Punjab, Haryana, Himachal leading performers in Smart City Mission

The Smart City Mission is making a strong headway in northern India, with Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Delhi recording notable achievements in project completion, fund utilisation and urban transformation. According to the latest figures compiled as of July 31, 2025, these regions are moving steadily towards the mission’s vision of sustainable and technology-driven urban growth.

Punjab has positioned itself among the leading performers under the scheme, with Rs 485.66 crore sanctioned and Rs 470 crore claimed in central assistance, of which Rs 417.21 crore has been put to effective use. Out of 204 sanctioned projects, 89 have been completed at a cost of Rs 413.31 crore, while 15 ongoing works worth Rs 343.35 crore are in progress. Amritsar and Jalandhar remain the focus of extensive upgrade in infrastructure, transport and public spaces, reflecting a push towards long-term urban renewal.

Haryana has shown commendable efficiency in drawing and deploying funds, having claimed Rs 921.5 crore against the sanctioned Rs 979.77 crore. The state has 161 sanctioned projects amounting to Rs 1,979.77 crore, of which 137 have been completed at Rs 542.46 crore. Twenty-four more projects worth Rs 437.31 crore are underway. Faridabad and Karnal have emerged as visible showcases of the Smart City Mission’s impact, with improvement spanning road connectivity, public transport integration and green spaces.

Himachal Pradesh has maintained a high completion rate, utilising the entire Rs 954.73 crore claimed from the Centre. Of the 291 sanctioned projects worth Rs 1,551.66 crore, 266 have been completed at a cost of Rs 1,206.02 crore. The remaining 26, valued at Rs 345.64 crore, are progressing. Shimla and Dharamsala are reaping benefits from modernised infrastructure, enhanced mobility solutions and improved civic amenities, setting benchmarks for hilly and environmentally sensitive regions.

Jammu & Kashmir’s performance under the mission reflects both progress and resilience in the face of operational challenges. Against a claim of Rs 452.25 crore, the region has utilised Rs 377.09 crore. It has 161 sanctioned projects totalling Rs 3,634.4 crore, with 55 completed at Rs 352.85 crore. Six ongoing projects are valued at Rs 111.55 crore. Srinagar and Jammu are witnessing upgrades in public utilities, transport networks, and digital services, underlining the administration’s focus on inclusive urban growth.

Delhi, too, has sustained momentum in its smart city agenda, with Rs 969.97 crore sanctioned and Rs 343 crore claimed from the centre. The national capital has utilised Rs 316.64 crore so far, completing 120 of 127 sanctioned projects at a cost of Rs 873.73 crore. The remaining seven, worth Rs 123.24 crore, are in progress. These initiatives are enhancing governance efficiency, expanding public infrastructure, and integrating technology into everyday urban life.