The Centre has extended the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) under the Union Urban Development Ministry till March 31, 2025.
Under the SCM, launched in June 2015, 100 cities were chosen through a competition to be developed as smart cities. The mission envisions developing areas within selected cities in the country as model areas based on an area development plan, which is expected to have a rub-off effect on other parts of the city and nearby cities and towns.
More than 8,000 multi-sectoral projects are being developed by the 100 cities amounting to around ₹1.6 lakh crore under the SCM.
Smart Cities Mission
As on July 3, the 100 cities have completed 7,188 projects (90% of total projects) amounting to ₹1,44,237 crore as part of the mission. The balance 830 projects amounting to ₹19,926 crore are also in advanced stages of completion, an official statement said on Wednesday.
The mission has an allocated budget of ₹48,000 crore for the 100 cities. As on date, ₹46,585 crore or 97% of the allocated budget has been released. Out of these funds released to the cities, 93% have been utilised as on date.
“The mission has been getting multiple requests from some States/city government representatives to grant some more time to complete the balance 10% projects. These balance ongoing projects are in advanced stage of implementation and got delayed due to various on-ground conditions. Taking cognisance of these requests, the Government of India has extended the mission period up to March 31, 2025, to complete these balance 10% projects,” the statement said.
This extension has been informed to the cities that it would be without any additional cost, beyond the already approved financial allocation under the mission. All ongoing projects are now expected to be completed before March 31, 2025.
