Smart City project to take off soon in city

The Smart City project is all set to take off soon in the city. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) has been created for the purpose.

The SPV will plan, appraise, release funds, implement, manage and operate the project. 

Bangalore Development Minister K J George held a review meeting with senior officials on Wednesday in this regard.

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad was nominated as chief of the SPV and it was decided to conduct its first meeting on January 16.

Mahendra Jain, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department said that a detailed project report was being prepared and final approval would be given at the meeting.

According to the proposal, KR Market will be integrated along with Metro terminal to make it more user-friendly, Jain said.

Along with the 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.

The vendors at the KR Market would also be consulted before finalising the project, Jain said.

Under the project, about 25 roads of 50 kilometres will be made TenderSURE roads. Swathantrapallya slum will also be developed in the first phase of the project.

Bangalore was chosen one among the 30 cities to be deemed as Smart Cities in the country last year and Rs 1,700 crore has been allotted to implement this infrastructure-based project in the city.