The Ayodhya Development Authority and Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT) have jointly secured the first position in the Smart Infrastructure category at the fifth Smart Urban Innovation Awards by FICCI. The awards were a part of the FICCI Conference focusing on business-friendly cities. The Ayodhya Development Authority was acknowledged for its city beautification and tourist facility project in Ayodhya City. Simultaneously, the SBUT was recognised for its redevelopment project in Bhendi Bazaar, Mumbai.
The Smart Cities Mission, focusing on urban solutions rather than problems, has promoted local sustainability and self-sufficiency. This innovative approach has resulted in more than 5,700 projects, each showcasing advancements in public-private partnerships, localized technology, and tailor-made solutions designed to meet the unique needs of individual cities. The mission has effectively shifted the narrative of urban development, promoting a more holistic and sustainable approach to city planning and management.
The awards aim to recognize the efforts of industry contributors working with cities to enhance liveability, business friendliness, and economic sustainability. The initiative, which allocated funds to cities through a competitive process, promoted inventive ideas for urban transformation. This necessitates a comprehensive approach involving infrastructure, technology, policy-making, sustainability, and innovation.
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) emphasised the importance of public-private partnership in long-term planning and investments. They urged the new government to prioritise the development of business-friendly cities over the next five years.
