Transforming Traditional Cities to Smart Cities: An Overview of Hriday Scheme, India

Abstract

Transformation of the traditional cities into smart cities is an effort towards emphasizing the significance of traditional cities. It also attempts to magnify city functions to promote economic growth which helps in enhancing the living quality. However, gradual modifications and advancement in people’s living style leads to deterioration of built heritage. In 2015, the government of India introduced the HRIDAY Scheme under smart city mission with the dream to rejuvenate the character of the traditional cities. Conversely, through findings, it has been revealed there is a considerable difference among the government’s initiatives and the local community’s aspirations. This paper discusses the approaches of HRIDAY scheme which were implemented in 12 selected traditional cities and the resultant challenges are elaborated through qualitative and quantitative analysis. The present research paper identifies five key indicators that require deliberation while planning the revitalization process, based on which a theoretical framework can be developed.