What Progress Has the Smart City Mission Made?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 7,741 projects completed under the Smart City Mission.
- Total financial outlay of Rs 48,000 crore for 100 cities.
- Utilization of ICT and IoT for better urban management.
- Focus on sustainability and citizen-centric infrastructure.
- Plans for future urban challenges through adaptive strategies.
New Delhi, Dec 8 (NationPress) The Smart City Mission (SCM) has successfully completed 7,741 projects, which represents 96% of the total initiatives, amounting to Rs 1,55,386 crore. Additionally, there are 323 ongoing projects valued at Rs 9,425 crore as of December 1, 2025, as reported to Parliament on Monday.
In total, the mission encompassed 8,064 projects with an overall budget of Rs 1,64,811 crore across 100 cities.
The Central government allocated Rs 48,000 crore for the 100 cities. As of December 1, 2025, states and union territories (UTs) have claimed Rs 47,458 crore, equating to 99% of the total Central share allocation, as stated by Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu in a reply to the Rajya Sabha.
Reportedly, states and UTs utilized Rs 46,093 crore, which is 97% of the total Central share claimed, the minister further noted.
The SCM aims to enhance 100 cities through an area-based strategy, including retrofitting, redevelopment, greenfield projects, pan-city smart solutions, and sectors like mobility, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), governance, energy, and environment, with each initiative having specific timelines.
Utilizing advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Internet of Things (IoT), and data-driven systems such as Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs), smart mobility, e-governance, and efficient waste management systems, the mission aspires to enhance service delivery. These improvements promote urban renewal through better roads, housing, public spaces, sustainability initiatives, and infrastructure centered on citizens, resulting in safer, more efficient, and livable cities.
Post the financial closure of SCM on March 31, 2025, there will be no further budget allocation under the Mission, the minister added.
In June 2025, the ministry issued directives to all states and UTs, detailing the anticipated future role of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and a roadmap for sustaining Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs).
The advisory requests all SPVs to ensure the prompt completion of ongoing SCM projects and devise operation and maintenance plans for the created assets. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need to repurpose SPVs to address emerging urban challenges.