After over a year of intense discussion, deliberation and lengthy selection process, Central Government has announced names of 98 cities that will become a part of PM Modi’s super ambitious plan of turning 100 urban cities into high- tech smart cities.

Here are the top 10 things you need to know about this lofty mission:-

1) These cities with population of over 13 crore cover 35% of India’s urban population.

2) Among the chosen ones, Uttar Pradesh has got the biggest share- 13, in its kitty followed by Tamil Nadu whose 12 cities would go under the process of transformation. Maharashtra has also got a fair share of 10 while Gujarat and Karnataka will get 6 smart cities each. Bengaluru, Kolkata and Patna could not make the cut.

3) Out of 98 cities & towns- 24 are capitals cities, 24 are business & industrial centres, 18 are cultural & tourism hubs, 5 are port cities, and, 3 are health and education hubs.

4) Central Government proposes to give financial support to the extent of Rs. 48,000 crores over 5 years.

5) The implementation of mission at the city level will be done by a Special Purpose Vehicle which essentially means states will have to find innovative ways to finance the projects through private funding.

6) According to the Smart Cities plan, the core infrastructure elements in smart city would include- adequate water supply, assured electricity supply, efficient public transport, affordable housing, e- governance and sustainable environment.

7) At present 377 million people live in urban areas, this will increase by another 157 millions by 2030 and by 500 millions more by 2050.

8) The High Power Expert Committee on Investment Estimates in Urban Infrastructure has assessed an investment of Rs 7 lakh crore over 20 years. This translates into an annual requirement of Rs 35,000 crore for this mission.

9) According to National Sample Survey, one eighth of India’s urban population lives in slums. 30-50 percent of the urban households still do not have sewerage connections while less than 20 percent of the total waste water is treated.

10) Venkaiah Naidu has said that making our cities smart will make them engines of economic growth besides giving decent life to the citizens.

India has a mammoth task at hand which not just requires huge financial muscle but also great planning and effective implementation at ground level.