Paper Details

ABSTRACT Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing a transformative role in advancing urban sustainability by optimizing energy distribution, improving waste management, enhancing transportation systems, and enabling real-time environmental monitoring. This paper explores AI's integration into urban planning and governance, with a special focus on India's AI-driven initiatives, including the Smart Cities Mission, AIRAWAT, and the India AI Mission. It examines how AI-powered technologies, such as predictive analytics, digital twins, and intelligent automation, contribute to smart city development by improving decision-making, disaster resilience, and public service delivery. The study highlights key government policies supporting AI adoption and the role of industry collaborations in accelerating innovation. Case studies from Indian cities demonstrate AI’s impact on smart infrastructure, digital governance, and environmental sustainability. However, despite these advancements, challenges such as data privacy risks, algorithmic biases, high implementation costs, and infrastructure limitations remain significant barriers. The research underscores the need for robust data governance frameworks, expanded digital infrastructure, AI literacy programs, and regulatory reforms to ensure ethical and inclusive AI deployment. By fostering strategic public-private partnerships, investing in research and development, and promoting sustainable AI practices, India can harness AI’s potential to create smarter, greener, and more resilient cities. The paper concludes by proposing a roadmap for the future, emphasizing the importance of AI-driven policy reforms, technological innovation, and capacity-building initiatives to achieve long-term urban sustainability.

Key Themes: AI in Urban Sustainability, Government Policies, AIRAWAT’s Contribution, Industry Collaborations, Challenges in AI Implementation, Prospects