One for AP, None for Telangana

Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu had announced the third list of cities that are to be developed as Smart Cities in co-operation with the Central government. The center is selecting the cities by putting competition among the states on various parameters relating to the smart cities development.

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In the recent list, Tirupati from Andhra Pradesh is picked up taking the total tally of the state to three. Earlier, Vishakapatnam and Kakinada were picked up by the Union Urban Development Ministry. The other Telugu State, Telangana could not find a place in the list. In the three lists so far, only Warangal from Telangana managed to find a place.

The Modi-government aims to transform about 100 cities by 2019-20, with the Union government providing financial support of Rs 48,000 crore over five years. These cities will have excellent facilities such as assured water and power supply, sanitation and solid waste management systems, efficient urban mobility and public transportation, IT connectivity and e-governance, among others with the assistance.