Ghaziabad municipal body okays second smart city plan

After failing to make it to the list of final 20 cities under Central Government’s ‘Smart City’ programme in January, officials of the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation on Monday finalised a second Smart City Plan that proposes developmental works estimated around Rs.1,897 crore.

According to a published media report, the plan, which has already been approved by the state Government, will now be submitted to the Central Government before June 30.

“Out of the total cost, Rs.1,275.72 crore was slotted for ‘area-based development’ while nearly Rs.541.99 crore was chalked for the ‘pan-city development’ part. There is also a provision of Rs.80 lakh as contingency funds,” said Sanjay Chauhan, Executive Engineer, Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation.

Officials said that they have proposed developmental works at Kaushambi, Vaishali and Maharajpur under the ‘area-based’ plan and will include development of roads, covered footpaths (with shades) and even ducts for putting in cables for electricity, telephone etc.

“We have also proposed development of five stations in Kaushambi and Vaishali localities to house e-bikes. Commuters can hire such eco-friendly bikes and move to metro stations. Further, we have also proposed development of a one-kilometre green area below the Hindon elevated road that will offer seating facilities, lighting and even food kiosks for residents who want to enjoy an outing with their family,” Chauhan added.

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Municipal officials have also proposed to bring e-rickshaws under the ‘area-based plan’ in order to improve environmental conditions.