In a move aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and quality in urban infrastructure projects, the Maharashtra government has decided to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI), geo-tagging, and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to monitor development works carried out by urban local bodies across the state.
Officials said that the decision, announced by the Urban Development Department on Wednesday, fulfills Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's commitment made during the 2026 Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Legislature to introduce a technology-driven audit mechanism for civic projects.
The Maharashtra Government Resolution (GR) issued on July 29 stated that a special study group has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Commissioner and Director of the Directorate of Municipal Administration to formulate the framework for implementing the new system. The committee has been asked to submit its recommendations to the state government within one month.
The initiative will cover development works undertaken by municipal corporations, municipal councils, and Nagar Panchayats, with the objective of ensuring that public funds are utilised efficiently and projects are executed to prescribed quality standards.
AI will help authorities to monitor projects at every stage of execution
According to the Urban Development Department, complaints regarding poor-quality construction and alleged misuse of funds in civic projects such as roads, water supply schemes, and other infrastructure works are frequently reported.
The use of AI, geo-tagging, and GIS mapping is expected to enable authorities to monitor projects at every stage of execution, making audits more accurate while improving transparency and accountability.
Under the proposed system, AI will be used to assess the quality and accuracy of completed works, while GIS mapping will help create spatial records of development projects. Geo-tagging will allow officials to monitor the actual progress of works and verify whether projects are being completed within stipulated timelines through online tracking.
The government also plans to broaden the audit process by involving citizens, residents' associations, voluntary organisations, technical experts, academic institutions, and elected public representatives.
Officials said, “The inclusion of multiple stakeholders will strengthen social audits and ensure that development works are evaluated based on their actual impact on residents.”
Furthermore, the committee will also examine ways to strengthen existing technical and financial audit mechanisms and recommend how AI can be effectively integrated into project inspections. It will also study methods for conducting social audits to assess the benefits of civic works for citizens and suggest measures to ensure timely completion and improved quality of ongoing and future development projects.
The state government believes that the adoption of advanced technologies for monitoring public infrastructure will help reduce irregularities, improve the quality of civic works, and enhance public confidence in the execution of government-funded development projects.
* This article was originally published here
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