+
Tamil Nadu Pushes for 15 Cities in Smart City 2.0 Initiative
SMART CITIES

Tamil Nadu Pushes for 15 Cities in Smart City 2.0 Initiative

Tamil Nadu has urged the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to include 15 of its cities in the upcoming Smart City 2.0 initiative, expected to commence in 2025. The program, designed to enhance civic, mobility, and infrastructure development, aims to select 100 cities nationwide through a special purpose vehicle framework. Municipal Administration Minister K. N. Nehru and DMK Parliamentary Party Leader Kanimozhi formally presented the request to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Under the initial Smart City program launched in 2015, Tamil Nadu was allotted 12 cities, including Chennai, the second-highest allocation after Uttar Pradesh. The state has utilised 98% of the Rs 180 billion allocated under the scheme, whose deadline has been extended to March 31, 2025.

D Karthikeyan, Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, stated that top-tier cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai would be prioritised, alongside rapidly developing urban areas. Cities will be assessed based on criteria such as renewable energy adoption, wastewater recycling, intelligent traffic systems, citizen safety, and smart digital applications. Additional metrics include Swachh Bharat compliance, grievance redressal systems, and improved revenue collection.

In Chennai, a significant portion of the Rs 10 billion allocated was spent in T. Nagar, yet only the pedestrian plaza has seen substantial usability. Urban planning experts have called for broader development, emphasising mobility solutions such as Bus Rapid Transit Systems and non-motorised transport.

Meanwhile, activists demand the release of a corruption report by the PWC David Committee, which has been withheld for two years. "Transparency is critical. Without addressing corruption, the new scheme risks becoming another money-minting exercise," said Jayaram Venkatesan, convenor of Arappor Iyakkam. (ET)

Tamil Nadu has urged the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to include 15 of its cities in the upcoming Smart City 2.0 initiative, expected to commence in 2025. The program, designed to enhance civic, mobility, and infrastructure development, aims to select 100 cities nationwide through a special purpose vehicle framework. Municipal Administration Minister K. N. Nehru and DMK Parliamentary Party Leader Kanimozhi formally presented the request to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Under the initial Smart City program launched in 2015, Tamil Nadu was allotted 12 cities, including Chennai, the second-highest allocation after Uttar Pradesh. The state has utilised 98% of the Rs 180 billion allocated under the scheme, whose deadline has been extended to March 31, 2025. D Karthikeyan, Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, stated that top-tier cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai would be prioritised, alongside rapidly developing urban areas. Cities will be assessed based on criteria such as renewable energy adoption, wastewater recycling, intelligent traffic systems, citizen safety, and smart digital applications. Additional metrics include Swachh Bharat compliance, grievance redressal systems, and improved revenue collection. In Chennai, a significant portion of the Rs 10 billion allocated was spent in T. Nagar, yet only the pedestrian plaza has seen substantial usability. Urban planning experts have called for broader development, emphasising mobility solutions such as Bus Rapid Transit Systems and non-motorised transport. Meanwhile, activists demand the release of a corruption report by the PWC David Committee, which has been withheld for two years. Transparency is critical. Without addressing corruption, the new scheme risks becoming another money-minting exercise, said Jayaram Venkatesan, convenor of Arappor Iyakkam. (ET)

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

APCRDA Approves Rs 9.04 Bn to Upgrade Infrastructure in 29 Amaravati Villages

The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has approved Rs 9.04 billion for addressing key infrastructure gaps in 29 villages within Amaravati’s greenfield capital area, announced Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana at the 51st CRDA meeting.The funds will be used to upgrade critical facilities including roads, drains, drinking water supply, sewerage systems, and street lighting. A detailed assessment revealed a 30 per cent shortfall in water supply, a total absence of sewerage infrastructure, a 40 per cent defici..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Cabinet Approves Phase-1B of Lucknow Metro Rail Project Worth Rs 58.01 Bn

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved Phase-1B of the Lucknow Metro Rail Project in Uttar Pradesh. This phase covers an 11.165 km corridor with 12 stations—7 underground and 5 elevated—extending the city’s metro network to 34 km upon completion.Phase-1B targets the dense, historic parts of Lucknow, enhancing connectivity across key commercial, healthcare, tourist, and culinary hubs. Important areas served include Aminabad, Yahiyaganj, Pandeyganj, Chowk, King George’s Medical University, and landmarks like Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza.This expansion prom..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Major Upgrades Planned for Tamil Nadu’s National Waterways

Tamil Nadu is poised for significant infrastructure upgrades across its National Waterways (NWs), with a focus on developing jetties, cargo hubs, and cruise tourism circuits, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. These projects aim to promote sustainable inland water transport and boost regional economic activity.Key projects include the development of Buckingham Canal (part of NW-4), with jetties planned at the following locations:Mahabalipuram to Ediyur BridgeCooum River near Marina BeachPulicat LakeEnnore Port to ETPS, specifically for cargo operationsOther National Wa..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?