+
MoHUA Plans New Role for Smart City SPVs
SMART CITIES

MoHUA Plans New Role for Smart City SPVs

In a significant policy move, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has issued an advisory encouraging the continued use and repurposing of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM). This marks a step toward sustaining urban transformation by leveraging institutional capabilities and infrastructure developed over the past decade.

Initiated in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission introduced a new era of urban planning in India, with each of the 100 selected cities forming SPVs under the Companies Act, 2013. These entities, jointly owned by state governments and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), were tasked with planning and executing city-level development projects using technology-led strategies.

By March 2025, more than 93 per cent of over 8,000 projects had been completed, with 99.44 per cent of the Rs 480 billion (USD 5.8 billion approx.) sanctioned funds already disbursed. These efforts have also helped strengthen urban administrative capacity at both state and local levels

One of the flagship innovations of SCM—Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs)—has been set up in all 100 cities. These centres play a critical role in managing urban services in real-time, including traffic regulation, emergency response, waste management, and public safety. MoHUA has advised states to further expand the use of ICCCs by integrating more municipal functions and upgrading technology infrastructure.

Through Advisory No. 27, the ministry has outlined a dual pathway: finalising remaining Smart Cities projects and redefining SPVs’ role for the long term. The advisory suggests that SPVs can serve as technology partners to ULBs, project implementation agencies, and consultants for urban schemes. They may also contribute to urban policy planning, research, and investment facilitation.

Importantly, the advisory recommends allowing SPVs to generate service-linked revenue, such as project planning fees, to become financially sustainable. States and Union Territories have been asked to empower SPVs through policy support and institutional integration, with High-Powered Steering Committees (HPSCs) overseeing their strategic alignment with urban priorities.

This directive, aligned with the spirit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, aims to institutionalise gains from the Smart Cities Mission and establish a future-proof model for urban governance across India.


In a significant policy move, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has issued an advisory encouraging the continued use and repurposing of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM). This marks a step toward sustaining urban transformation by leveraging institutional capabilities and infrastructure developed over the past decade.Initiated in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission introduced a new era of urban planning in India, with each of the 100 selected cities forming SPVs under the Companies Act, 2013. These entities, jointly owned by state governments and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), were tasked with planning and executing city-level development projects using technology-led strategies.By March 2025, more than 93 per cent of over 8,000 projects had been completed, with 99.44 per cent of the Rs 480 billion (USD 5.8 billion approx.) sanctioned funds already disbursed. These efforts have also helped strengthen urban administrative capacity at both state and local levelsOne of the flagship innovations of SCM—Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs)—has been set up in all 100 cities. These centres play a critical role in managing urban services in real-time, including traffic regulation, emergency response, waste management, and public safety. MoHUA has advised states to further expand the use of ICCCs by integrating more municipal functions and upgrading technology infrastructure.Through Advisory No. 27, the ministry has outlined a dual pathway: finalising remaining Smart Cities projects and redefining SPVs’ role for the long term. The advisory suggests that SPVs can serve as technology partners to ULBs, project implementation agencies, and consultants for urban schemes. They may also contribute to urban policy planning, research, and investment facilitation.Importantly, the advisory recommends allowing SPVs to generate service-linked revenue, such as project planning fees, to become financially sustainable. States and Union Territories have been asked to empower SPVs through policy support and institutional integration, with High-Powered Steering Committees (HPSCs) overseeing their strategic alignment with urban priorities.This directive, aligned with the spirit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, aims to institutionalise gains from the Smart Cities Mission and establish a future-proof model for urban governance across India.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Continental Expands Assistive ‘OnBoard’ Tech to 100+ BMTC Buses

Continental India, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Raised Lines Foundation, and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), has expanded its smart assistive mobility solution ‘OnBoard’ across more than 100 BMTC buses in Bengaluru. Initially piloted on 25 buses, the solution is now set to be installed in 500 buses by year-end.The expansion was officially announced at the BMTC Central Office during a press conference attended by Shri Ramalinga Reddy, Hon’ble Transport Minister of Karnataka.‘OnBoard’ is a bus-mounted assistive technology designed t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Himadri PAT Rises 48% in Q1 Amid Global Battery Push

Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd reported its highest-ever quarterly EBITDA of Rs 234 crore and PAT of Rs 183 crore for Q1 FY26, with profitability up 48% YoY. Revenue stood at Rs 1,100 crore.CMD Anurag Choudhary attributed the gains to operational efficiencies, improved yields, and focus on high-value battery materials. Himadri also revived Birla Tyres with a new brand identity and plans a multi-platform marketing campaign.The firm signed a licensing deal with Australia’s Sicona for SiCx® anode tech, enabling localisation and commercialisation in India. Himadri also invested USD 4.43 millio..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Covestro Develops Fire-Safe Foam for EV Battery Safety

Covestro has introduced Baysafe® BEF, a new flame-retardant polyurethane foam designed to enhance battery safety in EVs and energy storage systems. The foam minimises thermal propagation between cells, reducing fire risk.The launch aligns with China’s GB 38031-2025 battery regulation, effective from July 2026, which sets stringent safety standards. "This innovation represents a significant step toward enabling sustainable mobility through enhanced safety," said Akhil Singhania, Global Head of PU Specialties at Covestro.The foam's lightweight structure and fire resistance meet the needs of g..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?