Modi flags off India’s urban renewal dream

India’s urbanisation dream has moved one step forward with Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching three signature projects of urban renewal.

On June 25, Mr Modi, an ardent proponent of fast-track urbanisation, launched Smart Cities Mission, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

Unveiling these programmes at a function organised at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on June 25, the prime minister said, “Governments should have looked at urbanisation as an opportunity to drive growth. India’s population is aspiring better standards of living and quality of life and this urban push is the first step in that direction.”

This is the first instance when India has planned to develop 60 cities simultaneously, with Uttar Pradesh getting 13, Tamil Nadu 12, Maharashtra 10, and Gujarat and Karnataka eligible for six cities each.

The three projects will attract an investment of over Rs 300,000 corer over the next five years, with The Smart City and AMRUT projects getting Rs 48,000 crore and Rs 50,000 crore respectively.

Under the Smart City Mission, the government aims to enhance quality of life in 100 selected cities, with 24-hour power and water supply, better education facilities, world class transportation system, e-governance and environment-friendly atmosphere.

AMRUT is aimed at ensuring basic infrastructure for 500 Indian cities with a population of over 100,000. The development will include adequate water supply, sewer connections, sanitation, solid waste management, and a provision for roads and public transportation.

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