02303nam a22001577a 4500999001900000008004100019100003300060245008300093260004600176300003200222520162800254650010301882773004601985942000702031952010702038  c533560d533560260603b           ||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d  aDebnath, Roma Mitra  960986  aCatalysing Varanasi’s renaissance: VSCL’s Data-driven urban transformation  aIndian Journal of Public Administration    a72(1), Mar, 2026: p.144-161  aThis 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
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  a•	Data-driven governance, Smart city mission, Varanasi rebalances, Urban transformation. 960987  aIndian Journal of Public Administration    cAR  00102ddc40709408741aIIPAbIIPAd2026-06-03h72(1), Mar, 2026: p.144-161pAR139049r2026-06-03yAR