As of December 2025, the 31 transformed cities cost approximately Rs 59,385 crore over a ten-year period.

Ten Years of Smart Cities: RTI Reveals Only 31 Towns Fully Transformed Since 2016

A Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs RTI response reveals that only 31 of 100 selected cities have been converted into ‘smart cities’ under a project beginning in 2016. Despite three deadline extensions, most recently to March 31, 2025, the ministry informed that 43 cities are near completion, while 26 cities will require more time. As of December 2025, the 31 transformed cities cost approximately Rs 59,385 crore over a ten-year period.

The Smart Cities Mission aims to enhance urban living standards in 100 cities through superior infrastructure, efficient services, and sustainable development. The initiative was structured to be executed in four distinct phases from 2016 to 2018.

The mission focuses on area-based development, redevelopment, and green spaces rather than entire city transformations. Data shows that by June 24, 2025, 8,067 projects (94 per cent of the total) were completed at a cost of Rs 1.64 lakh crore. 

Among the 31 declared ‘Smart Cities’ are Bhopal, Indore and Varanasi. Notably, Indore completed 231 projects at Rs 3,751 crore, while Varanasi completed 117 projects costing Rs 3,342 crore. Other high-expenditure cities include Surat, Rajkot, and Tripura.

The RTI identified 43 cities where work is nearly complete, including Shimla, Bengaluru, and Jammu. Conversely, 26 cities like Srinagar, Port Blair, and Itanagar face further delays. 

Joint Secretary Rupa Mishra and Joint Director Vivek Kumar declined to comment on the matter.

Source: The Tribune