The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has begun constructing a dual carriageway from Bawa White House to Kumbra crossing, set for completion in 2025. This project is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade, including stormwater drainage systems along the road. The route passes through areas with encroached government land. The dual carriageway is one of three major road expansions in Mohali, with the shopping street expansion nearly complete. Plans for future roads, connecting key sectors, are underway. The designs include modern amenities, service roads, and provisions for traffic growth and environmental considerations, such as tree transplantation and landscaping.

Contact: Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA)

Website: www.gmada.gov.in

Thirteen of India's 100 smart cities have completed all projects under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), with 48 others achieving over 90 per cent completion, Union Minister Tokhan Sahu told the Lok Sabha.  8,066 projects worth Rs 1.65 trillion have been issued work orders, with 91 per cent completed. The central government allocated Rs 480 billion, of which Rs 472.25 billion has been released. Key achievements include 84,000+ CCTV cameras, 713 km of cycle tracks, 1,740 km of smart roads, and 9,433 smart classrooms. SCM has also improved water supply, waste management, and e-health services across cities.

India's first Integrated Waste Management City-cum-Learning Centre is set to be built in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, by September 2025. The project aims to make the city garbage-free by implementing a circular economy model for sustainable waste management. Spread across 40 acres, it will process various waste types, producing charcoal and Bio-CNG. The initiative is expected to create jobs, enhance revenue, and provide technical expertise. The project includes three plants: a 500-tonne Dry Waste Plant, a 200-tonne Wet Waste Plant, and a Hazardous Waste Plant. The initiative will also serve eight nearby urban local bodies, promoting regional sustainability.

The city corporation is working to expedite the completion of the underground drainage (UGD) project and the 24x7 water supply scheme to ease public hardships. Corporation Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabhakaran reported 98% completion of the UGD work on the Kurichi-Kuniyamuthur stretch but slower progress on other areas, including Vellakinaru-Saravampatti, Thudiyalur-Kovundampalayam, and Ondipudur. The corporation has requested Rs 2 billion from the state for road repairs, with Rs 1 billion expected in the first phase. Efforts will focus on relaying main roads while maintaining ongoing projects. Locals have expressed frustration over poorly maintained roads due to the work.

Contact: Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation

Website: www.ccmc.gov.in

Bengaluru Corporation has initiated an Rs 2 billion project to establish a 12,800km digital infrastructure utility corridor, addressing the safety risks posed by overhead optical fibre cables (OFCs) and power lines. This underground corridor will integrate telecommunications and electrical infrastructure, replacing existing overhead cables. Around 3,400 km of ducts will be allocated to electricity utilities and Smart City projects. The project aims to reduce visual clutter, enhance pedestrian safety, and improve traffic flow. The corporation also plans to charge telecom providers for using the new ducts, generating revenue for the city’s development. Work is expected to start soon, likely in Mahadevapura zone.

Contact: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike

Website: ww.bbmp.gov.in