Centre May Extend Smart Cities Mission Beyond 2023 Deadline
SMART CITIES

Centre May Extend Smart Cities Mission Beyond 2023 Deadline

The Indian government is contemplating extending the Smart Cities Mission, originally set to conclude in June 2023, due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Launched in 2015, the mission aimed to develop 100 smart cities with enhanced infrastructure and sustainable urban environments. However, progress has been hindered by pandemic-related disruptions, prompting the Centre to consider a new deadline.

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi has indicated that an extension is likely to ensure the completion of ongoing projects. As of now, approximately 70% of the mission's projects are either completed or nearing completion. The proposed extension would provide additional time for the remaining 30% of projects to be finalised, ensuring that the mission's objectives are fully realised.

The Smart Cities Mission has focused on key areas such as improving urban mobility, ensuring adequate water and power supply, enhancing waste management systems, and promoting digital connectivity. Cities like Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Surat have made significant strides, showcasing the potential of smart city initiatives to transform urban living.

The extension would also allow for a more thorough evaluation of the mission's impact and the incorporation of lessons learned into future urban development policies. This move is seen as crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by Indian cities, particularly in light of the rapid urbanisation and increasing population pressures.

Government officials emphasise that the extension will not involve additional funding but will rather utilise the existing budget more effectively. The focus will remain on completing the projects to ensure that the benefits of the Smart Cities Mission reach the intended populations, thereby fostering sustainable and inclusive urban growth.

The Indian government is contemplating extending the Smart Cities Mission, originally set to conclude in June 2023, due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Launched in 2015, the mission aimed to develop 100 smart cities with enhanced infrastructure and sustainable urban environments. However, progress has been hindered by pandemic-related disruptions, prompting the Centre to consider a new deadline. Union Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Manoj Joshi has indicated that an extension is likely to ensure the completion of ongoing projects. As of now, approximately 70% of the mission's projects are either completed or nearing completion. The proposed extension would provide additional time for the remaining 30% of projects to be finalised, ensuring that the mission's objectives are fully realised. The Smart Cities Mission has focused on key areas such as improving urban mobility, ensuring adequate water and power supply, enhancing waste management systems, and promoting digital connectivity. Cities like Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Surat have made significant strides, showcasing the potential of smart city initiatives to transform urban living. The extension would also allow for a more thorough evaluation of the mission's impact and the incorporation of lessons learned into future urban development policies. This move is seen as crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by Indian cities, particularly in light of the rapid urbanisation and increasing population pressures. Government officials emphasise that the extension will not involve additional funding but will rather utilise the existing budget more effectively. The focus will remain on completing the projects to ensure that the benefits of the Smart Cities Mission reach the intended populations, thereby fostering sustainable and inclusive urban growth.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Resources

Schindler named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026

Schindler has been named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026, a global ranking recognising companies for their workplace environments.Compiled by Forbes in partnership with Statista, the ranking is based on independent employee feedback, including whether employees would recommend their organisation to friends and family.The company said the recognition reflected its focus on creating a workplace where employees can develop their expertise and build careers. ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India needs an export-execution mindset: Vishesh Jain

Interview with Vishesh Jain, Founder & CEO, EximpleWhat gaps in India’s global trade ecosystem led you to build Eximple, and what problem did you see businesses struggling with most?Eximple came out of a problem that all three founders had seen from different choke points in the trade ecosystem. India has millions of MSMEs and manufacturers, and many of them can make products that are genuinely competitive on quality. Yet only a small fraction is able to build meaningful international businesses. In our experience, the gap is usually not manufacturing capability; it is the ability to exe..

Next Story
Building Material

Nuvoco reports 13.5% revenue growth in Q2 FY27

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. reported consolidated revenue of Rs 27.9 billion for Q2 FY27, up 13.5% year on year. Cement sales volume rose 9% to 4.7 million tonnes (MMT), while EBITDA increased 11% to Rs 4.11 billion.The company said it began its cement operations in 2014 with a 2.3 MMT per annum (MMTPA) operation at Nimbol. It now aims to reach 35 MMTPA of cement capacity by FY28, nearly 15 times its initial capacity. Its portfolio spans cement, ready-mix concrete and modern building materials.On sustainability and cost efficiency, Nuvoco partnered with CleanMax for a 46.4 MW wind-solar hybrid re..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code