The unplanned and unbridled growth of urban centres in India compounded by unchecked migration has made the living in cities a veritable struggle for an average citizen.

   Lack of civic amenities, piling up garbage, an acute shortage of power and water, ruptured sewer lines, poor public transportation system and traffic snarls have all conspired to turn the “urban life” in India a far from comfortable experience. Against this back drop, the idea of creating “smart cities” has gained in importance with the Narendra Modi led Government making all out efforts to bet big on smart cities as a prescription for the growing urban ills. During his April 2015 visit to France, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed with French President Francois Hollande the investment proposal for developing some of the smart cities in India.

   France on its part has made it clear that it would welcome India’s offer to be....