Kumar Bahukhandi
Principal Secretary, Urban Administration and Development Department, Sonmoni Borah reviews documents during the 20th meeting of the Board of Directors of Bilaspur Smart City Limited, held virtually on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Principal Secretary Sonmoni Borah calls for clear operating framework, better utilisation of public assets and exploration of PPP model where required
Key Highlights
- Standard Operating Procedure to be prepared for each Smart City project in Bilaspur
- Focus on long-term operation, maintenance and optimum utilisation of completed assets
- Revenue-generation possibilities to be explored to improve project sustainability
- PPP model may be considered wherever appropriate
- Training and capacity-building of officials and personnel to receive greater attention
- Proposal for an academic block at the Education Hub also discussed
Bilaspur: Every project developed under the Smart City Mission in Bilaspur will have a clearly defined Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) covering its operation, maintenance and long-term utilisation, with greater emphasis on ensuring that public infrastructure continues to deliver benefits after construction is completed.
The approach was discussed at the 20th meeting of the Board of Directors of Bilaspur Smart City Limited (BSCL), chaired virtually on Thursday by Sonmoni Borah, Principal Secretary, Urban Administration and Development Department.
Principal Secretary Sonmoni Borah and officials attend the virtual Bilaspur Smart City Limited board meeting, with project proposals and future operational plans under discussion on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Photo:channel24india.com via CG/DPR
The meeting reviewed ongoing development works as well as the future operation of projects created under the Smart City Mission. Discussions focused on improving civic amenities, strengthening urban infrastructure and establishing sustainable mechanisms for managing completed projects.
Focus Shifts From Building Projects to Sustaining Them
Borah emphasised that Smart City assets should be managed through a structured system rather than being viewed merely as completed infrastructure.
“Clear SOPs should be prepared for the operation and maintenance of every project, and the projects should be managed in accordance with the prescribed guidelines,” Borah said.
He directed officials to examine how existing infrastructure could be put to better and more extensive use by citizens while ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Principal Secretary Sonmoni Borah and senior officials participate in the Bilaspur Smart City Limited board meeting, which reviewed the operation, maintenance and long-term utilisation of Smart City projects on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Photo:channel24india.com via CG/DPR
Revenue generation was another area highlighted during the meeting. Officials were asked to identify possibilities through which Smart City assets could generate resources for their continued operation and maintenance.
“Possibilities for better utilisation of the projects must be explored along with opportunities for revenue generation. Wherever necessary, the potential of the PPP model should also be examined,” Borah said.
The proposed approach is aimed at creating an operational roadmap extending beyond the construction phase, covering management, maintenance, utilisation and financial sustainability.
Borah also stressed the importance of strengthening human-resource capabilities for effective management of Smart City projects.
“More people should be connected through the training centre, and officials and employees must be provided the necessary training and practical experience,” he said.
He also called for clearly defined responsibilities so that officials and personnel involved in operating individual projects understand their respective roles.
The board discussed a proposal for construction of an academic block at the Education Hub. The proposal, which could be taken up using available BSCL funds, was considered from the perspective of institutional sustainability and effective utilisation. Water-related works were also discussed.
The virtual meeting was attended by Urban Administration and Development Department Director Nilesh Mahadev Kshirsagar and SUDA Chief Executive Officer Sumeet Agrawal.
Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited Managing Director Bhim Singh Kanwar, CHiPS Chief Executive Officer Mayank Agrawal, Union 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 Sarve and other board members and officials joined the meeting online.
