US keen on smart city project

India and the US today discussed investment opportunities in the country's urban development sector in the context of new initiatives like development of smart cities.
US Trade Representative Michael Froman met Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and referred to the high expectations both within and outside India following Narendra Modi taking over as Prime Minister.
According to a senior Urban Development Ministry official, Naidu elaborated on smart cities concept and said that focus will be on enhancing the quality of urban life through improved physical, social and economic infrastructure besides substantially reorienting urban governance in identified cities through e-governance and service delivery.

He also informed that basic infrastructure will be ensured in 500 urban habitations.
Naidu said that further to the interest shown by the US in assisting in the development of Visakhapatnam, Ajmer and Allahabad as smart cities, necessary consultations would be expedited to initiate action in this regard.
Referring to Modi's recent visit to the US, Naidu and Froman noted that it has created a new mood and momentum in bilateral relations and the same would even be further strengthened during the visit of President Barack Obama to India to attend the Republic Day celebrations in January next year.