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DIMAPUR — The government of India has granted an extension to the Smart Cities Mission, allowing projects to continue until March 31, 2025, following requests from several state and city governments for additional time to complete unfinished projects.
According to a statement from the Press Information Bureau on Wednesday, the mission, launched in June 2015, encompasses over 8,000 projects across 100 selected cities, aiming to improve urban living through technology and innovative solutions.
Kohima is the only city in Nagaland included in the Smart Cities Mission.
While the total estimated cost for more than 8,000 multi-sectoral projects in the 100 cities is INR 1.6 lakh crore, as of July 3, 2024, at least 90% of the projects, valued at INR 1,44,237 crore, have been completed.
The remaining 830 projects, with a combined value of INR 19,926 crore, are reported to be in advanced stages of completion, it said.
In terms of financial progress, it said that the government of India (GoI) has already released 97% (INR 46,585 crore) of the allocated budget of INR 48,000 crore, with 93% of the released funds already utilised.
The mission has also released full GoI financial support to 74 out of 100 cities.
It said that despite the initial deadline, many projects faced delays due to unforeseen on-ground circumstances and the mission has been getting multiple requests from some states/city government representatives to grant some more time to complete the remaining 10% of the projects.
“This extension has been informed to the cities that it would be without any additional cost, beyond the already approved financial allocation under the Mission. All ongoing projects are now expected to be completed before 31 March 2025," the statement read.