With impressive advancements evident in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Delhi, the Smart City Mission is making significant strides in northern India. These areas are showcasing strong performance in project completion, fund utilization, and urban transformation as they work towards achieving the mission’s goal of sustainable, technology-driven urban development.

Punjab, in particular, has emerged as a key player in the initiative, having received a sanction of Rs 485.66 crore and successfully claimed Rs 470 crore in central assistance. Out of this total, Rs 417.21 crore has been effectively deployed.

With 204 projects greenlit, 89 have been completed at an expense of Rs 413.31 crore, while 15 additional projects, valued at Rs 343.35 crore, are currently underway. Cities like Amritsar and Jalandhar are the focal points for major improvements in infrastructure, transportation, and public spaces, signaling a commitment to 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.