Smart City project expected to boost economy

NEW DELHI, August 27: The Centre today rolled out the ambitious Smart City project and hoped that it will attract investment to boost the economy. "The Smart City project requires investment and I can assure you it will be a safe investment," Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said here today assuring the prospective investors in the project. Government has announced Rs 48,000 crore for development of 100 Smart cities out of which 98 names were declared and rest two will be nominated in due course. States/UTs and Urban Local Bodies have to make an equal matching contribution. This in effect means that central and state governments and ULBs will invest Rs 96,000 crore over the next five years for making 100 chosen cities smart, Naidu said. UD Ministry will provide Rs 100 crore per city per year over the next five years. Naidu, however, said additional resources have to be mobilised from other sources including collection of user fees, beneficiary charges, land monetisation, debts and loans to execute the project. "Borrowings from financial institutions, accessing National Investment and Infrastructure Fund and from private sector through PPPs are also options available for the project," the UD minister added. He said Smart City Mission has unleashed an unprecedented enthusiasm and expectations both within and outside the country. "More than a dozen leading countries have expressed keen interest to associate themselves with this Mission which include US, UK, France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Japan, China, Singapore, Israel, Australia. "World's leading technology solution providers have been keenly awaiting the unveiling of the contours of the Mission. Our own private sector is looking forward to take advantage of the investment opportunities," he said. Smart City Plans will be implemented by a Special Purpose Vehicle to be set up for each identified city to enable a focused effort for effective implementation. States/UTs and Urban Local Bodies will have 50 : 50 equity in SPV. "Private sector can also be roped in with equity, the management control remaining with States/UTs," Naidu said.