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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Vedanta Metal Bazaar Achieves Sales Value of Rs 400 Bn

On National MSME Day, Vedanta, India’s leading critical minerals, transition metals, energy and technology conglomerate announced that its non-ferrous metals e-store has achieved a staggering Rs 400 billion in total sales value. Operated under the name of Vedanta Metal Bazaar, it is the world’s largest non-ferrous metals e-store offering more than 1200 stock keeping units (SKUs) across metals such as aluminium, zinc, lead and copper. The platform brings ease-of-doing business for customers on their fingertips by providing a streamlined, digital-first solution that enables businesses to pro..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Syensqo Unveils Orange Grades for Key EV Components

Syensqo, a leader in advanced materials and specialty chemicals, proudly announces the launch of its latest innovation, Amodel® PPA HFFR-4133 Orange (OR).This high-performance flame retardant polypthalamide (PPA), distinguished by its stable and vibrant orange color, aligns with the industry's growing emphasis on safety and visibility for critical electric vehicle components, such as connectors and busbars.In the rapidly evolving e-mobility sector, the use of orange-colored connectors has become a crucial safety standard, offering immediate visual identification of live high-voltage component..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Tata Steel Deploys EVs for Customer Deliveries at Sahibabad Plant

Tata Steel, a pioneer in sustainable industrial practices, has taken another significant step forward in its green mobility journey by deploying Tata Motors manufactured electric vehicles (EVs) for customer deliveries from its Sahibabad plant, located in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh. This marks the first-ever use of Tata Motors made EVs for outbound logistics from a Tata Steel plant location.This initiative is in partnership with M/s AVG Logistics, who will operate Tata Motors-manufactured electric vehicles for deliveries to key customers. This initiative not only reinforces Tata Steelâ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?