, the platform has witnessed significant usage, with over 250,000 transactions completed during the past month alone. The high volume of activity reflects the growing reliance on digital government services and the increasing adoption of online solutions that allow users to complete procedures quickly and efficiently.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially launched the Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System (EPPPS). This digital platform simplifies how residents obtain building permits. On Thursday, Mr. Kehinde Osinaike, General Manager of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), announced the rollout. The initiative modernizes urban planning and accelerates approval timelines for construction projects.

What does it mean to be a "modern" city in the year 2026? It's not only about the height of our skyline or how fast the LRT might go anymore for Mississauga. It's about a quiet, digital infrastructure that has become a part of our everyday lives. From the way we access local arts to how we unwind after a long commute on the 403, technology is acting as the new bridge between community and convenience. This digital renaissance is transforming Canada’s seventh-largest city into a model of 21st-century living, where high-tech meets high-touch.

At a glance

• Who: Nexus, University of Leeds; Terminus Technologies.
• What: Nexus, the collaboration and innovation hub of the University of Leeds, has signed a smart city partnership with Terminus Technologies to deploy urban data mining technology at the university. Multi-spectral cameras will help build a comprehensive dataset to help cities understand and respond to urban environments.
• Why: To provide local authorities with the tools to make more informed, data-driven decisions about urban planning and resource allocation. The partnership aims to envision urban life in 20 years and build the data infrastructure to support smarter, more responsive cities.
• Where: The two sides hope the project will benefit communities across the UK and beyond.

Nexus, University of Leeds, and Terminus Technologies will build a comprehensive dataset to help cities understand and respond to urban environments.

The smartest cities are those that grow without erasing their ecology

When the waters rose in 2014, Srinagar did not merely witness a natural disaster; it experienced the consequences of ecological neglect. Entire neighbourhoods were submerged, roads turned into rivers, and a painful truth surfaced: a city built against its ecology cannot remain secure within it.

In recent years, Srinagar has been positioned within the policy discourse of the “Smart City,” a development paradigm that prioritises digital infrastructure, surveillance systems, technocratic governance, and aesthetic urban renewal. While such interventions promise administrative efficiency and infrastructural modernisation, they invite a critical question in the context of a fragile Himalayan urban ecosystem: can technological modernisation substitute for ecological resilience?

The digital transformation of government is no longer a distant goal but a present-day reality that is rapidly changing the way public services are delivered. From online portals for tax filing and license renewals to AI-powered chatbots assisting citizens 24/7, information technology is revolutionizing the public sector. This transformation is being driven by a combination of citizen expectations, economic pressures, technological advancements, and the urgent need to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.

Governments across the globe are embracing digital transformation to enhance service delivery, reduce operational costs, and foster greater civic engagement. In this article, we will explore the many facets of how IT solutions are reshaping public services, the challenges governments face in adopting these technologies, and the long-term impact on citizens and institutions alike.

Smart city initiatives are generating vast amounts of data from sensors, cameras, mobile devices, and digital service platforms, offering new opportunities to understand how cities function in real time. Researchers are increasingly exploring whether artificial intelligence (AI) systems can integrate these diverse data sources to improve urban planning, infrastructure management, and traffic prediction.

The study Multi-Modal Artificial Intelligence for Smart Cities: Experimental Integration of Textual and Sensor Data, published in the journal Future Internet, analyses how multi-modal AI models can combine traffic sensor data and citizen-reported text information to enhance predictions of traffic congestion severity.

Belagavi has completed the vast majority of projects sanctioned under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), with 98% of the works already finished and the remaining few under implementation, according to information presented in the Rajya Sabha.

In response to an unstarred question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Iranna Kadadi, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs provided details on the progress of Smart City projects in Belagavi.

Inside the real-time technology turning streets and neighbourhoods into spaces that adapt to how people live

Imagine stepping out of your front door on a Tuesday morning, and the city already knows you are running five minutes late. The traffic lights on your usual route have adjusted.

The bus is holding just a moment longer. The pavement beneath your feet, embedded with quiet sensors, has already logged your footsteps as part of a living, breathing data stream that helps the city breathe better too.

1. What are the benefits of smart cities for the UK’s governments, economy, and populace?

   Smart cities aim to leverage technology to enhance quality of life, improve city management, and boost overall efficiency.

   Smart cities help governments promote efficiency and sustainability, addressing challenges like waste, transportation, and energy consumption. Real-time data enables better decision-making, helping governments pinpoint issues and deploy solutions swiftly.

Summary

• Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja informed the National Assembly on Thursday that the government is moving forward with a comprehensive agenda to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen cybersecurity, and safeguard the digital rights of citizens across Pakistan.
• According to Shaza Fatima, the Pakistan Digital Authority will be responsible for drafting a comprehensive national digital master plan.
• On cybersecurity preparedness, Shaza Fatima informed the house that Pakistan already has a national cybersecurity framework in place to protect government networks and public-sector digital infrastructure.

While rivals chase global scale with standardised models, Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group, takes a different approach, building city by city based on what people actually need

For the past decade, “smart city” has been one of the most overhyped phrases in technology, and one of the most disappointing. From Toronto to Singapore, top-down projects have crashed against the same wall: cities are not blank slates. They are alive, chaotic, and resistant to master plans.

At a glance

• Who: City of Inglewood; Wow.
• What: The City of Inglewood in Los Angeles County has partnered with out-of-home media company Wow to install a smart city network.
• Why: In preparation for the 2026 Fifa World Cup and to support the five million annual visitors to its Sports and Entertainment District.
• When: Phase one will be installed in April.

Digital infrastructure is being installed ahead of 2026 Fifa World Cup and to support the five million annual visitors to its Sports and Entertainment District.

UK ranks fourth, Chile vaults into top 10 as digitization reshapes global landscape

The OECD has published its 2025 results and key findings from the Digital Government Index (DGI) and Open, Useful and Re-usable Data Index (OURdata).

The DGI “benchmarks the efforts made by governments to establish the foundations necessary to achieve a coherent, human-centred digital transformation of the public sector.” The OURdata Index “measures governments’ efforts to design and implement national open government data policies.”

A glimpse into a future where technology breathes with us, making our urban spaces more sustainable and connected.

As we move deeper into the decade, the concept of a "home" is shifting from a simple physical shelter to an intelligent ecosystem. By 2030, our cities won't just be concrete jungles; they will be living, breathing organisms powered by Artificial Intelligence and renewable energy. This transition is not just about luxury; it’s about survival and sustainability in a rapidly changing world.

In a positive development for the state, 99% of the projects that were scheduled to be taken up under the Smart City scheme were commissioned.

Chasing a deadline of Mar 15, in the latest review carried out by the urban development department, it was found that out of the total 682 projects, that were sanctioned to improve the ease of living for urban residents, 677 were completed. Out of the remaining five projects, three could be inaugurated within a week, while the remaining ones, too, would be made operational by Mar 14, said senior officials.

The Digital Transformation Agency has secured a new five-year Volume Sourcing Agreement on behalf of the Australian Government, reinforcing efforts to modernise digital infrastructure and support long-term technology adoption across government agencies.

The arrangement focuses on ensuring consistent, reliable, secure, and efficient access to essential information and communication technology platforms and online services used throughout the entire Australian public sector.

By the end of this month, citizens will be able to use their ID card and driver's license in electronic form.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation expects final comments from Poland, where the application has been sent for testing, within 3 weeks.

However, whether a digital ID card or driver's license will be accepted for identification will remain at the discretion of the institutions.

The Federal Government, in partnership with MTN Nigeria, has unveiled a nationwide digital city platform, MyCityApp Nigeria, in Abuja, marking a new phase in efforts to deepen digital infrastructure and smart city development across the country.

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, who led the launch in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday, described the platform as a strategic step in Nigeria’s digital transformation drive.

Philippine GMA City Delegation Benchmarking Digital Twin and Spatial Information Systems

Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Shin Sangjin) announced on the 27th that a delegation from General Mariano Alvarez (GMA) City in the Philippines visited Seongnam to benchmark its spatial-information-based scientific administrative decision-making model.

Dubai is a city where “impossible” is just a starting point. Whether it’s the goal of making 25% of all transportation autonomous by 2030 or the push for a completely paperless government, the emirate is the world’s leading laboratory for urban innovation. However, a smart city is more than its skyscrapers and high-speed rail; it is defined by how effortlessly its people move.

As we look at the logistics of the UAE’s “Smart City” pillars, one technology has emerged as a surprisingly critical bridge: the Uber clone. While the term “clone” often suggests a simple copy, in the context of Uber clone app development, it represents a highly sophisticated, localized digital infrastructure that is helping the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) turn vision into reality.

Ho Chi Minh City is building a governance model where real-time data, AI and digital twins guide decisions and reshape daily urban life.

In 2026, Ho Chi Minh City will focus on cleansing, standardizing and effectively leveraging data to operate a truly smart city. Public services will shift from “processing applications” to “serving needs.”

James Gee, Head of Digital and IT Framework Agreements at NHS Shared Business Services, provides insights on public sector transformation, including the Digital Workplace Solutions 2 framework agreement

Ageing networks, siloed systems and outdated processes block ambitions across the NHS and wider public sector to harness artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), automation and emerging technologies. Modernisation begins with rebuilding and securing IT infrastructure – the bedrock for transforming service delivery. NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has designed a £2.5 billion Digital Workplace Solutions contract that offers a streamlined route to accelerate transformation and future innovation.

This initiative, funded by FAO, is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to reduce the digital divide and ensure inclusive access to public digital services for all citizens.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Administration Modernization (MTNIMA) has taken a significant step toward accelerating digital transformation in Bassiknou with the official inauguration of a new digital service desk. The opening ceremony was led by Mr. Yacoub Mohamed Boïlil, Technical Advisor in charge of Development and Interoperability at the Minister’s Office, in the presence of the Deputy Prefect of Bassiknou, Acting Prefect Mr. Mouttaly Abdellahi, and Mr. Khaled Sid’Elemin, representing the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Latest Vietnam news reveals a major push in infrastructure development led by the Ministry of Construction, aiming to accelerate digital transformation across the country. In 2026, these initiatives are shaping the construction sector into a more efficient, technology-driven, and sustainable ecosystem. The government is focusing on modernising public services, integrating smart technology, and supporting environmentally friendly urban growth, reflecting a long-term vision for a data-driven, transparent administration.

Pakistan is pursuing a massive digital transformation, led by the new Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), to create a citizen-centric, digitally empowered nation. Key initiatives are already boosting efficiency, expanding digital inclusion and strengthening the digital economy. The PDA’s success will be measured by its ability to build public trust, ensure inclusivity and maintain ethical safeguards.

Pakistan is charting an ambitious course toward a citizen-centric, digitally empowered nation under the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025 and the National Digital Commission. At the heart of this transformation lies the newly established Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), mandated to design, implement and oversee a coherent digital governance framework across the public sector.

How Modern Municipal Parking Software Can Solve Urban Complexities

Across the US, municipal leaders are facing a breaking point. The mandate is no longer just to “enforce parking”, it is to manage the curb, reduce congestion, and meet climate goals. Yet, many departments are hindered by rigid, siloed systems that treat residential permits, construction zones, and parking citations as three unrelated events.

While many domestic legacy providers offer “standard” platforms, they often trap cities in a cycle of expensive change orders and disconnected data. The solution to this gridlock lies with a modern municipal parking software, technology designed specifically to handle the density and regulatory complexity of modern cities. To see this software in action, we look at some of the forward-thinking cities Unity5 currently work with in the UK, where high-density councils have already successfully deployed these advanced strategies.

Hey guys! Let’s dive into the buzzing world of IoT Tijuana, specifically focusing on the latest news surrounding SCPolíticas (Smart City Policies) and the developments in SC (Smart City) initiatives. This article is your go-to guide for understanding how technology is transforming Tijuana, Mexico, and the political landscape shaping its future. We’ll explore the exciting possibilities of the Internet of Things (IoT), how it’s being implemented, the challenges faced, and the policies driving these changes. Get ready for a deep dive into the heart of Tijuana’s technological evolution!

Mozambique will digitize all government services, modeling its approach on Kenya and Rwanda in a bid to consolidate revenue collection and improve the country’s competitiveness, President Daniel Chapo announced Tuesday.

Speaking at the opening of Mozambique’s first national conference on digital transformation in Maputo, Chapo framed the initiative as a governance overhaul rather than a technological upgrade. “Countries are not transformed only through physical infrastructure,” he said. “They are also transformed through digital infrastructure that connects citizens to the state and to opportunity.”

The construction work of the state-of-the-art Common Service Centre (CSC) being built at Mithapur in Patna is on the verge of completion. Being built at a cost of Rs 30 crore, the project is estimated to be completed by the end of February. Spread over 26,000 square feet, the CSC will provide a one-stop solution for students as well as city residents, offering facilities ranging from banking services to beauty parlours and salons. The innovative design will create a vibrant community space for young minds to connect and flourish. The project is being executed under the Patna Smart City Limited (PSCL).

Designed for 5 years, mission was extended till March 2025

Nearly 60 per cent of the 112 developmental projects under the Haryana Start City Mission experienced delays ranging from a few days to more than four years.

The several delays have been attributed to issues like lack of encumbrance-free sites, site clearance, and drawing revisions, according to a CAG report tabled in the Haryana Assembly Friday.

With more than half of the world’s population living in cities, and urban areas responsible for over 60% of greenhouse gas emissions, it’s clear we need to be smarter about urban planning and development.

The term ‘smart city’ seems ubiquitous when it comes to urban sustainability discourse and practice, but what does it actually mean?

To find out, The Future Of podcast team spoke with Dr Courtney Babb, a senior lecturer in the School of Design and the Built Environment. They explore what makes a city ‘smart’ as well as the possibilities and potential risks of using ‘intelligence’ to improve the quality of life for urban citizens.

Read a snippet below or listen the full episode.

Ho Chi Minh City is entering a new era of governance, where public services and sweeping digital transformation are reshaping how citizens and businesses interact with the State, laying the foundation for a smarter and more livable metropolis. Ho Chi Minh City is undergoing a sweeping transformation, driven by a government that emphasizes proactivity and service, with digital innovation now woven into the daily lives of both citizens and businesses.

Dubai-based technology innovator Faraz Ahmed explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and data-centric platforms could reshape urban energy management, supporting smarter grids, improved reliability, and more sustainable city infrastructure.

The global energy sector is rapidly evolving as cities move toward digital transformation, sustainability, and smart infrastructure. With increasing electricity demand, renewable energy integration, and urban population growth, intelligent energy management has become a critical priority for modern cities.

HCM City is quickly becoming the heart of Vietnam’s digital transformation, setting the pace for how technology can reshape government, business, and daily life. Experts say this shift isn’t just about digitizing services—it’s about building a foundation for the country’s long-term growth and modernization. As Vietnam targets high middle-income status by 2030, HCM City’s efforts in digital tools and infrastructure are crucial for sustaining economic momentum and enhancing governance.

Cyprus has outlined a broader push to digitalise public administration in 2026 after expanding online services last year, aiming to simplify procedures for citizens and businesses and move state operations onto upgraded technological infrastructure.

Deputy Minister of Research Nicodemos Damianou presented this week, the 2025 review and the planning for the coming year, saying the previous year marked a milestone for the digital transition, while the next phase concerns deeper integration and interconnection of systems across the public sector.

Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) issued 8,385 no-objection certificates (NOCs) for roadworks, excavation and construction projects across various areas of Sharjah city in 2025.

The certificates covered both new and existing projects requiring the connection, modification, or upgrading of electricity, water, gas, and fibre-optic networks.

The government has intensified efforts to transform urban spaces by launching new initiatives under the Smart City Mission. These initiatives aim to create future-ready infrastructure that can support rapid urbanization, enhance quality of life, and ensure sustainable development. By integrating technology, data, and citizen-centric services, the mission envisions cities that are not only modern but also resilient and efficient.

Key Objectives of the New Initiatives

The latest projects under the Smart City Mission are guided by several objectives:

• Sustainable Urban Development – Promoting eco-friendly infrastructure and energy-efficient systems.
• Digital Connectivity – Expanding high-speed internet, IoT networks, and smart monitoring systems.
• Improved Public Services – Enhancing healthcare, transportation, and waste management through technology.
• Resilience and Disaster Management – Ensuring infrastructure is prepared for climate change and natural calamities.

Officials say the system has significantly improved response time, accountability and data-driven decision-making in the NDMC region.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has strengthened real-time governance and civic monitoring through its Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), set up in 2020 under the Smart City project at a cost of Rs 65 crore. The high-tech facility currently keeps watch over nearly 17 essential public services, ranging from sanitation and traffic flow to environmental conditions.

The commissioner of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has directed civic officials to assume full administrative and operational control of all ongoing and completed projects implemented under the Smart Cities Mission by March 31.

The directive signals a crucial transition phase as the special purpose vehicle (SPV) model created for Smart City execution approaches closure. The Smart Cities framework, introduced by the Union government to promote technology-driven urban transformation, operated through SPVs that independently executed projects ranging from smart roads and adaptive traffic systems to command-and-control centres and upgraded public amenities. With the mission timeline nearing its end, municipal bodies are now required to integrate these assets into their regular governance and maintenance systems. Officials have been instructed to fast-track documentation, financial audits, vendor clearances, and asset inventories to avoid administrative bottlenecks.

Investment in artificial intelligence will support development of the technology as an enabler for digital twins across many application areas, but analysts are concerned that AI spending has created a bubble that is ready to pop

A popular topic of conversation of late has been the existence of an artificial intelligence (AI) bubble and the likelihood that it will burst with great detriment to the IT industry as a whole. Yet, and perhaps surprisingly, the impact of a bursting bubble on digital twins might not be as problematic as one might think.

Pimpri Chinchwad municipal commissioner Shravan Hardikar has directed civic officials to take over all ongoing and completed projects implemented under the Smart City Mission by March 31.

A senior PCMC official told TOI that once the decision is implemented, the Smart City Mission office will cease to exist, and all projects will be formally handed over to the respective departments of the civic body for execution and maintenance.

At a glance

• Who: Berg Insight.
• What: The IoT market research provider has published its latest Smart Cities: Connected Public Spaces report, which shows how smart cities are prioritising ROI and operational savings and service when it comes to implementing digital solutions.
• Why: To provide insight and intelligence across the smart city sector, focusing on areas such as smart street lighting, smart parking, smart waste collection, urban air quality monitoring and smart city surveillance.
• When: The report includes data from 2024 usage and implementations and includes five-year industry forecasts and expert commentary.

Latest research from Berg Insight finds cities want digital solutions that deliver tangible outcomes, marking a shift away from tech-led experimentation.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday inaugurated a new digital payment platform that allows citizens to pay government bills electronically through participating banks, as part of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) push toward digital transformation.

The platform, called e-Psule - meaning bill in Kurdish - has been approved by the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), with Deloitte appointed to audit its payment processes. A KRG statement said the system, launched under Barzani’s supervision, “is a unified national system for delivering government bills digitally.”

• Djibouti launched its Mobile ID platform to enable secure digital identification and access to public and private services.
• The government positioned Mobile ID as a core pillar of administrative modernisation and digital economy development.
• Authorities pledged to store biometric data exclusively at the Interior Ministry to address privacy and data sovereignty concerns.

Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh officially launched the Mobile ID platform on Monday, February 9. The launch took place alongside the closing session of the National Digital Identity Forum held at the People’s Palace under presidential patronage.

Takeaways

• The Unified Digital Portal of the Greek public administration, gov.gr, has evolved into a central digital hub hosting over 2,230 services.
• The new gov.gr, through the CRM project, offers personalized access to services and appointments for citizens and businesses.
• This modernization aims to improve service quality, speed up request processing, and enhance interoperability within the public administration.
• Citizens will now have a centralized view of all their transactions and affairs in one place.
• The portal is transitioning from a service list to an intelligent, integrated system focused on personalization and user experience.

The aim of the new Gov.gr is the transition from a large list of services to a single, personalized point of contact between the citizen and the state - "The citizen will interact with the state in a unified and personalized way" says Dimitris Papastergiou

The Victorian Government has commenced a trial of digital birth certificates in three local government areas.

Minister for Government Services, Danny Pearson said the technology will give parents fast and secure access to their child’s birth certificate on their mobile phone for the first time.

As an alternative to paper certificates, participating parents across Wyndham City Council, City of Casey and Mitchell Shire Council municipalities can now use the new digital birth certificate to enrol children in kindergarten programs.

Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s willingness to collaborate with investors to accelerate development and generate employment opportunities for residents of the state.

Otti made this known at the Government House in Umuahia during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of the Aba Commercial Smart City, a project expected to generate about 125,000 jobs.

Among 100 selected cities across the country, only 31 have been converted to 'smart' cities under a five-year project beginning in 2016, which has been extended thrice, according to an RTI reply by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

In response to the query filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the ministry informed that 43 cities are near completion, and it will take some time to convert the remaining 26 cities.

The Smart Cities Mission project aims to improve the quality of life in 100 cities by providing efficient services, robust infrastructure, and sustainable solutions. The project was to be completed in four phases.

At a glance

• Who: Msheireb Properties; Ooredoo Qatar; Honeywell; Msheireb Downtown Doha.
• What: Qatar real-estate developer Msheireb Properties is working with Ooredoo Qatar and Honeywell to help automate and manage the smart city Msheireb Downtown Doha using a next-gen AI-powered platform.
• Why: The platform is being designed to integrate operational performance data from the city’s services, while a digital twin of the city infrastructure will enable engineers to model planned updates and reduce system downtime.
• Where: Msheireb Downtown Doha is located in the heart of Doha, Qatar.

Msheireb Properties is collaborating with Ooredoo Qatar and Honeywell to use an AI platform to automate and manage the Doha smart city, Msheireb Downtown.

Iveda has launched its new Traffic Management Module within IvedaAI, expanding the platform into real-time intersection monitoring, traffic optimisation and automated road safety analytics.

The launch comes as Iveda is actively engaging with multiple American cities and transportation agencies for traffic and mobility pilot deployments in 2026 – positioning traffic management as a significant new growth opportunity within the company’s smart city roadmap.

According to a recent LinkedIn post from Keragon, a large majority of global cities are reportedly planning private network deployments, particularly private LTE and 5G, as smart city initiatives scale from pilot projects to citywide, mission-critical services. The post suggests that municipal authorities are prioritizing greater control over performance, traffic prioritization, and security, positioning private networks as a key enabler of always-on, resilient connectivity for public safety, operations, and real-time decision-making at the edge.

I was visiting a highly advanced urban community last year when something small but remarkable happened.

Walking through a modern public housing neighborhood, I noticed the street lights adjusting their brightness as people walked past. Not simple motion-sensor lights like we see in many places. These were part of a connected network that tracked foot traffic patterns, adjusted lighting for energy efficiency, and fed data into a centralized system monitoring the entire neighborhood.

The resident I was walking with barely noticed. “Oh yeah, they’ve been doing that for a while,” she said casually.

India’s cities are at a turning point. With rapid urbanization, growing populations, Urban Tech and increasing pressure on resources, traditional infrastructure is no longer sufficient to support modern urban living. To meet these challenges, India is embracing smart infrastructure, a blend of technology, innovation, and sustainable design aimed at improving the quality of life and optimizing urban systems.

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and other digital technologies is transforming how cities are built, managed, and experienced. From intelligent traffic systems to energy-efficient buildings, smart infrastructure is redefining India’s path toward becoming a digitally empowered economy.

The Dean, Faculty of Environmental Studies, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr Kola Lawal, has stressed the need to leverage on technology and proper planning to reduce urban insecurity.

Lawal said this while delivering a paper titled ‘Smart Urbanism for Safer Communities’ at the investiture ceremony of TPL Olusola Odukoya and other executive members of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Ogun State Chapter, that only effective policy-making would address this challenge.

For artificial intelligence in government to have positive impact, it must be trusted by the employees using it and the citizens whose lives may be affected by it. As Jennifer Robinson, global strategic advisor for SAS’ public sector practice makes clear, AI governance is imperative to ensuring responsible use. So what exactly does AI governance comprise, and how should it be approached and implemented?

There is a disconnect between embracing and governing AI within governments.

A recent IDC Data and AI Impact Report found that while 78% of public sector organisations globally say they fully trust AI, only 40% have invested in the governance and safeguards needed to make that trust well‑founded.

• Memorandum of understanding signed
• Package of pilot projects planned
• Port records sharp increase in traffic

Jordan has launched a project to build a smart city at its southern Aqaba port with technical assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (Aseza) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with JICA, which has been involved in several development projects in Jordan.

A local municipality in Limpopo has announced a R7-billion smart city project to develop the Lebowakgomo Business Area, a small town 50km south of Polowane in South Africa’s northernmost province.

Meriam Molala, the mayor of the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, said key budget requirements include R35 million for ICT broadband and R100 million for strategic road expansions.

The road expansions include upgrades along the Orrie Baragwanath Panorama Route. This main road passes in front of the tract of land occupied by the Limpopo provincial legislature, where the city is to be built.

Hanoi police are spearheading the capital’s smart city development, linking public security with digital transformation and sustainable urban growth.

Hanoi’s Public Security force is taking a pioneering role in building the city’s smart urban development plan, said Party Secretary Nguyen Duy Ngoc at a meeting with retired police officers ahead of the Lunar New Year 2026 on February 1.

Federal CIO Greg Barbaccia unveils ambitious "one government" strategy to overhaul digital services through unified standards and shared platforms, prioritizing tangible outcomes over technical metrics in the most comprehensive federal IT transformation attempt in decades.

The federal government is embarking on its most ambitious digital transformation initiative in decades, with Federal Chief Information Officer Greg Barbaccia unveiling a comprehensive strategy to overhaul how agencies deliver services to Americans. At the heart of this effort lies a fundamental shift: moving away from siloed, agency-specific systems toward a unified “one government” approach that treats the federal bureaucracy as a single enterprise rather than hundreds of disconnected entities.

Highlights

• Edge AI cameras process video data on-site, allowing for quicker responses and reduced network bandwidth use.
• Cities use AI-powered cameras to improve traffic flow, spot accidents, and enhance urban mobility.
• Edge AI goes beyond surveillance; it also supports public safety and environmental monitoring in real time.
• Responsible governance and privacy-by-design are crucial for gaining public trust in smart city projects.

Cities around the world are quickly adopting smart technologies to handle growing populations, complex infrastructure, and environmental challenges. Cameras have long been a part of urban surveillance. However, traditional camera systems mainly serve as passive recording tools, depending on centralized data centers to analyze events after they happen.