Exploring Livability in the Era of Smart City: A Case of Bhopal

Bhopal is strategically located in Central India and also the Capital city of the State (Province) of Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal city is known for a city of knowledge, with culturally rich communities residing over generations, and also famous for many natural and artificial lakes. Out of the 100 cities chosen under the ambitious Smart Cities Mission by the Government of India, Bhopal has been selected in the first round as one of the 20 lighthouse cities. The Smart Cities Mission aims to transform the city into a future-ready smart city with enhanced livability and sustainability. The primary objective of this research is to assess the livability condition in Bhopal city based on following the three aspects: i) smart transportation, ii) influence of smart living on urban informality, and iii) good governance, including e-Governance and citizen participation. An attempt has also been made to assess livability score in the mobility sector and to understand smart practices with digital technology in the selected slum pockets and also to investigate the relationship between the socio-economic profile of administrative wards and the overall usage of digital governance apps in Bhopal city. The present research provides many clues for policymakers to understand livability conditions and user’s perception towards promoting smart transport and governance, and that can call for a review of the smart city initiatives of Bhopal.