Naidu seeks private participation in Smart City project

Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today sought private participation in the ambitious Smart City project as it requires massive resources.
Building Smart City is a challenge for the states, urban local bodies and corporates but it is also a great opportunity as well, he said at the conference on Smart City organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce here.
Government has announced to develop 100 Smart Cities across the country phase-wise and Rs 500 cr has been allocated for the project in the last budget.
"A city that enables easy mobility, workability and thereby more livable is a Smart City," Naidu said, adding "quality institutional, physical, social and economic infrastructure are essentials of it."

He said the development of Smart City is not possible without the participation of private investment.
"I call upon industry here and outside the country to join the Smart City project as there are great opportunities in it," he said.

As per the concept of the Smart City finalised by the ministry, e-governance and online delivery of services and public information, continuous power and water supply, effective transportation system, better health care and education system are some of the components of the mega project.
However, Naidu said the socio-economic objectives of Smart City is inclusivity enabling the poor access and equal right to public spaces like roads, lands and new opportunities.

He said there is a need to adopt best practices to make the project successful.
The Ministry held consultations with real estate bodies, experts, planners, IT companies over last few months for shaping up the project.
Consultative workshops with urban local bodies and other stakeholders were also conducted for finalising it.
A cabinet decision is likely to be made for flagging of the first phase of the Smart City project shortly.