In this wide-ranging conversation with ETGovernment, he discussed the city’s challenges, opportunities, and roadmap for the next five years. He outlined how Jaipur is positioning itself as a future-ready metropolis, the role of technology and PPP models, and why citizen participation will ultimately define the success of the city’s urban transformation.
Jaipur is often celebrated as the Pink City, a heritage hub, and a global tourist destination. But when people talk about “future cities” in India, names like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, or even Dubai abroad often dominate the conversation. Do you believe Jaipur can join that league of future-ready cities?
I firmly believe Jaipur is already on that path. When people think of future cities, they usually associate them with modern infrastructure, efficient public services, and innovation. Jaipur, despite being a heritage city, is steadily building these attributes.
For instance, we already have a Metro system in place, and the planned Metro Phase-II will significantly improve mobility. The Smart City projects, worth nearly ₹1,000 crore, are not just about technology but about redesigning urban spaces with sustainability and inclusivity in mind. We are introducing IT-enabled services, strengthening e-governance, and ensuring that citizen complaints and services are resolved faster.
What sets Jaipur apart is that we are not simply imitating other cities. We are developing our own model—a city that is modern, connected, and sustainable while retaining its unique cultural identity. Tourists visit us for our heritage, but increasingly, they will also see Jaipur as a city where technology and tradition co-exist harmoniously.
Urban governance is always a complex challenge, particularly in cities that balance heritage with modern growth. What are the biggest issues you face in Jaipur, and how are you working to address them?
Urban governance is about addressing the daily realities of citizens while keeping long-term planning in mind. For Jaipur, the challenges are multi-dimensional.
One persistent issue is waterlogging. Take the example of Sikar Road. For years, citizens struggled with waterlogging during monsoons, creating not just inconvenience but also health hazards. Over the past year, we have undertaken corrective work, including stormwater drainage projects worth more than ₹200 crore. These will permanently address the issue.
Road quality is another concern. Potholes and uneven surfaces are common complaints. We are now using durable materials and advanced technologies to ensure roads last longer. Within the next two to three years, citizens will see a visible improvement in road conditions across Greater Jaipur.
Other pressing issues include stray animals and the sheer volume of tourists. Jaipur attracts millions of visitors annually, and this puts immense pressure on civic services. We are introducing better animal control measures, improving public sanitation facilities, and deploying technology-based solutions for real-time issue tracking.
Governance in Jaipur is not about quick fixes, it is about laying a foundation that ensures resilience for the next decade. That is the guiding principle behind our work.
Traffic congestion is one of the most visible pain points in Jaipur, particularly in the heritage core. What solutions are being implemented to address mobility issues?
Mobility is central to any city’s liveability. Jaipur, with its narrow heritage lanes and growing population, has unique mobility challenges.
Several solutions are being worked on simultaneously. First, infrastructure upgrades such as new flyovers are easing bottlenecks at critical points. Second, we are regulating e-rickshaw movement more effectively. While e-rickshaws are eco-friendly and affordable, unregulated clustering creates traffic jams. We are creating designated stands and routes to streamline their use.
Daily anti-encroachment drives are another critical step. Encroachments on roads reduce carriageway space, adding to congestion. By clearing these regularly, we are reclaiming public space for mobility.
Most importantly, Metro Phase-II will be transformative. Once operational, it will offer a reliable, sustainable, and fast alternative for thousands of daily commuters. This will not only reduce road traffic but also promote greener urban mobility. For tourists, seamless connectivity from heritage zones to modern city areas will enhance their experience.
So, the mobility strategy is not one-dimensional—it combines infrastructure, regulation, enforcement, and mass transit.
Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage City. Preserving heritage while modernising must be a delicate balance. How is this balance being maintained?
Heritage is Jaipur’s greatest asset, and preserving it is non-negotiable. At the same time, we cannot freeze the city in time. Development has to continue, but in a way that respects our cultural fabric.
The Walled City by-laws are a prime example. They ensure that any new construction within the heritage zone adheres to strict architectural guidelines. The Pink façades, the uniform heights, the traditional styles—all of this is regulated so that the visual integrity of the city remains intact.
At the same time, Smart City projects worth around ₹1,000 crore have been designed to modernise infrastructure without disturbing heritage. For example, we have upgraded drainage, lighting, and road surfaces in the Walled City while maintaining the historical aesthetics.
Upcoming projects like the Central Business District will also be developed with this philosophy: modernisation with cultural sensitivity. The idea is that Jaipur should not lose its soul while becoming a future-ready city.
Waste management and sanitation have long been seen as Jaipur’s weak points, especially compared to cities like Indore or Surat. What progress has been made on this front?
You are right—sanitation has been one of Jaipur’s toughest challenges. But we are making steady progress.
Currently, around 630 hoppers are deployed for waste collection across Greater Jaipur, complemented by a similar fleet in the Heritage Nigam. This ensures door-to-door collection in most wards. The challenge is ensuring coverage in every single household and strict compliance.
To tackle illegal dumping, we are installing nearly 200 CCTV cameras at vulnerable points. These are linked to a central monitoring system. Anyone found dumping waste illegally will be fined, and enforcement will be strict.
Technology is also playing a big role. GPS trackers are fitted on collection vehicles to monitor routes. AI-based systems are being explored to predict waste generation patterns and optimize collection.
We are also focusing on waste-to-energy projects. Composting, RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel), and power generation from waste are all being executed through PPP models.
Ultimately, though, citizen behaviour is key. If residents hold onto their waste until the hopper arrives instead of throwing it on the streets, we can quickly rise in Swachh rankings. Cities like Indore achieved success because of strong citizen cooperation. Jaipur can do the same.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are becoming central to urban development. How is Jaipur Municipal Corporation using PPP models?
We strongly believe in the PPP approach because it combines the efficiency of private enterprises with the accountability of public governance.
In waste management, PPPs are already operational for waste-to-energy plants, composting facilities, and RDF projects. These not only handle waste more effectively but also generate useful byproducts like energy and compost.
In energy efficiency, the conversion of nearly 2.5 lakh streetlights into LEDs was carried out through a PPP model. This has dramatically reduced electricity consumption, saving both money and energy.
Looking ahead, PPPs will be vital for larger infrastructure projects—whether it is parking facilities, housing, or urban transport. By involving private partners, we can bring in capital investment, advanced technology, and professional management.
The key is to design contracts carefully, ensuring that the public interest is always safeguarded. Jaipur is committed to scaling PPPs responsibly.
Looking five years ahead, what is your vision for Jaipur?
My vision is for Jaipur to remain Jaipur. That may sound simple, but it is very important. The city must retain its identity as a heritage and cultural hub while embracing modernity.
In five years, I see Jaipur where traffic congestion is significantly reduced because of Metro Phase-II and better road management. I see a city where waste is no longer dumped on streets but managed responsibly through technology and citizen cooperation.
I envision cleaner air, greener spaces, and more sustainable housing. The city will also see stronger industrial growth, creating jobs and opportunities for youth.
Most importantly, I see a Jaipur where governance is not just top-down but collaborative. Citizens must play their part—whether in waste segregation, traffic discipline, or heritage preservation. If the people of Jaipur work hand-in-hand with the government, our city can truly become a model for others.
Conclusion
Jaipur’s journey from a heritage capital to a future-ready city is neither easy nor linear. As Commissioner Gaurav Seni highlights, the challenges range from waste management to mobility and heritage preservation. Yet, the roadmap is clear: smart infrastructure, PPP-driven innovation, sustainable urban planning, and above all, citizen participation.
The Pink City’s transformation will not be about replacing its past with modernity but about weaving the two together. If executed as envisioned, Jaipur will indeed join the ranks of global future cities—while remaining unmistakably itself.
