The projects of Shimla Smart City Mission have take off after being put in hold for four years. As many as 28 ventures worth Rs 300 crore have been proposed for the state capital.
These projects include parking areas, escalators, lifts, footbridges, smart pedestrian path on the IGMC-Sanjauli course and Cart Road and beautification of shops and structures.
“These projects will be sent to the board of directors of the Shimla Smart City Mission for approval. The meeting is scheduled for October 31,” Municipal Commissioner Pankaj Rai, who is also a member on the board was quoted as saying.
“We hope to start the work before March 31 and have been allocated Rs 100 crore for the purpose,” he added.
“Under the mission, three major smart parking complexes — first near the IGMC’s new OPD block for 1,000 vehicles, second at Vikasanagar for 500 vehicles and third at the SDA complex in Kasumpati for 200 vehicles have been proposed. We have also proposed small parking lots in all wards,” said Nitin Garg, Superintending Engineer, Smart City project.
Rai was also quoted as saying, “As many as five escalators — from the Lift-Metropol-The Mall, Jakhoo parking to the temple top, Cart Road to The Mall, Auckland tunnel to the police chowki, Lakkar Bazaar, Tibetan market to The Ridge — and an elevator from Lakkar Bazaar to Bantony Castle are to come up. This will give easy access to the city centre.”
People on foot from Sanjauli to the IGMC and The Mall will likewise have the option to appreciate a stroll on the proposed shrewd pathway. The pathway will be secured to shield the walkers from the downpour.
The old dilapidated buildings of the Municipal Corporation’s old building will be developed into commercial as well as parking complexes and are located at Chotta Shimla and Kasumpati. The Rs 10 crore Dhalli tunnel is expected to ease traffic congestion on the Sanjauli-Dhalli road.
In a bid to promote eco-tourism, parks will also be developed. “We will beautify The Ridge towards the Lakkar Bazaar side. A smart station will be built for horses,” Rai said.
Krishnanagar Government School will be developed as a smart school under the mission. “We have built six e-toilets and 10 more e-toilets are proposed at different locations,” the Superintending Engineer said.
