Nagpur's Smart City Project: Transforming Urban Development
Prithviraj B P, CEO of Nagpur's Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited, unveiled the significant progress of the Smart City project, highlighting that development works worth 21,000 crore rupees are actively underway in the city's first phase.
Nagpur's Smart City project has become a beacon of urban development, aiming to create a sustainable and technologically advanced environment for its residents. With a budget of 21,000 crore rupees, the project involves public-private partnerships to ensure self-sufficiency. This budget comprises 50% from the Central government, 25% from the state government, and 25% from regional institutions like NIT and CIDCO.
As of now, the Central government has provided 2,343 crore rupees, the state contributed 2,171.50 crore rupees, and NIT and CIDCO added 3,150 crore rupees. The Central government recently extended the project deadline to June 2024, reflecting its commitment to support the comprehensive development of Nagpur.
CEO Prithviraj B P clarified that the June 2024 deadline does not signify the project's end but rather a milestone. The Central government is actively working to delegate technical, maintenance, and development responsibilities to smart cities, allowing them to generate a substantial portion of their revenue. Currently, Smart City has issued 43 work orders, with 15 already completed and 15 nearing completion. The ultimate goal is to finalize all projects by June 2024.
One of the project's notable achievements is the installation of approximately 3,500 CCTV cameras throughout the city, significantly aiding criminal investigations in over 3,000 cases. Furthermore, 150 self-sufficient police booths have been established across major squares, powered by solar panels and equipped with first-aid kits. The project's fiber optic network, spanning 1,000 kilometers, has proven its worth during events like the Moharram festival, facilitating crowd monitoring and safety.
The Smart City project has concentrated on the holistic development of areas such as Bharatwada, Punapur, Pardi, and Bhandewadi. By adhering to the MRTP Act's norms, the project acquires land at a 40:60 ratio, allowing for comprehensive development, including roads, drainage, and other amenities. This approach has not only increased road breadth from 9 to 30 meters but also reduced arbitration costs from 3,200 crore rupees to 2,247 crore rupees, ultimately enhancing the market value of the land plots.
In conclusion, Nagpur's Smart City project continues to be a transformative force in urban development, with a strong focus on sustainability, technology integration, and citizen welfare.
