India, Sept. 6 -- The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has decided to develop rural areas to 'Smart Villages' by December 2026. These villages lack basic infrastructure such as proper drainage, sewage networks, paved roads and reliable drinking water supply, said officials.

The initiative, aimed at bridging the urban-rural divide, will see a total investment of Rs.350 crore.

"We want to develop villages at par with the urban areas and committed to convert villages into smart areas for living. The move will help farmers in villages get access to better civic amenities," said RK Singh chief executive officer of YEIDA.

As part of the initiative, YEIDA will equip the villages with modern infrastructure, including ...