New Delhi: The Union Cabinet approved two proposals on Wednesday, one for 100 smart city projects and another for old housing projects initiated by the previous government.
The NDA Government had announced the Smart City project in July 2014. Earlier this month, Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu had said the project will be rolled from May.
“The Centre will be a facilitator with regard to smart cities and government will do the hand holding”, Naidu informed industry representatives.
Meanwhile, Smart Cities Council India, which has been formed to promote development of smart cities, will launch a guide to help urban planners understand the framework of smart city and take steps to improve city’s infrastructure.Â
‘Smart City’ is an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take the pressure off Indian metros. Ahead of his election last May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised 100 so-called smart citiesby 2022 to help meet the rush.
A smart city in Gujarat is currently under construction.Â
India has allocated nearly Rs 6000 crore for development of these smart cities.Â
Many countries like the US, Spain, Singapore, etc have envisaged their interest in partnering with India in developing these smart cities.Â
(With inputs from ANI)