in5points
Current AffairsPolityPIBboth

NITI Aayog Evaluation of Smart Cities Mission: 97% Projects Completed

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity

PolityEconomy

Why in news

NITI Aayog's September 2025 report evaluated the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) and found strong alignment with national urban priorities and citizen needs, contributing to multiple UN SDGs. The mission achieved a 93% project completion rate and 100% ICCCs, with measurable improvements in urban livability, mobility, safety, and environmental outcomes. As of 31.03.2026, 97% of total projects have been completed, and the Ministry has issued an advisory for post-mission operations.

Background

The Smart Cities Mission was launched by the Government of India in 2015 to promote sustainable and inclusive cities by providing core infrastructure and a decent quality of life. It was closed on 31.03.2025, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued an advisory on 10 June 2025 for the continued functioning of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and ICCCs.

Key facts

in5points

  1. NITI Aayog's report titled 'Evaluation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes in Package 4 - Urban Transformation and Skill Development' was published in September 2025.

  2. The report concluded that SCM demonstrates strong alignment with national urban priorities and citizen needs, contributing to several UN Sustainable Development Goals.

  3. SCM achieved a 93% project completion rate out of 8,063 projects and 100% completion of Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs).

  4. As reported by states/UTs until 31.03.2026, 8,064 projects worth ₹1,64,811 crore were initiated; 7,790 projects worth ₹1,56,257 crore (97%) have been completed.

  5. 100 ICCCs were established for crime monitoring, citizen safety, transport, waste, water, and disaster management functions.

  6. Over 83,000 CCTV surveillance cameras were installed for public safety and security.

  7. More than 1,300 public projects were completed, including conservation of 484 heritage sites and market redevelopment in 58 cities.

  8. Over 17,000 km of water supply network is monitored through SCADA, reducing leaks and non-revenue water.

  9. ICCCs monitor RFID-enabled waste-collection vehicles, improving routes and collection efficiency.

  10. 1,700+ km of smart, accessible roads were constructed, with ITMS deployed for better traffic management.

Prelims pointers

  • Smart Cities Mission (SCM) launched in 2015, closed on 31.03.2025.
  • NITI Aayog report: 'Evaluation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes in Package 4 - Urban Transformation and Skill Development' (September 2025).
  • Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) - 100 established.
  • SCADA: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition for water supply monitoring.
  • RFID: Radio-Frequency Identification used in waste-collection vehicles.
  • ITMS: Intelligent Traffic Management System.
  • PPP: Public-Private Partnership.
  • Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) - implementation agency for SCM.
  • Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) issued Advisory No. 27 on 10 June 2025.
  • UN SDGs - SCM contributes to multiple SDGs.

Mains angles

  • GS2: Government policies and interventions for development of urban areas; evaluation of centrally sponsored schemes.
  • GS3: Infrastructure development, urbanization, and sustainable development.
  • Discuss the achievements and challenges of the Smart Cities Mission in transforming urban India.
  • Critically examine the role of technology (ICCCs, SCADA, ITMS) in improving urban governance and service delivery.
  • Assess the post-mission sustainability of assets created under SCM, including the role of SPVs and O&M plans.
NITI Aayog Evaluation of Smart Cities Mission: 97% Projects Completed — UPSC Polity · in5points