The Central Government has extended the Smart Cities Mission period upto 31 March 2025. “All ongoing projects are now expected to be completed before 31 March 2025,” the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs stated that some States/City government representatives have requested to grant some more time to complete the balance 10% ongoing projects which are in advanced stage of implementation and got delayed due to various on-ground conditions.

Therefore, it is in the interest of people, that these projects get complete and contribute towards the ease of living in their urban areas, all ongoing projects are now expected to be completed before 31 March 2025, the Ministry stated.

The Smart Cities Mission was established on June 2015 and as on 3rd July 2024, the 100 Cities have completed 7,188 projects (90% of total projects) amounting to Rs 1,44,237 crore as part of the Mission. MoHUA informed that the balance 830 projects amounting to Rs 19,926 crore are also in advanced stages of completion.

On the financial progress, the Mission has an allocated GOI budget of Rs 48,000 crore for the 100 Cities. As on date, GOI has released Rs 46,585 crore (97% of the allocated GOI budget) to 100 Cities. Out of these funds released to the Cities, 93% have been utilized as on date. The Mission has also released full GOI financial support under the Mission to 74 out of 100 Cities.

MoHUA informed that the extension has been made without any additional cost, beyond the already approved financial allocation under the Smart Cities Mission.