The Indian government’s ambitious Smart Cities Mission (SCM) has been on its way to the final stage. As of November 15, 2024, the government has so far released ₹47,225 crore to states and union territories under this mission, which amounts to nearly 94% of the total funds utilized. This initiative, started in June 2015, has been working to transform 100 cities in India into technologically advanced, sustainable, and citizen-friendly urban spaces.
Overview of Smart Cities Mission
The Smart Cities Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accelerate urban growth through technological integration, infrastructure upgrade, and resource-friendly solutions. It shall focus on making these cities more inclusive, efficient, and better equipped to respond rapidly to urbanization. For this purpose, it aimed to upgrade the quality of life by using technology along with reduction in pollution rates, improving governance, and making the cities resilient for environmental threats.
So far, 91% of all the projects under the mission are complete. This marks a massive success for the renewal of urban life. Once the projects are completed, then indeed, the vision for making smart, futuristic cities would materialize and provide the urban population with facilities it would need.
Funding and Implementation of the Smart Cities Mission
The total expenditure under the Smart Cities Mission taken by the Central government is ₹48,000 crore and of that already ₹47,225 crores have been provided to states and union territories. Under the total amount, ₹44,626 crore has been entirely spent and this has subsequently seen key urban development projects executed. This scale speaks to the government’s vision about the future of cities in India.
Key Statistics:
- Distributed under SCM: ₹47,225 crores
- Spent at ₹44,626 cr, that is, 94% of the sanctioned amount.
- Completed at 7,352 nos, which sum up to ₹1,47,366 crores
- Completed projects under the mission hold an impressive 91 %.
This indicates a smooth working of the mission with a very high percentage of sanctioned amount spent as well as accomplished projects, hence visibly making the difference towards urban infrastructure and services.
Multilevel Review and Monitoring of the Smart Cities Mission
HUA, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has provided a multi-level review structure to ensure that the projects are implemented on time with an optimal level of efficiency. It is headed by the Chief Secretary at the state levels and ensures at the local levels that all the local authorities are on the project schedule and that their standards of the project delivery do not go below standards.
An apex committee of the Secretary of HUA is keeping track of the progress at the national level. It is a two layered monitoring system under which projects are moving well and problems are being overcomed without any delay.
The deadline of the Smart City Mission was extended.
The Smart Cities Mission has been extended up to 31st March, 2025, which will give cities more time to complete projects and realize their full potential as smart cities. Hopefully, this will make it possible for cities to implement more advanced technologies, include innovative solutions, and further improve infrastructure overall.
Achievements and Completion Rates
In this regard, out of the 100 SCM-covered cities, 13 cities have completed all planned projects. In addition, 48 cities have crossed the 90 percent mark on completion, and therefore, a swift finish of the mission is in sight.
Developed projects comprise smart infrastructure such as road traffic control systems and appropriate public means of transport.
- Green initiatives like renewable energy projects and water recycling plants.
- Enhanced waste management systems as well as intelligent waste collection solutions.
These innovations are what make cities livable, sustainable, and efficient for residents and businesses alike.
The Future: Future-Ready Cities
The Smart Cities Mission is reaching its closure, and by 2025, India will be on the right path in making its urban centers a sustainable tech-driven hub. Inevitably going to capture the sustainable urbanization landscape, green technologies and smart governance are supposed to lead to an increased quality of life for millions.
Successful cities would mean upgraded infrastructure, besides a destination for investment, innovation, and growth. Among the wonderful catalysts of urban transformation, Smart Cities Mission success will act as a beacon to further evolve not only India’s cities but all of the cities worldwide.
Conclusion
Smart Cities Mission is a befitting way that helps India have a future-ready urban landscape. The government transforms the cities into smart and sustainable places with very high financial investment and practical implementation. These cities are thus prepared to face all challenges in the future by 2025, in turn giving people living in areas a higher standard of living. Engage with technology and innovative urban solutions preparing a smarter, greener, and more inclusive future for India.
Refer :
ET, Link to article
Also read : India to be Second Largest Network in the World by 2025