Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) to implement Smart Cities Project

Shri Venkaiah Naidu elaborated that the present deficit in physical, social, economic and institutional infrastructure will be bridged to make the cities more livable and drive the economic growth. He said that this infrastructure deficit will be bridged by retrofitting of identified areas of a city and redevelopment of areas which are not amenable to retrofitting to enable such areas conform to the norms of smart city. In addition, pan-city schemes like efficient public transport systems including ring roads, e-governance initiatives etc. will also be undertaken under brownfield development.

Stating that present conditions in urban areas are in a bad state, any improvements in infrastructure and other amenities would make a difference to the quality of living, Shri Venkaiah Naidu said that “the objective of smart cities building is to enable such changes in a sustainable manner for long term results. Smart solutions will be applied to places and projects to enable efficient utilization of limited resources like land, water, power etc. “

Shri Venkaiah Naidu said that “building smart cities does not mean putting in place glossy skyscrapers. It is all about imparting a human face to urban development so that the aspirations of socio-economic advancement are fulfilled through adequate employment and livelihood opportunities”.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu stressed that ICT solutions would play an important role in improving urban governance and enhancing the efficiency of resource use.

The Minister said that Smart Cities and the New Urban Development Scheme for 500 cities would be launched next month.CCI Newswire