Introduction <p>COVID-19 brought into sharp focus the gendered nature of urban life by exposing the vulnerability of non-binary minorities like the hijras, who live with unique set of risks and precarity. The present research examines the impact of the pandemic on Hijra communities and their coping strategies, in two Indian smart cities of Bhubaneswar and New Delhi.</p> Methods <p>The study employs a mixed methods framework for data collection and analysis. Fieldwork was carried out in the two Smart cities during 2021-22 and covered a total of 127 respondents including 121 hijras and six city government officials. </p> Results <p>COVID-19 accentuated the systemic marginalization of Hijras in the two Smart cities by aggravating their vulnerabilities in livelihood, income, health, food and housing. Bhubaneswar stood out for its relatively progressive engagement with the community which was reflected in the responsiveness during the pandemic. Unlike Bhubaneswar, Hijras faced entrenched stigma and discrimination in New Delhi, which worsened during COVID-19. </p> Conclusion <p>Pro-active city government interventions in Bhubaneswar were linked to a comparatively mobilized hijra community and progressive policies of a pro-transgender political party. Inadequate government response in New Delhi was linked to a fractured hijra community, and an unfavourable political context.</p> Policy Implications <p> Need for inclusive governance structures in Smart cities that formally recognize and represent hijra voices. Access to essential public welfare programmes by hijras may be de-linked from possession of identity cards to avoid exclusion errors. Digital literacy and subsidized devices programmes may be implemented to bridge the digital divide. Bottom of Form</p>