Smart City Board stresses project maintenance, higher citizen use and revenue generation; PPP model to be explored where feasible
TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 25, 2026: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be prepared for every project developed under the Smart City Mission in Bilaspur to ensure their effective operation, maintenance and long-term utility.
The decision was taken during the 20th meeting of the Board of Directors of Bilaspur Smart City Limited (BSCL), chaired by Sonmoni Bora, Principal Secretary, Urban Administration and Development Department. The Board discussed measures to improve the utilisation of completed and ongoing projects, increase citizen participation and explore avenues for generating revenue from Smart City assets.
Bora directed officials to prepare project-specific operational blueprints covering maintenance, utilisation and revenue generation. He also asked officials to explore the feasibility of adopting the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model wherever it could improve project management and sustainability.
Focus on long-term sustainability
The meeting reviewed the progress of various projects undertaken under the Smart City Mission as well as plans for their future operation and management. Discussions also covered expansion of civic amenities, improvement of urban infrastructure and strategies for ensuring the continued utility of completed projects.
Bora stressed that Smart City projects should not remain limited to their construction phase but should be managed effectively after completion. Officials were asked to follow clearly defined operational guidelines and develop mechanisms for optimum utilisation of the assets.
Training and capacity building prioritised
The Board also discussed strengthening the human resources required to manage Smart City projects. Bora directed officials to increase participation through the training centre and provide personnel with appropriate training and practical work experience.
He also called for clearly defining responsibilities related to individual projects so that their operation and maintenance could be carried out efficiently.
Education Hub and water projects discussed
The Board deliberated on a proposal to construct an academic block at the Education Hub. Members discussed the possibility of undertaking the project using available BSCL funds while keeping institutional sustainability and optimum utilisation of resources in view.
Various water-related projects were also reviewed during the meeting, along with their implementation and future operational requirements.
The meeting was attended virtually from Mantralaya by Sonmoni Bora, Director Nilesh Mahadev Kshirsagar and SUDA CEO Sumeet Agrawal. Other participants included Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited Managing Director Bhim Singh Kanwar, CHiPS CEO Mayank Agrawal, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs representative Sujit Kumar, Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal, Superintendent of Police Rajnish Singh, Bilaspur Smart City Limited Managing Director Prakash Kumar Surve and other Board members and officials.
