The Ayodhya Development Authority and Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT) have jointly secured the top position in the Smart Infrastructure category at FICCI's 5th Smart Urban Innovation Awards. This recognition celebrates their significant contributions to urban development.

Ayodhya Development Authority was recognized for its city beautification and tourist facility project in Ayodhya, which enhances the city's aesthetic appeal and boosts tourism. Meanwhile, SBUT's redevelopment project in Bhendi Bazaar, Mumbai, was honoured for transforming the densely populated area into a modern urban space.

The awards ceremony was part of the FICCI Conference on Business-Friendly Cities, emphasising the importance of collaboration between industry players and cities to improve liveability, business friendliness, economic sustainability, safety, and disaster resilience. The evaluation considered both quantifiable and qualitative parameters, focusing on the projects' progressiveness and scalability.

Jagan Shah, CEO of Infravision Foundation, praised the Smart Cities Mission for shifting focus from urban problems to solutions, promoting local sustainability and self-sufficiency. JVS Ramakrishna from L&T Technology Services highlighted the need for a holistic approach to urban development, involving infrastructure, technology, policies, sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.

FICCI's Secretary General, SK Pathak, emphasised that creating business-friendly cities should be a priority for the government, citing examples like Ahmedabad and Surat as conducive business environments. Efficient urban governance and innovation are crucial for attracting investment and talent, contributing to the nation's growth and development.