Thirteen Out of 100 Smart Cities Complete All Their Projects
Thirteen out of 100 smart cities in India have successfully completed all their projects, while 48 cities have achieved over 90% completion under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday. In response to a question, Sahu outlined the progress of the ambitious urban development initiative, revealing that more than 84,000 CCTV surveillance cameras and 713 kilometers of cycle tracks have been installed across these cities.
Additionally, 23 cities have completed more than 75% of their designated projects, with 714 ongoing projects valued at Rs.17,303 crore. As of November 15, 2024, work orders had been issued for 8,066 projects worth Rs.1,64,669 crore, of which 7,352 projects (91% of total projects) have been completed.
The Smart Cities Mission, which began in June 2015 with a total central outlay of Rs.48,000 crore, has seen the government release Rs.47,225 crore to states and union territories, of which Rs.44,626 crore (94%) has been utilized. The mission’s timeline has been extended to March 31, 2025, to accommodate delays due to various factors, including legal issues, clearance delays, land acquisition challenges, and the complexities of construction in hilly areas.
Sahu highlighted some of the key achievements under the SCM, including the construction and improvement of over 1,740 kilometers of smart roads, the development of more than 9,433 smart classrooms across 2,398 government schools, and the establishment of 41 digital libraries. Additionally, 172 e-health centers and 152 health ATMs have been set up, contributing to the healthcare infrastructure.To enhance water supply systems, over 17,026 kilometers of water networks are now monitored through the SCADA system, which has helped reduce non-revenue water. The use of technology has also improved solid waste management in over 66 cities, boosting efficiency and route management.
The Smart Cities Mission continues to drive modernization in urban infrastructure, with an emphasis on sustainability, technology, and improving the quality of life for citizens.
Silchar 4-Laning Project Approaching Completion
The transformation of the two-lane road from Rangirkhari Point to Birbal Bazar into a four-lane highway marks a significant milestone in Silchar’s infrastructure development. This project is expected to greatly enhance connectivity and ease traffic flow in one of the city’s most congested areas. Cachar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav recently inspected the site to assess progress and review preparations for the next phase of the project. During the visit, Yadav evaluated the structures and boundary walls of several government offices situated within the expansion alignment.
The road widening project is set to extend all the way to Silchar Medical College, and once completed, it is expected to substantially reduce traffic congestion in the area. This will provide much-needed relief to daily commuters and improve access for emergency medical services.
Centre to Invest Rs.1,010 Crore in Brahmaputra and Barak River Development Projects
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced in Parliament that the Ministry is investing Rs.1,010 crore for the comprehensive development of the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers in Assam. This initiative aims to enhance the region’s inland waterways infrastructure, including improvements for cargo and passenger movement, as well as river tourism.
Sonowal also highlighted the approval of a new slipway in Majuli, valued at Rs.96.60 crore, under the Sagarmala scheme, with in-principle approval already conveyed by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
In response to a question from Gaurav Gogoi, MP from Jorhat, the Minister provided further details on the ongoing infrastructure projects on Brahmaputra (National Waterway 2). These include the construction of 12 floating terminals, two multimodal terminals at Pandu and Jogighopa, and two permanent terminals at Bogibeel and Dhubri. Additionally, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is maintaining the required depth for smooth cruise vessel operations along the fairway.
Sonowal also announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a “Riverine Based Religious Tourism Circuit” project aimed at connecting significant religious sites via waterways. This initiative will deploy vessels on a “Hop On & Hop Off” basis to connect Kamakhya Temple, Pandunath Temple, Ashwaklanta Temple, Doul Govinda Temple, Umananda Temple, Chakreshwar Temple, and Auniati Satra.
The Rs.1,010 crore investment will fund key projects, including the Comprehensive Development of NW2, with Rs.474 crore allocated and 79.87% physical progress achieved. Other projects include the development of Pandu Port’s approach road and a ship repair facility, with Rs.388 crore allocated, and the development of Barak River and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) with Rs.148 crore. Six tourist jetties, including floating jetties at Bogibeel and Pandu, are also under development, with the latter nearly 85% complete.
Additionally, the construction of slipways in Dhubri and Majuli is ongoing, while other proposed passenger terminals at various locations across Assam are at different stages of execution.
Sonowal also responded to Pradyut Bordoloi, MP from Nagaon, regarding the maintenance of safe vessel navigation. He confirmed that a fairway with a depth of 2 to 2.5 meters and a width of 35 to 45 meters is being maintained. Maintenance dredging is carried out wherever necessary based on hydrographic surveys, ensuring safe and efficient movement of vessels.
Warangal to Enter Global Aviation Network with Mamnoor Airport Expansion.
Warangal is set to become a key player in the global aviation map with the upcoming expansion of Mamnoor Airport, which will soon accommodate international aircraft, including Boeing and Airbus models. The airport’s infrastructure is being upgraded to handle wide-body aircraft like the A320 and B737, making it capable of servicing international routes.
The new infrastructure will include a runway capable of supporting aircraft with up to 215 passengers, such as the B737, and the A320, which typically seats between 140 and 170 passengers but can accommodate up to 180. Both aircraft are widely used by major Indian carriers like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air.
The airport’s first phase will focus on operating aircraft with capacities around 100 passengers, connecting Warangal to major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Tirupati, Bengaluru, and Vijayawada. “The infrastructure, including a new runway, will be developed to accommodate both Boeing and Airbus aircraft,” a source from the roads and buildings department said.
Initial works will also include constructing a signal tower, security facilities, an administrative building, and other essential structures, all adhering to the safety and technical standards outlined by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Once domestic operations begin, further upgrades will take place to bring the airport in line with international standards, enabling both passenger and cargo operations.
Mamnoor Airport, located about 150 km from Warangal, has already received the necessary clearances, including a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for its development under a concession agreement between Hyderabad International Airport Limited and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The agreement stipulates that no new or existing airport within a 150 km radius of Mamnoor can be developed or upgraded into a domestic or international airport until 25 years after its opening.
With the infrastructure upgrades underway, Mamnoor Airport is poised to transform Warangal into a significant aviation hub, boosting regional connectivity and offering global accessibility.
Nitish Kumar Inspects Bihta-Danapur Elevated Road and SDRF Headquarters Construction.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recently visited Bihta, on the outskirts of Patna, to review the ongoing construction of the Bihta-Danapur elevated road and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) headquarters. He instructed officials to accelerate the projects and ensure their timely completion.
During his visit, the CM was briefed on the 25.081 km elevated road, part of the Patna-Buxar four-lane highway project. The road will connect to a road overbridge (ROB) near Danapur railway station, improving access to Bihta airport. In addition to the elevated road, four bypasses are under construction at Neuraganj (1.2 km), Panal (1.75 km), Kanhauli (1.7 km), and Vishunpura (0.6 km). The CM emphasized that the elevated road would significantly ease traffic flow and reduce travel time.
Later, CM Kumar visited Dilawarpur to inspect the construction progress of the SDRF headquarters. Building Construction Department (BCD) secretary Kumar Ravi presented detailed plans for the complex, which will include an administrative building, a 500-capacity auditorium, a training center for 290 trainees, a rapid disaster response team building, family housing, and a national-level swimming pool for flood relief training. The first phase, which includes key facilities such as the administrative, training, and disaster response buildings, is expected to be completed by January 2025. The remaining structures are slated for completion by June 2025.
The CM noted that the SDRF, established in 2010 and modeled after the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), had previously faced challenges in training personnel due to the lack of a dedicated facility. The new headquarters will address this gap by providing permanent infrastructure for training and other operations. Key officials including Development Commissioner Pratyaya Amrit, Principal Secretary to the CM S Siddharth, Road Construction Secretary Sandeep Pudukkalkatti, District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Rajeev Mishra, and SDRF Commandant Mohd Faroguddin were also present during the visit.
Hyderabad Metro Phase-2 to Prioritize 76km Stretch; Fourth City Corridor on Hold.
Hyderabad Metro Phase 2 will initially focus on 76.4 kilometers across five corridors, reducing the originally planned 116.4 kilometers, with the fourth city Metro connection of 40 kilometers placed on hold, officials confirmed. The revised Phase 2 is expected to serve around eight lakh passengers daily upon completion. “We have strategically prioritized these five corridors, focusing on immediate urban mobility needs and technical feasibility, as per the government’s recommendations,” said NVS Reddy, Managing Director of Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML). “Detailed project reports for these corridors are finalized, and we are set to begin work by January 2025.”
The project’s proposal, along with detailed reports, has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for technical and financial review. Initial work will begin with the expansion of the 7.5-kilometer Old City corridor, from MBGS to Chandrayangutta. Preliminary land acquisition notifications for 500 plots have already been issued, with construction work expected to commence by the end of the year.
Phase 2 will feature the city’s first double-decker flyover, a 1.6-kilometer stretch combining Metro viaduct and flyover near Madinaguda. “We have requested the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to halt flyover construction temporarily to allow Metro work to proceed simultaneously,” said Reddy. Additionally, Metro work will be done on the left service lane of nearly six flyovers being constructed by NHAI between LB Nagar and Hayathnagar.
The project timeline has been expedited using the “double U” girders, a modern construction technique that allows for faster building compared to the box girders used in Phase 1.
Challenges remain in the northern corridor, which currently doesn’t meet the Union government’s 90% right-of-way requirement, delaying the planned extension to Medchal.
On the financial front, Reddy noted a significant improvement in the project’s financing model. “Under the earlier Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, we faced a 10% interest rate, leading to an annual interest burden of Rs.1,300 crore. Now, under the joint venture (JV) model, we have access to funding at a much lower 2% interest rate, with loans repayable over 40 years, providing more financial flexibility for quality service delivery,” he said.
Haryana CM Inaugurates New Railway Overbridge in Hisar.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the new Railway Over Bridge and Railway Under Bridge from Jindal Chowk to Surya Nagar in Hisarrecently. The 1,185-meter-long and 10.5-meter-wide bridge will improve connectivity between Sector 1 and Sector 4 of Surya Nagar. During the inauguration, CM Khattar highlighted the project as a testament to the BJP government’s commitment to development. “This bridge is a reflection of our government’s promise to accelerate development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a remarkable pace of progress for the nation,” he stated.
He also took the opportunity to criticize the Congress party, accusing it of obstructing development projects and enabling corruption. “Congress has consistently tried to halt progress with lies and supported corruption,” Khattar remarked, labeling the party’s efforts as detrimental to the state’s growth. The CM further shared on social media that the bridge, constructed at a cost of Rs.79.40 crore, would alleviate traffic congestion in Hisar and enhance the city’s infrastructure. “This bridge will provide significant relief from traffic jams, improve road conditions, and boost development in Hisar,” he added. The new bridge, a part of ongoing infrastructure development in the region, is expected to ease the flow of traffic, benefiting daily commuters and residents alike.
Tenders Issued for New Railway Zone Office in Vizag.
The Indian Railways has taken a major step towards operationalising the new South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone in Andhra Pradesh by issuing tenders for the construction of the General Manager’s office complex in Visakhapatnam. With an estimated investment of Rs. 149 crore, the office complex will be built on a 50-acre plot of land near Mudasarlova in Visakhapatnam.
Although the SCoR zone was first announced in 2019, its implementation was delayed due to challenges, including the previous Andhra Pradesh government’s failure to provide the necessary land. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had previously pointed to these land acquisition issues as the cause of the delays. The new zone’s headquarters will be located in Visakhapatnam, which is part of the Waltair division of the East Coast Railway (ECoR).
For several decades, there has been a demand for the establishment of a dedicated railway zone in Andhra Pradesh, in line with the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014, which promised a new railway zone for the state. The zone will consist of the Vijayawada, Guntur, and Guntakal divisions, along with part of the Waltair division.
The Waltair division of ECoR is a significant revenue generator, contributing over Rs.10,000 crore in revenue in the 2023-24 fiscal year, nearly 50% of the total revenue for the East Coast Railway. This strong financial foundation underscores the economic importance of the Waltair division and supports the establishment of the new zone.
Visakhapatnam, as the proposed headquarters for the SCoR, offers strategic advantages with its proximity to major ports like Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Kakinada, and Krishnapatnam, all vital for cargo and trade. The city also boasts a large land bank for future development, including the largest locomotive shed and an advanced coach maintenance depot, further cementing its role as a key railway hub.
The city’s rapid growth and its status as one of Asia’s fastest-growing urban centres, along with its infrastructure support for the Eastern Naval Command, BHEL, HPCL, and other key industries, positions Visakhapatnam to benefit greatly from the new railway zone. Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, the need for a dedicated railway zone in the state became evident, as the headquarters of the South Central Railway is currently located in Secunderabad, Telangana. The creation of the new zone will address this gap and strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s railway infrastructure.
Renewable Energy PPAs for 55 GW Capacity Remain Unsigned
Approximately 55 GW of renewable energy (RE) capacity awarded between April 2022 and October 2024 remains without signed power purchase agreements (PPAs), highlighting delays driven by a surge in bids and a mismatch between electricity demand and the project pipeline.
According to a report by JM Financial, delays stem from a sharp increase in bids—over 50 GW in FY24 compared to 14 GW in FY23 and 17 GW in FY22—alongside challenges such as project execution constraints, a lack of demand alignment with the bid pipeline, and divergent views on emerging project types like hybrid and round-the-clock (RTC) solutions.
Of the 95 GW of capacity awarded during this period, only 40 GW has secured PPAs, while 224 contracts totaling 55 GW remain unsigned. Notably, solar projects face a declining conversion rate, dropping from 44% in FY23 to 16% in FY25 year-to-date, as Discoms prioritize hybrid solutions and storage-integrated projects over vanilla solar options.
India’s RE landscape is grappling with excess capacity during peak solar hours, a factor that has further discouraged PPA signing for standalone solar projects. In contrast, wind power projects, though fewer in number, have achieved an 89% conversion rate in FY24, signaling stronger market confidence.
As of September 2024, 79 GW of RE capacity is under construction (52 GW solar, 15 GW wind, and 12 GW hybrid), with an additional 95 GW under development. This backlog has prompted Discoms to delay signing new PPAs as they await clarity on future demand and evolving technologies.
The power ministry’s proposal for 15-year PPAs for transmission projects with energy storage systems (ESS) is also influencing Discoms’ hesitancy to commit to traditional 25-year contracts. The emergence of new demand drivers like data centers and the declining costs of battery energy storage systems (BESS) are reshaping the supply mix, further complicating decision-making for Discoms.
Despite these challenges, JM Financial remains optimistic, suggesting that PPA signing rates could accelerate as Discoms adapt to changing market conditions and developers strengthen their capabilities through equity capital, policy support, and supply chain enhancements. Historically, conversion rates for RE contracts into PPAs have remained steady at around 48-50%, providing a precedent for resolution in the current backlog.
The report highlights that commercial and industrial (C&I) demand is emerging as a key driver, with open-access projects gaining traction. Discoms, however, remain cautious about their largest customer segment, uncertain about long-term demand trajectories and the shifting landscape of RE technologies.
Patna Metro to Begin Operations on August 15, 2025
Patna Metro is set to begin its operations from August 15, 2025, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced recently during a presentation in the state assembly. Choudhary, who also holds the Finance portfolio, made the announcement while presenting the state’s second supplementary budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, which totals Rs.32,506 crore.
The assembly passed the supplementary budget, which will fund several key development projects, by a voice vote. The opposition, however, staged a walkout over allegations of irregularities in the implementation of schemes by the Social Welfare department.
Choudhary explained that the supplementary budget would allocate funds for the completion of the first phase of the Patna Metro project, which includes two main corridors: the North-South corridor, running from Patna Junction to Danapur, and the East-West corridor, connecting Patna Sahib with the AIIMS campus. These corridors are expected to provide critical connectivity in high-density areas of the city.
In addition to funding the metro project, the supplementary budget will support the development of various tourism initiatives, including the creation of a ‘Tourist Hub’ in Kaimur district, and the implementation of national programs like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the National Rural Health Mission. Other infrastructural projects across the state will also benefit from the funds.
In his address, Social Welfare Minister Madan Sahni defended the supplementary demand of Rs.3,028 crore for the department, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to improving the lives of the poor and marginalized. He criticized the opposition’s walkout, accusing them of being unsupportive of the welfare initiatives aimed at protecting women, children, people with disabilities, and senior citizens.
The commencement of Patna Metro operations next year is expected to significantly improve the city’s public transport system and enhance connectivity across key locations.
