02188nam a22001457a 4500 533560 533560 260603b ||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d Debnath, Roma Mitra 60986 Catalysing Varanasi’s renaissance: VSCL’s Data-driven urban transformation Indian Journal of Public Administration 72(1), Mar, 2026: p.144-161 This case study examines Varanasi Smart City Limited’s (VSCL) transformative role in revitalising Varanasi under India’s Smart Cities Mission, launched in June 2015. Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, faces unique challenges like narrow streets and traffic congestion, necessitating a balanced approach to modernisation. With a financial allocation of approximately Rs. 10 billion (Rs. 1,017.69 crore), VSCL aimed to integrate modern urban solutions such as data-driven governance, smart infrastructure and digital amenities, while preserving the city’s ancient cultural heritage, including its historic ghats, temples and spiritual significance. The study documents VSCL’s initiatives, including the Kashi Integrated Command and Control Centre (KICCC), the ArGIS platform for geospatial planning and projects like the Rudraksh International Convention Centre, which exemplify data-centric urban planning. These efforts enhance civic services, tourism and sustainability, fostering community engagement and economic growth. The CEO’s decision-making dilemma centres on prioritising projects that harmonise innovation with heritage. Through visionary leadership and stakeholder collaboration, VSCL demonstrates a model for sustainable urban renaissance in historic cities, offering global insights into blending tradition with technology for inclusive development.- Reproduced https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00195561261427553?_gl=1*1vn61z3*_up*MQ..*_ga*NDAzODY0ODQxLjE 3ODA0NzcwMjI.*_ga_60R758KFDG*czE3ODA0NzcwMjEkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODA0NzcwMjEkajYwJGwxJGg5NjgyNDQ3ODE. • Data-driven governance, Smart city mission, Varanasi rebalances, Urban transformation. 60987 Indian Journal of Public Administration AR 0 0 ddc 0 0 408741 IIPA IIPA 2026-06-03 72(1), Mar, 2026: p.144-161 AR139049 2026-06-03 AR