Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Sep 18: It has been five years since the Smart City project began in the city. However, most of the works are limping towards completion. Officers are now under pressure to complete the same before the forthcoming assembly elections.
Out of the 63 projects related to Smart City only 25 have been completed. Out of other 38, 20 are at various stages while work on 18 has not yet begun.
Out of the allotted Rs 1352 crore, Rs 471 crore has been spent, which amounts to just about 47%. Officials are aiming to complete at least first phase of all projects by April or May of 2023.
According to records, 23 projects worth Rs 89 crore have been completed. Clock Tower construction has been done at a cost of Rs 61 lac. However, due to additional grants work around the Clock Tower is still in progress.
LED light installation on government buildings at a cost of Rs 2 crore and Smart road near A B Shetty Circle costing Rs 1.79 crore have also been completed.
A sum of Rs 4.19 crore has been spent on Smart bus shelters at 20 stops and E-toilets. But most of these are not fit for use.
ICU unit of 37 beds at Wenlock hospital at a cost of Rs 3.55 crore, E-school implementation at Rs 14 crore, Civil interior work of Smart city office at a cost of Rs 54 lac, building construction of Lady Goschen hospital worth Rs 2.19 crore, Command control centre at 19.22 crore and improvement of facilities at Wenlock hospital at a cost of Rs 4.82 crore are more or less complete.
38 works of Rs 382 crore are in progress. Underpass for pedestrians near the Clock Tower is over and final touches have been given. Swimming pool related work is 60% complete. It might take one more year for completion.
Development of Kadri Park road is 80% complete. Mangala Stadium development work is 90% complete. Development of Kavoor pond and Wenlock surgical block is underway. The tender process for development of water front area, Tannirubavi, Sultan Battery and hanging bridges are over. However, the work is yet to begin.