MoUD selects the first batch of 20 cities under the Smart Cities Mission

The Ministry of Urban Development has released the list of the first batch of cities selected to be developed as smart cities under the Smart Cities Mission. In the first batch, 20 cities out of 98 contenders have been selected on the basis of the feasibility of the given proposal, cost-effectiveness, result orientation, citizen participation, strategic plan, vision and goals, among other things. As per the plans, an investment of Rs 508.02 billion will be made in these cities over a period of five years. Of the total investment, Rs 386.93 billion will be on area-based development and Rs 121.09 billion on pan-city development.