The Central Government has extended the Smart Cities Mission deadline to March 31, 2025, in response to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's request. During his visit to the national capital, Reddy met with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar to advocate for the extension. The extension aims to ensure the completion of ongoing projects, particularly in Warangal and Karimnagar, where significant work is underway. The Centre emphasized that no new projects will be sanctioned, and funds for existing projects will be released on a first-come, first-served basis until September. The original deadline was June 2025.
The Telangana Chief Minister, A Revanth Reddy, successfully persuaded the Central Government to extend the Smart Cities Mission until March 2025. During a recent visit to the national capital, Reddy met with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, urging for an extension of the mission deadline initially proposed to end in June 2025. The Central Government responded positively to Reddy's appeal, issuing a press release from the Chief Minister's Office confirming the extension.
The extension aims to facilitate the completion of ongoing Smart Cities Mission projects across Telangana, particularly in Warangal and Karimnagar. In Warangal, 45 projects have already been completed, with 66 more projects costing INR 518 crore currently in progress. Similarly, in Karimnagar, 25 projects have been completed, and 22 projects costing INR 287 crore are ongoing. The Chief Minister has briefed the Union Minister on the current status of these projects.
The official communication from the Centre clarified that while ongoing projects will continue as planned, no new projects will be sanctioned under the extended deadline. Funds for these ongoing projects will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis until September of this year. The Centre emphasized the importance of expediting project completion and urged state authorities to ensure timely execution.
Initially, the Centre had set a target to complete the Smart Cities Mission by the end of June. However, with the extension to March 2025, the focus now shifts to concluding existing projects efficiently to meet revised timelines. This decision underscores the commitment of both the Central and State Governments to enhancing urban infrastructure and services through the Smart Cities initiative, benefiting citizens across Telangana.
In conclusion, the extension of the Smart Cities Mission deadline represents a strategic move to ensure comprehensive urban development and infrastructure enhancement in line with public welfare priorities.
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