Press Information Bureau

Implementing the Smart City Mission is carried out primarily through two approaches. First, under the Smart Cities Mission, cities are being developed using an Area-Based Development (ABD) approach, where each of the 100 cities has selected a defined area for targeted interventions. These ABD areas, chosen through citizen participation, are being developed as replicable models for other parts of the city.

Second, every city has included Pan-City Projects, which are technology-driven solutions. Other key dimensions of the mission include creating a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) structure for program implementation, promoting multiple sources of funding for projects, fostering competitive federalism, and engaging citizens.

Progress under the Mission

More than 8,000 multi-sectoral projects are being developed by these 100 cities, amounting to approximately ₹1.6 lakh crore. More than 90% of the total projects (7,244 projects amounting to

₹1,45,312 crore) undertaken under the Smart Cities Mission  have been completed. Each city has developed a diverse set of projects, many of which are unique and being implemented for the first time, thusenhancing the cities’ capabilities and experience and achieving broader transformational goals at the city level.

75% of projects have been completed in 75 smart cities. Across the 100 cities to date, seventeen (17) cities have completed 100% of their projects under the mission. This is followed by thirty-four (34) cities with more than 90% of projects completed and another twenty-four

(24) cities with more than 75% of projects completed. On the financial front, the total outlay of Central assistance for the Smart Cities

Mission was ₹48,000 crore. The Central Government has already released ₹46,787 crore to 100 Smart Cities under the SCM, of which over 90% has been utilised.

Major Projects Under the Smart City Mission Key Achievements of the Mission Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCC): All 100 Smart Cities have operational ICCCs, which utilize data for making informed decisions. These ICCCs functioned as COVID war rooms during the pandemic and have significantly improved city operations such as transport, water supply, and solid waste management by integrating emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and Data Analytics.

Public Safety and Security: Over 83,000 CCTV surveillance cameras have been installed in 100 Smart Cities, aiding in crime monitoring. Additionally, 1,884 emergency call boxes, 3,000 public address systems, and traffic enforcement systems for red light violations and automatic number plate recognition have been installed, enhancing public safety.

Water Supply: More than 9,900 kilometers of the water supply system are being monitored through SCADA, reducing non-revenue water and leakages.

Solid Waste Management: Over 50 cities are managing solid waste with increased technology use, improving route management, efficiency of collection, and daily management. Around 4,400 vehicles have been RFID-enabled for Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) to digitize and improve solid waste management efficiency.

Streetlights: More than 52 lakh solar/LED streetlights have been installed, and over 86,000 kilometers of underground electricity cabling have been constructed.

Mobility: Over 4,700 kilometers of smart roads have been constructed or improved, and 580 kilometers of cycle tracks have been developed. Furthermore, an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) has been implemented and is being monitored through ICCCs, improving traffic operations, enforcing traffic violations, and reducing journey time.

Affordable Housing and Shelter: 49,300 dwelling units have been constructed, along with 1,562 rooms in community housing projects such as Rain Basera, hostels (noneducational), and night shelters under the Mission.

Vibrant Public Spaces: Over 1,300 parks, green spaces, and lakefront/riverfront promenades have been developed or are under development.

Education: 7,654 smart classrooms and 40 digital libraries have been developed.

Health: 172 e-health centers and clinics (without dedicated beds) have been developed, and 155 health ATMs also have been installed.

Economic Hubs: 21 incubation centers/skill development centers have been developed, and over 56 market redevelopment projects have been completed.

PPP: More than 50 cities have successfully developed or are developing 199 projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) worth ₹9,200 crore.

The Mission has continually adapted to emerging needs, providing cities with the flexibility to respond effectively. For example, when the COVID-19 pandemic raised global awareness about the importance of open spaces for active and healthy lifestyles, the Mission launched campaigns such as India ‘Cycles4Change’ and ‘Streets4People’ in a challenge format. To ensure that even the most vulnerable citizens have access to public spaces, especially young children and caregivers, cities participated in ‘Placemaking Marathons’ and the ‘Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge’. Other challenges like ‘Transport4All’ and ‘EatSmartCities’ are promoting startups in public transport and improving food hygiene in smart cities, respectively.

Only 10% of the remaining projects are at the implementation stage. Some of these projects have been delayed due to legal issues, delays in obtaining clearances from different departments, land acquisition challenges, construction in hilly areas, and challenges in vendor and resource availability in small and medium cities. Following multiple requests from State governments and Members of Parliament, the mission period has been extended to 31st March 2025 to complete the ongoing projects.

 Strategy for Smart Cities Mission        

The Smart Cities Mission aims to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life by fostering local area development and leveraging technology for smart outcomes. The strategy includes transforming existing areas (through retrofitting and redevelopment), developing new areas (greenfield development), and applying smart solutions city-wide (Pan-city initiatives).

1 https://smartcities.gov.in/mission-dashboard