Over 7,400 Projects Completed Under Smart Cities Mission, Announces Minister Manohar Lal Khattar

The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), launched in June 2015, has seen the completion of over 7,400 projects across 100 selected cities in India. The mission, aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure and making cities more citizen-friendly, is set to conclude on March 31, 2025.

During a session in the Rajya Sabha, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar addressed questions regarding the mission’s status, particularly in the absence of budget allocations for 2025-26. He clarified that SCM was a time-bound initiative, and its implementation was limited to the selected cities. The central government contributed Rs 48,000 crore, with states required to match this amount for project execution.

The mission has facilitated various infrastructure projects, including smart roads, digitization initiatives, and measures to improve urban living standards. Khattar stated that while 7,400 projects have been completed, ongoing projects will be finished within the approved timeframe. Any remaining demands until March 31, 2025, will also be addressed.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu provided details of the financial outlay and project status. The central government allocated Rs 48,000 crore for 100 smart cities, and as of March 4, 2025, cities have claimed Rs 47,538 crore in central financial assistance. Of this, Rs 45,772 crore has been utilized.

A total of 8,063 projects were planned under SCM, amounting to Rs 1,64,545 crore. As of March 4, 2025, 7,504 projects, representing 93% of the total, have been completed at a cost of Rs 1,50,306 crore. The remaining 559 projects, with an estimated cost of Rs 14,239 crore, are still in progress.

Responding to requests from states and Union Territories, the central government extended the mission’s deadline to March 31, 2025, to ensure the completion of ongoing projects. While SCM will officially conclude, urban development initiatives will continue through alternative schemes and programs.

The Smart Cities Mission has played a significant role in reshaping urban infrastructure across selected cities. Its completion will mark a transition to new urban development strategies beyond SCM’s framework.

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