Lack of Progress: Indian Government’s Plan to Create New Cities Faces Delays
It has been two years since the Indian government announced its ambitious plan to build eight new cities, but progress on these projects has been slow. Despite receiving 26 proposals from 21 states, no projects have been finalized yet. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs invited proposals in March 2022, but the evaluation process is taking longer than expected.
Lack of Updates and Transparency Raises Concerns
The lack of updates, transparency, and visible development in these new city projects has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to this initiative. The initial fanfare has now dwindled, leaving many to wonder about the fate of these plans.
Allocation of Funds and Selection Criteria
The 15th Finance Commission recommended allocating Rs 8,000 crore for the incubation of eight new cities in its 2021-26 report. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will select eight cities from the proposals received, considering factors like economic potential, land availability, and connectivity.
The commission had set a deadline for selecting cities by December 2022 and releasing the first grant by March 31, 2023. However, the ministry is still in the process of reviewing the proposals, causing further delay.
States Proposing New Cities
The initiative has seen active participation from 21 states, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala, and Gujarat. These states have submitted proposals for new city development, with some proposing two cities each.
Madhya Pradesh aims to create two distinct cities – Jabalpur Extension and Pithampur Phase 4. Jabalpur Extension is envisioned to become a ‘garment city’ or garment hub, while Pithampur Phase 4 will primarily offer housing due to its proximity to industrial units.
Other states like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are also planning greenfield city projects. However, while Uttar Pradesh is making headway with its greenfield township project in Ayodhya, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are still in the planning stages.
Challenges and Alternatives
Urban development experts highlight the challenges associated with creating new cities, such as land acquisition issues and the significant initial investment required for infrastructure development. In light of these challenges, experts suggest focusing on urban extensions and vertical development to benefit existing cities.
The Uncertain Future
While the government’s vision for new cities is commendable, the delay in finalizing projects is a cause for concern. With numerous states awaiting the Centre’s decision, the fate of these proposals and their potential impact on India’s urban landscape remains uncertain. Only time will tell if the government can turn this vision into a reality or if it will remain a distant dream.
