Fri Apr 25 20:57:15 UTC 2025: ## Puducherry Smart City Projects Delayed, Despite Completion

**Puducherry, April 26, 2025** – Several Smart City Mission projects in Puducherry, though completed months ago, remain uncommissioned, sparking criticism from residents and political parties. Despite an initial deadline of June 2024, and subsequent extensions to March 2025, projects like the restored Calve College school (completed October 26, 2024) and the reconstructed Rajiv Gandhi bus terminus (completed December 15, 2024) remain unopened to the public.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs approved ₹1,056 crore for 82 projects in 2017, later reduced to ₹612 crore. While 57 projects have been completed, delays in commissioning completed projects are attributed to administrative and financial reasons. The Ministry ended the Smart City Mission on March 31, 2025, leaving the Puducherry government responsible for completing the remaining work.

Concerns are also raised about ongoing projects. Stormwater drain construction is 95% complete but stalled for over a year, while the mini stadium and urban forest trail face significant delays, with projected completion dates in May. The impending closure of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for project execution further raises concerns about the long-term operation and maintenance of the completed infrastructure. An official from the Puducherry Smart City Development Limited (PSCDL), speaking anonymously, stated that the completed projects were initially slated for inauguration in January but attributed the delay to unknown reasons.

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