100 Smart Cities project may be launched just any day: Naidu

Venkaiah-NaiduUnion Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has said the outlining for the 100 Smart Cities project has been done and the flagship programme can be launched just any day.

The Union Cabinet had on April 29 gave its nod to the flagship 100 Smart Cities project and the new Urban Renewal Mission with a total outlay of about Rs. one lakh crore.

Naidu said, “The motive is to make urban areas more livable. The plans are ready and the Cabinet has approved the contours. Consultation with all stakeholders for 100 smart cities is over and we are waiting for the launching day. It will be launched any day.”

Naidu said then there will be 500 cities in the country. Under Atal Mission for Urban Renewal and Transformation, 500 cities with a population of one lakh and above will be taken care of, as far as transport, sanitation , drinking water, solid waste management, green belt etc. are concerned.

‘Smart City’ is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet project aimed at recasting the urban landscape of the country by making cities more livable and inclusive besides focussing on the economic growth.

‘Smart City’ aspirants will be selected through a ‘City Challenge Competition’ intended to link financing with the ability of the cities to perform to achieve the mission’s objectives.