Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in Uttar Pradesh – Status FY25

Context

Launched: 25 June 2015 by PM Narendra Modi.
Objective: Transform cities into economically vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable urban spaces through smart and sustainable solutions.
Scope in UP: 10 cities selected – Agra, Aligarh, Bareilly, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Moradabad, Prayagraj, Saharanpur, Varanasi.

1. Project Completion and Fund Utilization

Total projects: 893 projects worth ₹21,156 crore.
Completed: 883 projects (≈99%) worth ₹20,832 crore.
Ongoing: 10 projects worth ₹324 crore.
Central financial assistance claimed: ₹4,900 crore (100% of allocation).
Utilization: ₹4,876 crore (≈99.5%).

Insight: High completion rate reflects effective project execution and fund management in UP.

2. Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs)

ICCCs operational in all 10 cities, enabling real-time monitoring and smart governance.

Significance: ICCCs central to urban management, traffic monitoring, disaster management, and public service delivery.

3. Sector-wise Progress

Sector	Total Projects	Completed	Amount (₹ Cr)
Economic Infrastructure	110	108	2,581
Environment	14	14	66
Smart Energy	85	85	2,514
Smart Governance	92	92	2,705
Smart Mobility	174	171	4,204
Social Infrastructure	109	108	1,143
Vibrant Public Spaces	150	149	1,527
WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene)	153	150	6,057

Key Takeaway: Major focus on WASH, smart mobility, and smart governance, reflecting priorities in urban livability and sustainability.

4. Achievements and Significance

High project completion – 99% of projects completed.
Optimal fund utilization – 99.5% of central allocation used.
Operational ICCCs – critical for smart governance.
Sectoral balance – infrastructure, energy, mobility, social services, environment.
Urban development impact: Better civic services, improved infrastructure, enhanced economic activity, and environmental sustainability.

5. UPSC Relevance

Prelims Pointers:

10 SCM cities in UP: Agra, Aligarh, Bareilly, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Moradabad, Prayagraj, Saharanpur, Varanasi.
Total projects: 893; Completed: 883; Ongoing: 10.
Fund utilization: ₹4,876 crore / ₹4,900 crore (≈99.5%).
ICCCs operational in all cities.

Mains (GS-3) Perspective:

Evaluate the progress of Smart Cities Mission in Uttar Pradesh. Discuss how sectoral focus, governance reforms (ICCCs), and financial management contribute to the sustainable urban development agenda.

6. Key Insights

High completion rate demonstrates effective project management and government accountability.
Sectoral distribution indicates a holistic approach covering infrastructure, energy, governance, mobility, social services, public spaces, and WASH.
ICCCs enable data-driven urban management, aligning with digital India initiatives.
Policy implications: Success in UP can serve as a model for other states and future urban reforms.

Updated: August 1, 2025 03:56 PM | Indian Express