Smart city project Phase I to kick off soon

The Smart City project is all set to take off soon, a year after the formation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to implement the project.

Works under Phase I of the project worth Rs 100 crore will begin in five to six months.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the nodal agency to implement the project, is planning to renovate historical markets, 20 major roads, parks, lakes and slums under Phase I.

A senior BBMP official said: “The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase I is being prepared. For the project, 50% of the funds are being provided by the central government and the remaining 50% by the state government. It will take around five to six months to take up the project, including the tender process.”

“The total cost of the project is around 2,100 crore and around Rs 800 crore worth works will be undertaken through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model,” he added.

According to the proposal, KR Market will be integrated with the Metro terminal to make it more user-friendly. Along with KR Market, Russel Market will also get a face-lift with technology-enabled features such as smart bins, loading and unloading pathways, and designated vending kiosks.

“Under the project, about 20 roads will be brought under TenderSURE project. Swathanthra Palya slum will also be developed in the first phase of the project,” the official explained.

Bengaluru is among the 30 cities chosen to be deemed as Smart Cities last year and Rs 1,200 crore has been allotted to implement this infrastructure-based project in the city.