In a world where technology reigns supreme, Indian cities are stepping up to the AI plate – albeit somewhat nervously. Bengaluru is taking the lead, ranking 26th globally in the 2025 AI City Index. That’s impressive, right? But let’s not get too cocky. Other major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata are trailing behind, trying to catch up. Sure, they’re growing in AI deployment, but it’s clear they have some serious work to do. They’re like the awkward runner-up at a race.
Indian cities are embracing AI, with Bengaluru leading the way, but others are still racing to catch up.
India is now in the same league as global AI hubs like Riyadh and Hangzhou, which is something to write home about. But here’s the kicker: there’s still a huge gap to fill. Indian cities are crying out for thorough AI roadmaps and regulatory frameworks. Until that happens, AI might just be a shiny new toy without a manual. And toys without instructions tend to get broken quickly. Much like autonomous vehicles, these systems require robust safety measures to prevent failures.
Take Aurangabad as an example. They’ve integrated an AI chatbot into their e-governance system. Sounds futuristic, doesn’t it? Citizens can now conveniently issue certificates, handle grievance redressals, and make bill payments. Complaints are automated, and if something isn’t resolved within two weeks, it gets escalated. It’s almost like the city’s got a digital watchdog. That’s a good start, but other cities need to catch up and get a grip on similar tech. Many municipalities aim to come together under the Smart Cities Mission for developing smart solutions.
Then there’s Jabalpur, getting clever with 3D city models and drone imagery to keep tabs on property changes. They’ve managed to bump their property tax revenue up by ₹30 crore—clearly, the city’s got its eye on the money. AI solutions for stray cattle management have also been implemented in other cities to help enhance their urban services.
And let’s not forget smart cities. Maharashtra boasts some of the top-tier ones, using AI and IoT to upgrade everything from energy to transport and municipal services. Talk about putting tech to good use!
AI isn’t just about numbers, though. It helps the everyday citizen too with traffic and public safety. Automatic number plate recognition has made its way into the streets, spotting rule-breakers. And predictive policing is helping keep crime at bay.
In the end, AI’s presence in Indian cities reflects a movement towards smarter urban living. It’s a monumental shift, but just wait until these cities figure out how to manage and optimize all that potential. Who knows? The future might not be as scary as it seems.
