Agartala Achieves Milestone in Smart Cities Mission Completion
Agartala has been officially designated as one of 31 cities across India to successfully complete its transformation under the Centre’s Smart Cities Mission. This marks a significant milestone in advancing urban infrastructure and sustainability through technology-driven solutions, positioning Agartala as a model for northeastern development.
Mission Progress and Timeline Extensions
According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, only 31 of the 100 cities selected for the program have completed their transformation so far. Launched in 2016 as a five-year initiative, the mission has faced repeated timeline extensions due to implementation challenges. Originally set to conclude in 2023, the deadline was extended twice—first to June 2024 and then to March 31, 2025.
The ministry reported that 43 cities are nearing completion, while work continues in the remaining 26. The mission was executed in four phases:
- 20 cities were chosen in January 2016
- 40 more cities were added subsequently
- 30 cities were selected in June 2017
- The final 10 cities were included in January 2018
Financial and Project Achievements
As of December 2025, the 31 completed cities have transformed projects worth an estimated Rs 59,385 crore. The initiative focused on area-based enhancements such as redevelopment, creation of green spaces, infrastructure upgrades, and innovative urban strategies. Across all selected cities, about 8,067 projects—94% of sanctioned plans—have been completed at a combined cost of Rs 1.64 lakh crore.
Agartala’s Standout Success
Agartala has emerged as a standout success story, completing 77 smart city projects. Other fully transformed cities include Bhopal, Chandigarh, Indore, Pune, Surat, Vadodara, Varanasi, Coimbatore, Ranchi, and Jabalpur, among others. Agartala’s inclusion in this list is widely regarded as a significant achievement for Tripura, highlighting regional progress.
Chief Minister Manik Saha emphasized the impact, stating, “Agartala’s transformation will position it as a model urban hub in north-eastern India, catalysing further development and modernisation in the region in the years ahead.” This achievement is expected to spur economic growth and improve quality of life for residents through enhanced urban amenities.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The completion of these projects underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing urban landscapes despite delays. The Smart Cities Mission has leveraged technology to address urban challenges, promoting sustainability and efficiency. With 43 cities nearing completion, the mission is on track to achieve its goals, though continued efforts are needed to ensure all cities meet the extended deadline.
This progress reflects a broader trend of urban revitalization in India, with Agartala serving as a beacon for northeastern states. The success stories from these 31 cities provide valuable insights for future urban planning initiatives, emphasizing the importance of integrated development and community engagement.
