Faridabad Smart City initiative: 86% budget used, but projects unfinished 

With nearly 86% of the allocated budget spent, the ambitious Smart City project in Faridabad is approaching its deadline, but an extension is likely as several projects remain incomplete. Originally set to conclude by the end of this financial year, the project may be extended for a few months due to ongoing work. Faridabad Smart City Limited (FSCL), which was established in 2016-17 to implement development projects worth approximately Rs 1,000 crore, has received Rs 960 crore in funding for 45 approved schemes, according to district administration sources. While 24 projects have been completed or are in the process of being transferred to the Municipal Corporation and the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA), nine projects are still unfinished. With Rs 130 crore remaining, the funds will either be utilised for ongoing projects or transferred to other agencies if the works remain incomplete by March 31. Given the current pace of progress, authorities are considering an extension. One of the key projects still underway is the Rs 100 crore Badkhal Lake rejuvenation, which is expected to take another four to five months for completion. Several other projects are also pending, prompting authorities to explore an extension, sources said. Faridabad was among the 100 cities selected for the Smart City Mission in 2015-16. The initiative has included the development of an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) for traffic supervision, a Virtual Tour Application, 26.1 km of smart roads, sewage upgrades, wall art painting, landscaping and a 10 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Badkhal. Additional projects include the restoration of water bodies, park development, multilevel car parking at Old Subzi Mandi, e-toilets, beautification of National Highway intersections, rainwater harvesting at public buildings, open-air gyms, water monitoring SCADA system, stray dog shelters and the construction of eight STPs. The project, covering 1,267 acres, spans multiple sectors, including 19, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 28, 20, 20A, Friends Colony, Kharkana Bagh, Fatehpur Chandila village, Sant Nagar, Shastri Colony, Shiv Colony, Raja Garden, NH-5 of NIT, Gopi Colony, Baba Nagar and SGM Nagar. Several completed projects, such as the SCADA system, water body restoration, and STPs, have already been handed over to relevant agencies. Sanjay Joon, CEO of FSCL, acknowledged that while most projects have been completed, an extension might be required. “The FSCL has been working to complete the pending works in a minimum period of time and as per the directions of the government,” he said.