Kerala: MG Road, Nehru Park to get smart

KOCHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the execution of Smart City Mission projects in 20 selected cities on Saturday in Pune, during the first anniversary of the programme. It was on June 25, 2015 that three plan-based urban development projects such as Smart City, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation- AMRUT and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) were launched.

Kochi Corporation has identified two projects, development of MG Road and Nehru Park for the competition round of the Smart City Mission. Details of the projects will be uploaded in www.mygov.in where the public can submit their suggestions and opinions till July 15. The authorities have announced a competition among the 20 Smart Cities on the progress of implementation of the projects.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the execution of more than 70 projects with a total investment of Rs 1, 770 crore in the 20 cities including Kochi. These 20 cities have proposed a total investment of Rs 48, 000 crore in area development and pan-city solutions.

“Proposals for development of MG Road footpath and Nehru park renovation will be finalised after incorporating the people’s suggestions. Pashinithodu Canal rejuvenation and refurbishment and St. John Park renovation are also being carried out in the initial phase as part of the Union government’s AMRUT project which is linked to the Smart City programme,” said deputy Mayor T.J Vinod.

During the inaugural function, Modi will interact with representatives of the 20 cities through video conferencing and review the current status of the programme and other emergency projects if any to be included in the programme. Other cities selected under Smart Cities are implementing water supply projects, sewage treatment plants and development of open and green spaces under the AMRUT programme.