NEW DELHI (TIP): Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced a big boost for urban areas through 100 smart cities, which will be enabled with the latest technology and infrastructure and will have concepts such as sustainability, walking spaces and specialised domains. The smart cities will have Wi-Fi connectivity, GIS-based mapping and scientific and strategic town planning and integrated public transport systems.

Mr. Jaitley said the concept of smart cities was in keeping with the times since a “neo middle class is emerging” which aspires for better living standards. He also announced that the government would focus on providing infrastructure, including public transport, solid waste disposal, sewerage treatment and drinking water, in the urban areas. The budgetary provision for the Pooled Municipal Debt Obligation Facility has been enhanced from Rs. 5,000 crore to Rs. 50,000 crore with extension of the facility by five years to March 31, 2019.

Jaitley said this facility was set up in 2006 with participation of several banks to promote and finance infrastructure projects in urban areas on shared risk basis. It is the vision of the government to create at least 500 habitations with provisions for safe drinking water and sewerage management, use of recycled water for growing organic fruits and vegetables, solid waste management and digital connectivity through publicprivate partnerships (PPPs), he said.