'Smart city mission project on right track'
KOCHI: The Smart City Mission project of Kochi is on the right track and there is no need for apprehensions over the implementation of Mission projects, reiterated A P M Mohammed Hanish, Smart City Mission director (Kerala). He also brushed aside reports that the future of the Mission projects in Kochi is bleak following the rift between Kochi Corporation and Smart City Mission over the appointment of CEO for the SPV floated for the Smart City projects.
“There are no such issues in connection with Smart City Mission projects. We had appointed an Interim managing director, Amit Meena. Hence, the appointment of CEO cannot delay the proceedings. So our next priority is the appointment of project management consultant and the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR),” he said.
The SPV for Smart City Mission has already been named ‘Cochin Smart City Mission Limited.’ “The next meeting of the board of directors will discuss the appointment of project management consultant,” Haneesh added.
The Board of Directors had also made it clear that an IAS officer would be appointed as the CEO of the SPV soon. Meanwhile, the Union Government the other day had allotted `194 crore as the first instalment for the Smart City Mission project. With the amount getting sanctioned, the Board of Directors hope that the tender for the first set of Mission projects can be floated by the middle of this year.
For the Smart City Mission projects, Kochi has opted Retrofit development model. The improvement of mobility between Fort Kochi and Mattancherry and the Central Business District (CDB) area between Ernakulam Durbar Hall Ground and High Court Junction by introducing modernised ferry services are among the key proposals submitted for the approval of the centre.
As an important tourist heritage site, West Kochi area will be given top priority.The Cochin Smart City Mission authorities hope that they will be able to commence the work by July this year. The project management consultant will identify the project components and the DPR will be prepared by June.
There are no such issues in connection with Smart City Mission projects. We had appointed an Interim managing director, Amit Meena. Hence, the appointment of CEO cannot delay the proceedings.
A P M Mohammed Hanish, Smart City Mission director