On 05 January, 2026, Puducherry inaugurated three major infrastructure projects under the Smart City Mission.

The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, marked this milestone aimed at improving urban services, housing, and sports facilities. A modern mini stadium was developed at Anna Thidal, a historic playground, with upgrades including new galleries, a stage, parking for 1,500 two-wheelers, and modern amenities. This project, costing Rs 121.9 million, is expected to benefit students from nearby schools. In the power sector, Puducherry replaced 26 old substations with compact, maintenance-free versions, and 19 km of coastal overhead power lines were replaced with underground cables to prevent power disruptions. The total cost of the power infrastructure upgrade was Rs 282 million.

Additionally, 220 new homes were built for economically weaker section families, replacing old housing. These new tenements include essential amenities such as water supply, drainage, and electricity, ready for allotment to beneficiaries. These initiatives reflect Puducherry's commitment to inclusive urban development.