Centre Disburses ₹47,225 Crore Under Smart Cities Mission, 91% of Projects Completed
The Indian government has recently released ₹47,225 crore to states and union territories under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), a significant initiative aimed at transforming urban infrastructure. Launched in June 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the mission seeks to enhance urban livability by improving infrastructure, governance, and sustainability in Indian cities. This substantial funding allocation is vital in accelerating the mission’s progress and enabling the development of smart cities across the country.
The Smart Cities Mission was initially designed to cover 100 cities across India, with the goal of fostering innovation and improving urban spaces. To date, a large portion of the funds, ₹44,626 crore, has already been utilized to finance various development projects aimed at creating more sustainable and modern urban environments. These projects include a wide range of infrastructure upgrades such as smart roads, advanced waste management systems, and modernized utilities, which collectively contribute to elevating the overall quality of life for urban residents. As of now, the Smart Cities Mission has made substantial progress, with 91% of the planned 7,352 projects already completed. These projects have a combined value of ₹1,47,366 crore and are spread across multiple cities, focusing on areas like transportation, sanitation, water supply, and digital infrastructure. The successful completion of these projects not only improves the functionality of cities but also enhances their overall sustainability, which is crucial for meeting the growing demands of urban populations. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUA) has closely monitored the progress of the mission through a structured, multi-level review process. At the national level, the implementation of these projects is overseen by an apex committee headed by the Secretary of HUA. At the state level, high-powered steering committees, chaired by the respective Chief Secretaries, ensure that the development projects are on track and that cities adhere to the goals set out by the mission. This coordinated approach has played a key role in ensuring the successful execution of various initiatives under the Smart Cities Mission.
So far, 13 cities have completed all of their planned projects, and 48 cities have achieved over 90% completion. This is a remarkable achievement given the scope and complexity of the mission, which involves a wide array of stakeholders and addresses diverse urban challenges. The progress made under the Smart Cities Mission demonstrates the government’s commitment to transforming Indian cities into modern, efficient, and livable urban spaces. The Smart Cities Mission is set to continue until March 31, 2025, with the remaining ₹775 crore from the total ₹48,000 crore allocated by the central government expected to be fully utilized in the coming years. The funds are likely to support the completion of pending projects and enable further upgrades to urban infrastructure, ensuring that cities continue to evolve into sustainable and resilient environments. This initiative marks a significant shift toward modern urban planning in India, with an emphasis on sustainability, digitalization, and better governance. The mission’s focus on smart solutions for urban problems has led to the implementation of technologies that promote energy efficiency, waste reduction, and enhanced connectivity. For example, the development of smart roads integrates technology to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion, while modern waste management systems improve sanitation and environmental health. The emphasis on renewable energy sources and water conservation initiatives also helps address the environmental challenges faced by growing urban populations.
The completion of these projects is expected to have far-reaching benefits, including boosting economic development and improving the quality of life for millions of urban dwellers. By providing citizens with more efficient services, safer public spaces, and a cleaner environment, the Smart Cities Mission is contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable urban future for India. The improved infrastructure will also support greater economic opportunities, attract investment, and enhance the competitiveness of cities on a global scale.
