Smart Cities Mission Extended Till March 2025 for Completion

04 Jul 2024 CW Team

The Indian government has extended the deadline for the Smart Cities Mission to March 31, 2025, providing more time for the completion of ongoing urban development projects. This extension aims to ensure the thorough implementation and success of the mission's objectives.

Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission aims to transform selected cities into sustainable and citizen-friendly urban centres by integrating digital technologies and infrastructure upgrades. The mission initially targeted the completion of projects by June 2023, but various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have necessitated an extension.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs announced the extension, emphasising the importance of allowing adequate time for project execution to achieve the mission's goals effectively. The extension will enable cities to focus on completing critical projects related to smart infrastructure, public services, and urban mobility.

Under the mission, each selected city has developed a unique plan that addresses its specific needs, including smart traffic management systems, efficient waste management, improved water supply, and enhanced public safety measures. The extension ensures that these projects can be completed without compromising quality and sustainability.

Officials highlighted that significant progress has already been made, with numerous projects in advanced stages of completion. The additional time will allow for the resolution of any remaining challenges and ensure that the benefits of the mission reach all intended urban areas.

The Smart Cities Mission has been a flagship initiative in India's urban development strategy, aiming to create model cities that can serve as benchmarks for other urban areas. With the extended deadline, the government reaffirms its commitment to fostering innovation, improving urban living standards, and promoting sustainable development across the country.

Infrastructure Transport

17 Oct 2025

Sonowal Unveils Eight Projects at NMPA’s Golden Jubilee

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) at Bharat Mandapam. To commemorate the milestone, he unveiled eight major maritime infrastructure projects designed to strengthen India’s port network, enhance logistics performance, and promote sustainability. These include a modern cruise terminal, new covered storage facilities, a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital, expanded truck terminals, and improved port access infrastructure aimed at enhancing..

India To Boost US LPG Imports, Cut Middle East Reliance

India is planning to reduce imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the Middle East as state-owned refiners prepare to ramp up purchases from the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move aligns with New Delhi’s efforts to expand energy cooperation and secure a broader trade deal with Washington. State refiners have already notified their traditional LPG suppliers in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar of the potential reduction in imports. Although the exact size of the supply cut was not disclosed, earlier reports suggested that Indi..

UK Sanctions Nayara Energy in Crackdown on Russian Oil

The United Kingdom has announced fresh sanctions on 90 entities, including Indian refiner Nayara Energy Limited, in its latest bid to curb Russian oil revenues and weaken President Vladimir Putin’s war funding. The sanctions, unveiled jointly by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UK Treasury, aim to disrupt networks supporting Moscow’s crude exports amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the FCDO, the new restrictions are intended to “strike at the heart of Putin’s war funding” by targeting firms and assets that enable Russia’s energy trade. “..