Under India's Smart Cities Mission, Andhra Pradesh's four cities - Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Amaravati - have completed over 85% of their urban development projects, totaling INR 5,657 crore out of the planned INR 6,620 crore. Kakinada and Tirupati led with INR 2,000 crore in completed projects each, while Visakhapatnam achieved INR 1,575 crore. Amaravati lags, with INR 746 crore completed out of INR 930 crore planned. Despite challenges, the progress underscores a strong commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure and living standards across these cities, setting a benchmark for others in India.
The Smart Cities Mission launched by the Union government nearly seven years ago aims to improve urban infrastructure and enhance the quality of life in cities across India. In Andhra Pradesh, four cities - Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Amaravati - were selected to receive funds and support for this initiative. As of now, these cities have collectively completed urban development projects worth INR 5,657 crore out of a planned INR 6,620 crore. This marks over 85% completion of the projects intended to modernise urban living.
Kakinada and Tirupati have notably exceeded performance expectations, each completing smart city projects valued at about INR 2,000 crore. These projects have not only upgraded infrastructure but also aimed to boost economic activities in these regions. Visakhapatnam, often referred to as Vizag, has completed roughly INR 1,575 crore worth of projects, indicating a strong focus on developing a more sustainable urban environment. Amaravati, on the other hand, has completed projects worth INR 746 crore out of its INR 930 crore planned investments. While the progress varies across cities, the collective effort highlights a significant commitment to smart urban transformation.
The journey of Visakhapatnam under the Smart Cities Mission began when the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) submitted proposals in 2015. A survey revealed that the RK Beach area was the most favoured for development, with 75% of respondents supporting this choice. As a result, the GVMC established the Greater Visakhapatnam Smart City Corporation Limited (GVSCCL) to oversee the implementation of smart city projects. Among the array of initiatives in Vizag are floating solar power plants, smart classrooms, enhanced street lighting, and an advanced sewage system, all contributing to a more efficient urban ecosystem.
Despite considerable achievements, Amaravati faces challenges in project execution. Selected in the third round of the Smart Cities Mission in mid-2017, Amaravati proposed numerous projects totaling INR 2,046 crore. However, the Union government's latest data shows that only INR 930 crore worth of projects are ongoing or completed. This disparity raises questions about planning and execution in Amaravati compared to its counterparts, as local authorities work to address delays and optimise resources.
The GVMC's chief engineer, M. Vinay Kumar, remains optimistic about completing Vizag's smart projects ahead of the March 2025 deadline. He noted that the city has nearly finished implementing most of its planned initiatives. In addition to visible developments, the mission also emphasises sustainability and citizen engagement. The focus on technology-driven solutions aims to make life easier and more efficient for residents, promising a modern urban experience in Visakhapatnam.
Other cities in India are closely monitoring the progress in Andhra Pradesh, as lessons learned could be beneficial for their smart city projects. The experience from these smart cities highlights the importance of community involvement in planning and executing urban projects. Authorities stress that public feedback-like the one gathered by GVMC before the selection of RK Beach-plays a crucial role in determining the success of such initiatives.
As the Smart Cities Mission progresses, it serves as a reminder of the challenges urban areas face regarding infrastructure, governance, and funding. The case of Andhra Pradesh reflects broader trends across the country, with successful urban projects requiring coordinated efforts, adherence to deadlines, and transparent communication with citizens. Looking forward, these cities have a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban living in India.
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