Comparative Analysis of Smart City Mission and AMRUT Scheme in the Context of Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Pune City, India

Abstract

India’s rapid urbanization has intensified the challenges of managing sustainable urban growth, particularly in major metropolitan centers. Pune, a fast-growing city in western India known for its industrial, educational, and technological significance, exemplifies these pressures as it struggles to balance expanding populations with limited infrastructure capacities. In response, the Government of India has introduced national programs such as the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) to promote sustainable, efficient, and citizen-centric urban development. This study presents a comparative analysis of SCM and AMRUT in the context of Pune, evaluating their planning frameworks, implementation strategies, and contributions to sustainable development. By examining specific initiatives undertaken under each program—ranging from technological innovation to infrastructure improvement—the research highlights their respective strengths, limitations, and long-term implications. The paper concludes by assessing Pune’s trajectory toward sustainability and outlining key opportunities for future urban development.