Rajkot’s newly inaugurated Atal Smart City is poised to set new benchmarks in urban infrastructure under the central government’s Smart City Mission. Located in Raiya, Rajkot, this state-of-the-art urban zone was inaugurated on Friday by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The project, developed at a cost of Rs 5.5 billion, spans 930 acres and was completed by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) in just over five years, from August 2019 to November 2024. Atal Smart City is designed to accommodate approximately 400,000 residents, offering a balanced mix of residential, commercial, and green spaces. The development includes 50 strategically allocated plots—four for residential areas, six for commercial use, seven for social infrastructure, and 26 for parks and green spaces, ensuring a well-rounded urban experience. Environmental sustainability is a key focus of the city’s design. Natural drains have been preserved, and tree plantations have been carried out along these areas to protect them from encroachment. All electrical infrastructure is routed underground, eliminating overhead power lines and improving both aesthetics and the potential for future public transport developments, such as double-decker buses. The city features an advanced road network spanning 18.21 km, with road widths ranging from 18 to 60 meters, designed to meet the growing transport needs of the city. Included in this network is an 8.51 km Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) corridor, which features 15 modern bus stops, making public transportation more efficient and accessible. Atal Smart City boasts a cutting-edge water management system. It has two separate water supply lines—one for potable water and the other for recycled water, with the goal of conserving up to 30% of potable water. The city also features a 56 million liters per day sewage treatment plant, complemented by a tertiary treatment facility to purify recycled water. Residents will have access to a 24/7 supply of potable water, ensuring reliable and clean access. The city’s innovative stormwater drainage system channels rainwater into three reservoirs, known as Atal Sarovar 1, 2, and 3, to maximise water conservation and reduce urban flooding risks. This design leverages the city’s natural topography for effective water management. The city is built with future-proofing in mind, featuring reinforced concrete ducts that house 66 KV power cables and optical fibre networks. This approach eliminates the need for frequent road excavations and ensures seamless utility maintenance. Atal Smart City promotes eco-friendly transportation with a 14 km-long cycle track and pedestrian-friendly pathways, providing safe alternatives for cyclists and pedestrians and encouraging non-motorised travel. Atal Smart City represents the future of urban development in India. By combining sustainability, innovation, and efficient infrastructure, it addresses current urban challenges while preparing for future needs. The city serves as a model for modern living and sustainable urban growth, setting a high standard for future smart cities in the country. Atal Smart City is not just a major infrastructure project—it’s a reflection of Rajkot’s vision for a sustainable and future-ready urban environment. (smartcity.eletsonline)