The sustainable development in developing and newly industrialising countries (China, India, South Africa, and Brazil) is central issue for policy makers, decision makers, academic, and planners. The attainment of sustainability has become a challenge for rapidly urbanising India. The paper focuses on the challenges for building less energy consuming cities. The cities use different technologies for lighting purposes but which technology can decarbonise them in future. Moreover, the question is, how a new technology, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), for lighting can shape the future green cities. What are the drivers which can determine the adoption process of LEDs technologies for lighting in India? Further the paper focuses on identifying and analysis of barriers in adoption of this technology in India. There are different technologies for lighting, but LED technology is a good option for India as well as world for shaping future green cities. There are major drivers for adopting such a technology like energy saving, emerging knowledge and awareness, better visibility and clarity, policies and new initiatives, eco-friendly and low carbon emission, long life span and long term cost effectiveness. However, the process has some barriers like high initial cost, low risk behaviour and faith deficit, culture and attitude, and existing technological regimes. Nonetheless, these barriers can be softened through collaborations, partnerships, and knowledge sharing among stakeholder along with strengthening the system through better networks.