LUCKNOW, Feb. 11 -- The state government's push to transform urban infrastructure has gained momentum with a Rs.26,514 crore allocation in the 2026-27 budget, marking one of the largest sectoral outlays as 17 cities get a smart city makeover.

Minister of urban development and energy AK Sharma said the urban development strategy combines governance expansion, sanitation reform and technology-driven city planning.

Since 2017, 113 new urban local bodies have been created, while the boundaries of 127 existing bodies have been expanded. The expansion aims to strengthen municipal governance, improve revenue generation and streamline infrastructure development.

Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 1.0, public, community and pink toilets have b...