The Union government has released ₹231 crore to the Municipal Corporation of Karimnagar (MCK) as part of the Smart City project in the first phase, after the town was included in the list of Smart Cities in the country.
Speaking to newsmen here on Tuesday, Mayor S. Ravinder Singh said the town would see rapid development in terms of infrastructure, thanks to the funds.
Of the total projected allocation for Karimnagar at ₹1,878 crore, the Centre released the first phase amount of ₹231 crore, the highest first phase funds to any ‘Smart City’, he said.
As many as 23 roads in the town would be beautified — the Karimnagar Smart Roads package-1 comprises beautifying 13 km at a cost of ₹84 crore, package-2 includes 14.5 km at ₹80 crore and package-3 covers 7.5 km in the Housing Board Colony with a total expenditure of ₹53.70 crore.
The Circus Grounds would be developed at a cost of ₹3.80 crore and the Old High School premises would be given a facelift on the lines of Lumbini Park, involving expenses of ₹7.20 crore. The Collector said tenders for the ₹231 crore works had already been called for. In the second phase, beautification of Tower Circle area on the lines of the area near Golden Temple, Amritsar, would be undertaken.
Refuting allegations by Opposition parties that the municipal authorities were constructing multiplex and shopping malls, Mr. Singh said only the development of park has been proposed so far.
Meanwhile, TRS rank and file led by corporator Y. Sunil Rao burst crackers and distributed sweets to locals at Telangana Chowk after news of the ₹231 crore funds trickled in.