Some typical features of comprehensive development in Smart Cities are described below.
i. Promoting mixed land use in area-based developments — planning for ‘unplanned
areas’ containing a range of compatible activities and land uses close to one another
in order to make land use more efficient. The States will enable some flexibility in land
use and building bye-laws to adapt to change;
ii. Housing and inclusiveness — expand housing opportunities for all;
iii. Creating walkable localities — reduce congestion, air pollution and resource
depletion, boost local economy, promote interactions and ensure security. The road
network is created or refurbished not only for vehicles and public transport, but also
for pedestrians and cyclists, and necessary administrative services are offered within
walking or cycling distance;
iv. Preserving and developing open spaces — parks, playgrounds, and recreational
spaces in order to enhance the quality of life of citizens, reduce the urban heat effects
in Areas and generally promote eco-balance;
v. Promoting a variety of transport options — Transit Oriented Development (TOD),
public transport and last mile para-transport connectivity;
vi. Making governance citizen-friendly and cost effective — increasingly rely on online
services to bring about accountability and transparency, especially using mobiles
to reduce cost of services and providing services without having to go to municipal
offices; form e-groups to listen to people and obtain feedback and use online
monitoring of programs and activities with the aid of cyber tour of worksites;
vii. Giving an identity to the city — based on its main economic activity, such as local
cuisine, health, education, arts and craft, culture, sports goods, furniture, hosiery,
textile, dairy, etc;
viii. Applying Smart Solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development
in order to make them better. For example, making Areas less vulnerable to disasters,
using fewer resources, and providing cheaper services.