MMRDA partners with Smart Cities Forum to develop Hi-Tech Smart City

23 Jan 2024 CW Team

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is set to join forces with the UK-based World Smart Cities Forum to spearhead the creation of a technology-driven and inclusive Smart City within the MMR.

With the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Road and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport paving the way, a new vision for a third Mumbai is emerging, spanning 334 sq km. The aspiration is to construct a cutting-edge city grounded in sustainable practices, aiming to establish a new standard for urban living.

A spokesperson for MMRDA expressed the organisation's intent, stating, "MMRDA envisions transforming the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) Influence Area into a model smart growth center."

The collaboration took a formal step forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MMRDA and the United Kingdom's World Smart Cities Forum during the World Economic Forum in Davos 2024. The agreement is poised to facilitate joint efforts in developing a technology-focused and inclusive Smart City.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, "The global best practices advocated by WSCF will now play a pivotal role in the development of the smart growth center in the MMR, bringing us closer to the realisation of our visionary goals."

Infrastructure Urban

03 Apr 2026

Centre Disburses Over Rs 24,610 mn in XV Finance Commission Grants

The Union Government has released XV Finance Commission tied grants during the financial year 2025–26 to rural local bodies in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim and has released withheld portions of tied and untied grants to Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura. The total disbursal exceeded Rs 24,610 mn, with figures expressed in million (mn) thereafter. The releases cover allocations pertaining to different financial years and aim to strengthen rural local governance. State-wise disbursements included Rs 3,324.6 mn for Punjab, Rs 9,432.7 mn for Madhya Pradesh, Rs 3,47..

Centre Releases Over Rs 15 bn as XV FC Grants to Rural Bodies

The Union Government has released over Rs 15 bn in grants recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in six states. The funds comprise tied and untied grants disbursed in FY 2025–26. Telangana received Rs 2.48 bn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2025–26, benefitting 12600 Gram Panchayats (GPs). Uttarakhand received Rs 913.1 mn as the second instalment and an additional Rs 18.4 mn of a withheld first instalment was released to a further 216 GPs. Mizoram is included among beneficiary st..

Government Assures Fuel Supplies And Seafarer Safety Amid West Asia Developments

The Government of India has stepped up coordinated measures to maintain stability in critical sectors as developments in West Asia continue to unfold. It has prioritised uninterrupted energy supplies, safeguarded maritime operations and extended consular assistance to nationals. Central authorities are working with State and Union territory administrations to ensure timely information dissemination and operational continuity. Refineries are reported to be operating at high capacity with adequate inventories of petrol and diesel, and domestic LPG production has been increased to support consump..