Tamil Nadu has formally requested the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to include 15 of its cities in the upcoming Smart City 2.0 initiative, set to launch by 2025. The proposal was presented by Municipal Administration Minister K.N. Nehru and DMK Parliamentary Party Leader Kanimozhi to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday.
The original Smart City programme, launched in 2015, allocated 12 cities in Tamil Nadu, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh’s 13. Tamil Nadu successfully utilised 98% of its ₹18,000 crore allocation under the scheme, which aimed to enhance urban infrastructure, mobility, and civic amenities. The programme’s deadline has been extended to March 31, 2025, giving participating states additional time to complete their projects. For Smart City 2.0, Tamil Nadu plans to prioritise top-tier cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai, while also focusing on fast-growing urban areas. “The type of projects will depend on assessments and adherence to Union government parameters,” said MAWS Secretary D. Karthikeyan.
Cities under the scheme are selected based on specific criteria, including sustainable energy use, intelligent traffic systems, and citizen-centric digital applications. Points are also awarded for implementing the Swachh Bharat mission, online grievance redressal systems, and revenue collection improvements. In Chennai, ₹1,000 crore was allocated during the first phase, with ₹600 crore spent on developing T Nagar. However, critics argue that projects like the pedestrian plaza benefit only select areas, leaving out rapidly expanding regions such as OMR. “The focus must shift towards mobility solutions like a Bus Rapid Transit System and non-motorised transport,” said K.P. Subramanian, a former urban engineering professor at Anna University.
Meanwhile, concerns over corruption have resurfaced. Activists, including Arappor Iyakkam’s Jayaram Venkatesan, have demanded the release of the PwC David Committee’s report on irregularities in the Smart City programme. “The government must be transparent about these findings to ensure the new scheme doesn’t become another money-minting exercise,” Venkatesan asserted. The Smart City 2.0 initiative represents an opportunity for Tamil Nadu to create more inclusive and sustainable urban growth. However, balancing infrastructural development with transparency and public trust remains a critical challenge.
