Six projects as part of the Smart City project of the city Corporation are about to get off the ground in a few weeks’ time, while the larger projects including Smart roads with underground utility ducts are expected to begin by the middle of next year.
Among the projects the work on which will begin soon are the electric autorickshaw project, open gym and play equipment for children in three parks, maintenance of public toilets, solar panels on rooftops of Government buildings, bicycle sharing project and information kiosks. According to an official of the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Limited, the financial bids for the open gym and play equipment for children was opened recently and a Kochi-based company was chosen.
Work order
The work order will be issued within two days. The open gyms, which the public can use free-of-cost will be set up at Gandhi Park, Sree Chithira Thirunal park and the Sreekandeswaram park. Paucity of space has prevented the Corporation from taking it up in more parks within the city.
For the electric autorickshaw (e-auto) project, five companies have responded to the Expression of Interest call. They will make a detailed presentation before an expert committee.
“Since e-auto is something new for us too, there is a need for more clarity on the specifications. The engine capacities, battery life and charging options, maintenance services offered and other factors will be considered before deciding on one or the other company,” said a Smart City official.
The tenders for three projects – solar panels on rooftops of Government buildings, maintenance of public toilets and information kiosk – will be opened on Thursday. The plan to construct three new public toilets has been sent for technical sanction.
Among the bigger projects, the soil testing for the multi-level car parking facility at Thampanoor has been completed. The complex is proposed to be located in the Corporation’s current parking space opposite the railway station. The tender process for this is expected to happen in February.
Biggest challenge
One of the major projects under the Smart City, the shifting of various utility lines to underground ducts, is currently the biggest challenge for the Corporation.
“As per the plan, the city will have 72 km of smart roads, in which all the utility lines will go through underground ducts. But it is a complicated process as the connection of all the loops require a lot of planning. The DPR can be expected by next year,” says the official.