Chandigarh, Sep 28 (IANS): The central government has released the first advance instalment, amounting to Rs 27.11 crore, from its share of the funds earmarked for the Sultanpur Lodhi Smart City project, slated for launch on the historic occasion of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev in November.

The estimated cost of the project, under the Smart Cities Mission, is Rs 271.11 crore, to be equally distributed between the government of India and the state government.

It is to be released in three instalments.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will launch a series of long-term development projects for the various towns and regions associated with the first Sikh guru during the mega celebrations.

The Sultanpur Lodhi Smart City development project is among the most prominent of these projects. The project is to be completed in a maximum of three years.

The state government had proposed the projects to the Centre, including the development of Sultanpur Lodhi, where Guru Nanak was believed to have spent most of his life, as a heritage city.