Government releases Rs 9,940 crore to states for Smart Cities Mission

The Centre has released nearly Rs 9,940 crore to the states so far for the Smart Cities Mission, with Maharashtra accounting for the highest amount of Rs 1,378 crore, followed by Madhya Pradesh getting Rs 984 crore, according to government data. The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has announced 99 cities for central assistance under the BJP government's flagship programme.The total proposed investment in these cities was Rs 2.03 lakh crore. Under the mission, the cities propose to take up various projects, including "smart" roads, rejuvenation of water bodies, cycle tracks, walking paths, smart classrooms, skill development centres, upgradation of health facilities, and pan city projects like integrated command and control centre.