Tag: Smart Cities Mission

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Survey urges holistic rethink of development control rules

NEW DELHI: India’s urban areas are at a pivotal point, as highlighted by the Economic Survey 2025-26, which emphasizes that the nation’s urban narrative currently reflects an “unfinished promise.” To fully harness the capabilities of these “engines of growth,” the report advocates for a comprehensive reassessment of development control regulations (DCR) and a strategic overhaul in urban financing and governance. Central to this shift is the imperative to recognize cities as “critical economic infrastructure” rather than just living spaces. The survey points out a notable “governance deficit,” suggesting that while major global cities operate with autonomy, Indian cities often prioritize…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Urban India’s Data Revolution

India is undergoing one of the most significant urban transformations globally. With almost half its population projected to reside in cities by 2050 (according to UN data), the pressing question is not whether India can establish smarter cities, but rather how swiftly and effectively it can scale them. The Smart Cities Mission, initiated in 2015, has established a foundation by re-envisioning 100 cities with technology-integrated governance, improved infrastructure, and citizen-focused designs. A decade later, the vision is coming into clearer focus. Out of the 8,067 projects approved under the Mission, 94%, amounting to ₹1.64 lakh crore, are now complete. Each…

CommercialLatest Stories

Trichy Civic Body Faces ₹121 Crore Deficit from Vacant Spaces

TRICHY: The Trichy City Corporation is facing a significant funding crisis, raising alarms among councillors about the timely implementation of developmental initiatives as the assembly elections approach. Several commercial complexes established under the Smart Cities Mission are either vacant or incomplete, leading to considerable revenue losses for the corporation. There are at least 58 shops in three Corporation-owned complexes that have remained empty for three years, with the potential to generate over 2 crore in annual rental income if fully occupied. For the financial year 2025-26, the corporation anticipates revenues of 579 crore against expenditures of 700 crore, resulting in…