Centre Confirms No Plans for New Cities Under Smart Cities Mission
SMART CITIES

Centre Confirms No Plans for New Cities Under Smart Cities Mission

The government informed the Rajya Sabha that there are currently no plans to include additional cities under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM). In response to a query about the possibility of selecting 100 new cities, apart from the 100 already chosen, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu stated in his written reply, “At present, there is no proposal under consideration by the Central Government to extend the existing SCM by adding more cities.” The Smart Cities Mission, launched on June 25, 2015, has an allocation of Rs 480 billion for the 100 cities currently selected. As of November 11, 2024, a total of Rs 881.77 billion has been released to States and Union Territories under SCM, with Rs 823.51 billion utilised. A total of 8,066 projects worth Rs 1646.69 billion have been sanctioned, with 7,352 projects (91%) worth Rs 1473.66 billion completed. The remaining 714 projects, valued at Rs 173.03 billion, are still in progress. While the government views urbanisation as an opportunity for faster economic growth, challenges persist in the implementation of smart city projects. Issues such as legal hurdles, delays in obtaining clearances, land acquisition, construction in hilly areas, and resource constraints in smaller cities have affected the progress. The Smart Cities Mission aims to improve quality of life, provide efficient services, and create sustainable infrastructure in the selected cities. (ANI)

The government informed the Rajya Sabha that there are currently no plans to include additional cities under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM). In response to a query about the possibility of selecting 100 new cities, apart from the 100 already chosen, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu stated in his written reply, “At present, there is no proposal under consideration by the Central Government to extend the existing SCM by adding more cities.” The Smart Cities Mission, launched on June 25, 2015, has an allocation of Rs 480 billion for the 100 cities currently selected. As of November 11, 2024, a total of Rs 881.77 billion has been released to States and Union Territories under SCM, with Rs 823.51 billion utilised. A total of 8,066 projects worth Rs 1646.69 billion have been sanctioned, with 7,352 projects (91%) worth Rs 1473.66 billion completed. The remaining 714 projects, valued at Rs 173.03 billion, are still in progress. While the government views urbanisation as an opportunity for faster economic growth, challenges persist in the implementation of smart city projects. Issues such as legal hurdles, delays in obtaining clearances, land acquisition, construction in hilly areas, and resource constraints in smaller cities have affected the progress. The Smart Cities Mission aims to improve quality of life, provide efficient services, and create sustainable infrastructure in the selected cities. (ANI)

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Andhra Pradesh to Develop 30,000 Women-Led Enterprises by 2025

The Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Department is accelerating efforts to create sustainable livelihoods for women in urban areas, in line with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s goal of fostering one lakh women entrepreneurs by 2025. Under this initiative, the MAUD Department has set a target to establish 30,000 women-led enterprises across towns and cities in Andhra Pradesh. To support this vision, the department plans to establish Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for women in TIDCO housing complexes. Vacant plots across 163 colonies have been earmarked ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

G Kishan Reddy discusses mining expansion, clearances with Chhattisgarh CM

Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy met Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday to expedite land acquisition and environmental clearances for mining projects. Reddy, who was on a two-day visit to review operations at South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), discussed measures to boost mining-led economic growth in the state. Key topics included speeding up land acquisition for mine expansions, obtaining quicker environmental approvals, and setting up integrated rehabilitation and resettlement sites. The minister also highlighted the importance of developing critical minerals in the region, alo..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NITI Aayog's Vision for India's Auto Industry

NITI Aayog has launched the report titled "Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains," offering a roadmap for the country’s automotive future. Released by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, the report outlines key strategies to grow India’s automotive sector to $145 bn in component production by 2030. India is currently the fourth-largest automobile producer globally, but with only a modest three per cent share in the global automotive component market. The report emphasises the need to strengthen India’s position through competitive manufacturing, skill d..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?