How many cities were initially included under the Smart Cities Mission launched by the Government of India?

The correct answer is 100.

Key Points

• The Smart Cities Mission was launched by the Government of India on 25 June 2015 under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• Initially, 100 cities were selected to be developed as part of the mission.
• The mission aims to improve urban infrastructure and provide better quality of life through sustainable and inclusive development.
• The cities were selected through a competitive process known as the Smart Cities Challenge.
• The total planned investment for the mission is estimated at ₹2.05 lakh crore, covering projects like affordable housing, urban mobility, and IT connectivity.

Additional Information

• Smart Cities Mission Objectives:
  • The mission focuses on area-based development such as retrofitting, redevelopment, and greenfield projects.
  • It emphasizes smart solutions like smart meters, intelligent traffic management, and e-governance.
• Selection Process:
  • The cities were selected through a three-stage competition involving state governments, urban local bodies, and central government evaluation.
  • Only cities that meet specified criteria are granted funding under the mission.
• Implementation:
  • Each selected city sets up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for implementation, with support from government and private partners.
  • The SPV is responsible for planning, appraising, and executing projects under the mission.
• Progress:
  • As of 2023, over 7,000 projects have been tendered, with many nearing completion across various cities.
  • Key focus areas include urban mobility, affordable housing, and green energy initiatives.