The release of Sustainable Urban Development: Economics of Smart Cities in India by Rohit Kashinath Pithale marks a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue around India’s urban future. As India stands on the cusp of a massive urban transformation, this book arrives at a critical moment, offering a timely and insightful exploration into how cities can evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century. With nearly 40% of the population projected to live in urban areas by 2030, the need for intelligent, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable city planning has never been more urgent.
This book provides a multidimensional analysis of smart cities in India through the lens of economics, sustainability, and digital innovation. It serves as a comprehensive guide for policymakers, researchers, students, urban planners, and anyone invested in the future of Indian cities. From infrastructure and technology to governance and resource management, the book covers a wide range of topics that are fundamental to the development of smart and sustainable urban ecosystems. It takes a holistic approach, weaving together theoretical foundations, empirical data, and case studies from across India and the world.
One of the book’s defining features is its balanced presentation of the opportunities and challenges posed by urbanization. It does not just celebrate the promise of smart technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital governance but also critically assesses their implications for equity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability. It examines how the integration of AI and data analytics can enhance urban services and infrastructure while raising important questions about privacy, employment, and digital divides. The book also emphasizes the importance of participatory governance and resilient planning in building cities that are not just smart, but also humane and livable.
What makes the book particularly valuable is its focus on the Indian context. While global best practices are referenced to provide perspective, the heart of the book lies in its grounded understanding of Indian urban realities. It highlights both the unique constraints and the vast potential that India’s cities possess. By delving into real-life case studies from Indian smart city projects, the author offers readers a practical lens to understand policy execution, public-private partnerships, and the socio-economic outcomes of smart city initiatives. These insights are crucial for anyone looking to understand or influence India’s urban development trajectory.
At the core of this book is the vision of its author, Rohit Kashinath Pithale. An economist, researcher, and thought leader, Rohit brings a rare combination of academic rigor and accessible writing. His work spans diverse yet interconnected fields such as climate economics, transportation systems, and artificial intelligence. With his previous books including Economics of Climate Change and AI and Indian Economy: Present and Future, Rohit has established himself as a voice of reason and foresight in the world of economic and policy literature.
His analytical approach is evident in this latest work, where complex ideas are explained with clarity and purpose. Rohit’s mission goes beyond academic discourse—he aims to influence real-world policy by equipping readers with a deeper understanding of systemic challenges and practical pathways to reform. His belief in data-driven, inclusive, and adaptive economic strategies is woven throughout the narrative, making the book both intellectually robust and socially relevant.
Rohit’s ability to connect the dots between economics, governance, and technological evolution enables him to present a forward-looking roadmap for urban development in India. His work inspires a rethinking of urban growth—not merely as an outcome of population pressure, but as an opportunity to innovate and build better systems that serve all citizens equitably. His commitment to mentoring, dialogue, and continuous learning also reflects in the way the book is structured—encouraging readers to think, question, and engage with the subject matter actively.
As India accelerates its journey towards urban modernization, Sustainable Urban Development: Economics of Smart Cities in India is poised to become an essential resource. It invites decision-makers, academicians, and citizens alike to rethink how we shape our cities—not just with concrete and code, but with consciousness and compassion. The book’s release will undoubtedly contribute to important conversations around policy, planning, and sustainability, guiding the creation of cities that are not only technologically advanced but also resilient, inclusive, and truly smart.
