Jaipur Struggles Despite ₹995 Crore Development Spending

Jaipur once praised for its meticulous planning and historic beauty, is now facing serious questions about its civic management. Despite the allocation and expenditure of nearly ₹995 crore by the city’s two municipal corporations, large parts of the city continue to battle potholes, waterlogging, and poorly lit streets. These harsh realities paint a stark contrast to the promises of all-round development and modernization.

The core problem lies in how the funds have been distributed and utilized. According to residents, most of the infrastructure work has been concentrated in prime city zones and high-profile areas. While areas like C-Scheme, Raja Park, and parts of the Walled City enjoy cleaner roads, functional drainage, and consistent lighting, the outer wards — home to thousands of families — tell a different story altogether.

Take the example of Jhotwara, Mansarovar Extension, or Sanganer outskirts. These areas are still waiting for basic amenities. Roads are riddled with potholes that make daily commuting both difficult and dangerous. During the monsoon, clogged drains overflow and flood low-lying areas, bringing life to a standstill. Streetlights remain dysfunctional in many parts, putting the safety of women and children at risk after dark.

Residents from these neighborhoods are now demanding accountability. “The government keeps announcing crores of rupees for development, but nothing changes here. We still have to wade through water and garbage just to reach the main road,” says Sushila Devi, a resident of Ward 82. Many citizens have expressed frustration on social media, uploading photos of their flooded streets, broken footpaths, and piled-up garbage, tagging local officials and demanding urgent action.

Urban planning experts point out that Jaipur’s civic problems are rooted in poor planning and uneven implementation. “Development funds are not being allocated equitably. The outer wards are often ignored because they lack political clout or visibility. This creates an urban divide where some live in comfort while others continue to suffer,” says Anil Sharma, an urban policy analyst.

Meanwhile, Jaipur’s image as a smart city is under question. Despite being a part of India’s Smart City Mission, the ground reality contradicts the vision. The ongoing issues have become an embarrassment for city officials, especially with tourist season approaching. Overflowing drains, unlit streets, and open potholes not only affect residents but also damage the city’s reputation among visitors.

In response to criticism, municipal officials claim that work is ongoing and funds are being utilized as per plan. However, ground-level inspections tell a different story. Many projects are either incomplete or have been executed with substandard materials, raising concerns about corruption and mismanagement.

The larger concern is the trust deficit. People feel unheard and left behind. Jaipur, a city known for its rich heritage and royal past, is now battling the challenges of neglect and inequality. It’s time for both the Jaipur Heritage and Greater Municipal Corporations to step up, conduct transparent audits, and ensure development reaches every corner — not just the privileged few.

Until then, the question remains — if ₹995 crore wasn’t enough, what will it take to fix Jaipur?