Samir Sharma, the national mission director of Smart Cities Project said the cities becoming a part of the mission would have the option of introducing user charges.

People would have to pay for availing better infrastructure services in the cities where it would be implemented.

Sharma was speaking with the reporters following a meeting with the civic officials and private stakeholders in the city on Friday.

On how expenses of the infrastructure projects would be met, he said, "The Union government will provide assistance but the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which will function as the project administrator, will have the liberty to explore different options to manage the expenses incurred."

He said a professional would be the chief executive officer (CEO) of the SPV under the chairmanship of the commissioner. The call on the user charges would be taken by the SPV, but it would have to take public consent before introducing it. The decision will be of both the public and the administrator. The funds can be raised through loans and private participation. They can also issue municipal bonds.