Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the first 20 cities which will be developed into Smart Cities in 2016.
These cities were chosen, from 98 shortlisted for the 'Smart Cities Mission', through the Smart City challenge contest.
"Congrats to winners of Smart City Challenge. I wish the cities the very best as they move forward with implementation and transform urban India," Modi tweeted.
"I thank all those who took part in the comprehensive deliberations on various forums to decide winners of Smart City Challenge," he added.
Earlier on Thursday, Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu announced the names of the first 20 cities which will be developed into smart cities in 2016.