Don't stop at just paying your taxes; take advantage of smart amenities provided by the Municipal Corporation, such as free Wi-Fi..

The mere mention of a municipal corporation often brings to mind concepts such as taxes, sanitation, and sewage systems. However, this perception is now changing rapidly. Under the Smart Cities Mission and various central government schemes, there is a growing emphasis on providing modern amenities to the general public across numerous cities in the country. Today, facilities such as free Wi-Fi, clean and smart public toilets, digital libraries, and online civic services are being made available to residents in many urban centers. Notably, many of these amenities are provided completely free of cost.

Under the central government's PM-WANI scheme, public Wi-Fi hotspots are being rapidly deployed across the nation. In cities participating in the Smart Cities Mission, people can access free internet services in parks, markets, bus stands, and other public spaces. Cities such as Indore, Pune, Surat, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad already have numerous wards and public areas equipped with this facility. Users can easily connect to the network in these locations using their mobile numbers and a One-Time Password (OTP). In many places, a login facility is also available through the PM-WANI app.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0, modern public toilets are being constructed in various cities across the country. A key focus of this initiative is to ensure that these facilities remain operational 24/7, are maintained in a hygienic condition, and are safe and accessible for women and persons with disabilities. The Delhi Municipal Corporation has formulated a plan to construct approximately 1,000 new 'smart' public toilets during the 2026-27 fiscal year. Meanwhile, in cities like Indore, Surat, Bhopal, and Coimbatore, public toilets equipped with modern amenities have already been commissioned in numerous locations. Residents can locate the nearest facility by searching for "Public Toilet Near Me" or "SBM Toilet" on Google Maps.

**Promoting Education and Skill Development through E-Libraries**

As part of the Smart Cities Mission, digital and e-libraries have been established in several cities. These facilities allow people to access e-books, online courses, digital magazines, and educational content—either free of charge or at a nominal fee. Innovative models such as the Modern Doon Library in Dehradun, the Nalanda Campus in Raipur, and the e-library in Belagavi are rapidly gaining prominence and recognition. Such facilities are also expanding in Pune, Ahmedabad, Cuttack, and other cities.

**Facilities Are Growing, But Maintenance Remains the Biggest Challenge**
However, several challenges persist at the grassroots level. While these facilities are in relatively better condition in major cities, many projects in smaller cities and municipalities are still in their nascent stages. Experts believe that while creating infrastructure is easy, its consistent maintenance emerges as the greatest challenge. In many places, free Wi-Fi services cease to function, or the cleanliness of public toilets begins to deteriorate over time.

**Here Is How to Check for Such Facilities in Your City**
Citizens can obtain information regarding available facilities by visiting their city's Municipal Corporation or Smart City website. Additionally, the locations of public toilets, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other city services can be easily tracked using the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban app and various local city applications.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.