Investigation Ordered into Smart Infrastructure Projects in Karnataka

Karnataka’s Urban Development Minister orders probe into Smart Infrastructure projects, proposes shift to smart schools, permanent assets instead of roads, drains.

Urban Development Minister BS Suresha has instructed the authorities to investigate the works worth Rs 5,527 crore concerning the Smart Cities Mission in six cities of Karnataka. The works spanning Belagavi, Davangere, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, Shivamogga, and Tumakuru, raised questions about quality, particularly road development, drainage, and park maintenance.

Suresha mentioned that he was unhappy about it as the Smart Infrastructure projects should talk about long-term assets such as smart schools, smart hospitals, and smart libraries as opposed to just roads and drains. A committee formed by experts from universities and the Indian Institute of Science will investigate the projects and submit a report within three months. The smart cities mission, which aims to improve life in urban areas through sustainable, technology-based solutions, began in 2015, but the minister stressed building infrastructure that would serve the community better.

With the mission ending in March 2025, Suresha has called for global standard smart schools from future allocations.