Government Bolsters Smart City Development
The Government of India has announced a strategic extension of the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) until March 31, 2025. This decision, made under the Union Urban Development Ministry, aims to galvanize the development of 100 cities that were competitively selected in 2015 to become models of urban innovation.
Transformative Vision for Urban Areas
The SCM envisions transforming specific areas within these cities into exemplary models based on meticulous area development plans. The overarching goal is to create a ripple effect, influencing the development of other parts of the city and neighboring urban areas.
Substantial Progress and Investment
To date, an impressive 90% of the total projects, exceeding 8,000 in number, have been successfully completed across the 100 smart cities. These multi-sectoral projects have amounted to a staggering investment of approximately ₹1.6 lakh crore, showcasing the government’s dedication to modernizing urban infrastructure.
Addressing Implementation Challenges
While acknowledging the remarkable progress, the government recognized the need for additional time to complete the remaining 10% of the projects. These projects, although in advanced stages of implementation, encountered delays due to various on-ground challenges. Responding to requests from states and city governments, the extension aims to ensure the seamless completion of these projects without incurring any additional costs beyond the approved budget.
Key Takeaways:
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Smart Cities Mission Extension: | The Smart Cities Mission has been extended until March 31, 2025, to facilitate the completion of remaining projects. |
| Purpose of the Mission: | The mission aims to develop 100 cities as smart cities with model areas that will influence the development of other urban areas. |
| Project Progress: | Over 8,000 projects have been undertaken, with 90% already completed, amounting to a significant investment of ₹1.6 lakh crore. |
| Challenges and Extension Rationale: | The extension addresses delays in the remaining 10% of projects due to on-ground challenges and ensures their timely completion. |
| Financial Implication: | The extension will not incur any additional costs beyond the approved budget allocated for the mission. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
