Rourkela Smart City Shifts Focus To Sustainability And Revenue

13 Apr 2026 CW Team

A key development concerned the Integrated Command and Control Centre, which has been funded to the tune of Rs 1.06 billion (bn). The centre has operationalised 594 surveillance cameras across 109 locations and is advancing integration of automated e challan systems in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to bolster traffic enforcement and urban governance. Officials noted the centre will support emergency response and integration of municipal services.

The committee reviewed monetisation plans for completed smart city assets that are presently generating an annual revenue of Rs 41.3 million (mn) to support establishment and operational costs. Members urged innovative revenue models and tighter accountability for service contracts to improve financial sustainability and reduce dependence on grant funding. The revenue streams are expected to fund routine maintenance and service upgrades over the medium term.

To address stalled works the committee decided to descope remaining activities for the Auditorium and Convention Hall project, which is at 45 per cent completion, and to require the original agency to complete balance work at its own risk and cost. The committee proposed extending the tenure of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and retaining key officials and consultants to ensure continuity of initiatives such as the Udit Nagar Market Complex and Multi Level Car Parking facilities, underscoring a commitment to build a sustainable, citizen centric urban ecosystem. Members reiterated that continuity and accountability are central to delivering citizen centric benefits.

The Executive Committee of Rourkela Smart City Limited met at Kharabela Bhawan to review strategic priorities as the city shifts from large scale project implementation to long term sustainability and efficient asset management. The session was chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee and the agenda was presented by the chief executive officer of the organisation. Deliberations emphasised financial self reliance and value based land utilisation to secure resources for maintenance and service delivery. A key development concerned the Integrated Command and Control Centre, which has been funded to the tune of Rs 1.06 billion (bn). The centre has operationalised 594 surveillance cameras across 109 locations and is advancing integration of automated e challan systems in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to bolster traffic enforcement and urban governance. Officials noted the centre will support emergency response and integration of municipal services. The committee reviewed monetisation plans for completed smart city assets that are presently generating an annual revenue of Rs 41.3 million (mn) to support establishment and operational costs. Members urged innovative revenue models and tighter accountability for service contracts to improve financial sustainability and reduce dependence on grant funding. The revenue streams are expected to fund routine maintenance and service upgrades over the medium term. To address stalled works the committee decided to descope remaining activities for the Auditorium and Convention Hall project, which is at 45 per cent completion, and to require the original agency to complete balance work at its own risk and cost. The committee proposed extending the tenure of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and retaining key officials and consultants to ensure continuity of initiatives such as the Udit Nagar Market Complex and Multi Level Car Parking facilities, underscoring a commitment to build a sustainable, citizen centric urban ecosystem. Members reiterated that continuity and accountability are central to delivering citizen centric benefits.

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