Thiruvananthapuram: Projects envisaged under Smart City will go into implementation stage by May 2019.Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan reviewed the progress of the projects here on Monday. M Beena, CEO, Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Limited said that the implementation of Smart City project has been conceived as four modules.“We hope to complete all formalities like preparation of reports, feasibility study and tendering by May 2019. Execution of projects is scheduled to begin by May 2019,” said M Beena.The first three steps ahead of implementation of projects in the first module are expected to be completed by August end. IPE Global, the project management consultant (PMC) for Smart City project needs to prepare ‘existing situation analysis report’, feasibility report and detailed project report before the project could be taken to the implementation stage.It is learnt that IPE Global has offered to complete the three tasks pertaining to 12 fast track projects in first module including DPR by August.A preliminary assessment based on site inspection for various projects has already been completed. The survey in 9 wards included under area-based development project also needs to be completed by IPE Global.Officials of Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Limited said, they are mulling over setting up smart bus shelters in 120 places in compliance with Indian road congress (IRC) code. It is also likely to throw up new challenges as well.“As per IRC code, bus stops shall not be constructed at main junctions. It should be at least 50 metres away from the junction and we are considering a distance of 25-30 metres away from junction to construct smart bus shelters. This will lead to problems related to land ownership as bus stops might come in front of shops which will be objected to by the merchants,” an official said.As regarding water kiosks, the project wing had considered three options; water fountains, coin-operated kiosks and vendor-operated kiosks. It has been decided to go ahead with coin-operated water kiosks. The project wing is looking for 12 major locations in the city where water kiosks could be set up.The chief executive officer of Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Limited had requested state government to release Rs 10.98 crore for Smart City project to meet expenses like mobilization advances of consultant, smart bus shelter, water kiosks and other factors.The government has already allotted the fund from Rs 400 crore which has been earmarked for Smart City project in the budget. Smart bus shelters are being implemented at a cost of Rs 3 crore and water kiosks will be installed at a cost of Rs 1 crore.The project has received further boost with Centre allotting Rs 18 crore and special purpose vehicle is expecting finance department to credit the funds as soon as possible.“As of now we have managed to pool an amount of Rs 24 crore, but we need to press the centre for more funds as the project gains pace,” said M Beena.

Stay updated with all the Latest Thiruvananthapuram headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.