DELHI, (Smart Cities News): The ambitious Smart Cities Mission project was launched on25th June 2015, by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It presumed the creation of 100 ‘smart cities’ over five years, i.e. till 2020.
The objective of the scheme was to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to their citizens, a clean and sustainable environment, and the application of ‘smart’ solutions.
The ‘smart city’ proposal included core infrastructure elements such as assured water supply, electricity supply, sanitation, and solid waste management, efficient mobility and public transport, affordable housing, safety and security, health, education and technology as well.
To achieve these objectives, several projects for the selected cities were presumed which would enable them to achieve the tag of ‘smart cities at the end of the mission.
However more than five years down the line, as of, 31st January 2021, the Smart Cities Mission has managed to complete only 17 percent of the total worth of projects sanctioned under it.
According to data provided by the Ministry of Urban Development, till January 31, 2021, out of the total proposed projects worth ₹ 2,05,018 crore (as per the approved smart cities proposals), only projects worth Rs 35,457 crore or only 17 percent of the total worth of projects have been completed.
Under the Smart Cities Mission, 5,422 projects worth ₹ 1,76,911 crores (86 percent of the total amount of ₹ 2,05,018 crore) were tendered. Out of these, work orders had been issued for 4,636 projects worth ₹ 1,41,857 crores. Out of these too, work has been completed only in 2,189 projects worth ₹ 35,457 crores.