Singapore to help India in smart cities project after Sushma Swaraj's visit

Having allocated over Rs 7,000 crores in its recent budget for development of 100 'smart cities', India on Saturday roped in Singapore for providing its expertise in this even as the two countries decided to step up economic engagement besides defence and security cooperation.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj concluded a hectic 24-hour visit here with an understanding with this city-state to identify concrete projects in skills development and rejuvenation of Indian cities which would include 'smart cities'.

The concept of 'smart cities' as satellite towns of larger ones was enunciated in last month's budget by the new NDA government which has allocated a sum of Rs 7,060 crore for the ambitious plan.

"Singapore's expertise in smart cities, urban planning and water management strategies offer a valuable learning experience for India. We shall work for setting up greenfield smart cities and for urban rejuvenation. Our experts shall identify the priorities and we shall coordinate its timely delivery," Swaraj said before leaving for New Delhi.