In the latest update on India’s Smart City initiative, Guwahati, one of the initial 20 smart cities chosen for the project, has faced significant challenges. Reports from Niti Aayog reveal that Guwahati ranks among the worst-performing smart cities in the country. Out of 185 projects valued at ₹2,256 crore, only nine have been completed.
Guwahati’s struggle is not an isolated case, as other cities in the Northeast region, including Shillong, Aizawl, and Imphal, have also encountered difficulties in progressing with their smart city projects. Furthermore, cities like Amaravati, Diu, Greater Warangal, Kavaratti, Port Blair, and Puducherry are also listed among the worst-performing cities.
Despite various challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, political and regional factors, and local land and labor issues, there have been 32 smart cities that exceeded expectations by completing more projects than initially planned. In the last 12 months, a remarkable ₹39,085 crore worth of projects were successfully accomplished nationwide.
Moreover, the financial aspect of the Smart Cities Mission exhibits positive signs. The Centre has increased funds allocated to the initiative, rising from ₹28,315 crore to ₹34,887 crore by the end of 2022, demonstrating renewed efforts to accelerate the development of smart cities across the country.
