Only Half of the Smart City Projects in Patna Completed, According to Officials
Officials have recently reported that out of the 33 projects planned under the Patna Smart City Limited (PSCL), only 17 have been completed over the past seven years. This indicates that only half of the projects launched under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in the state capital have been finished.
Progress and Utilization of Funds
The Patna Smart City Limited (PSCL) has reported that 16 of the projects are still at various stages of implementation. Furthermore, it was noted that during this period, the allocated funds for the PSCL have been utilized up to 73%. This shows a significant effort made in utilizing the funds appropriately.
The Smart Cities Mission and Patna City
Patna was included on the Central government’s list under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in 2017. Cities chosen under this mission receive considerable financial assistance from both the Center and the state government for the development of smart civic infrastructure in designated areas. Patna is entitled to receive Rs 10 billion over five years.
However, the completion timeline for the Patna projects has been extended multiple times. Initially set for completion by June 2023, it was then extended by another year. The current deadline now stands at March 31, 2025. The extension in the timeline was requested by state governments and members of Parliament.
The Commitment to Completion
Despite the delays, Mohd Shamshad, CEO of Patna Smart City Limited (PSCL), stated that efforts would be made to complete the remaining projects within the newly extended deadline set by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
It is expected that nine projects will be completed this year. Among them, the automation of drainage pumping stations (DPSs) and the construction of a multi-level car parking facility, worth Rs 28.86 crore, are due for completion by October.
The construction of a foot overbridge near St. Xavier’s High School is also anticipated to be finished by next month.
The Roadmap to Completion
As for the other ongoing projects, these include the automation of nine DPSs located in Saidpur (two), Pahadi (three), Yogipur (one), and Eco Park (three). The CEO, Shamshad, also stated that by December, completion is anticipated for the pedestrian subway and multimodal transit hub near Patna railway station, common facility services at Mithapur institutional zone, and riverfront development.
Moreover, the redevelopment of Mandiri Nullah and Maurya Lok, the construction of an electric crematorium at Bans Ghat, the illumination of Biscouman Bhawan, landscaping along Nehru Marg, and the park in front of the DM’s residence are ongoing projects to soon be completed.
In conclusion, the completion rate of smart city projects in Patna has been relatively low, with only 17 out of the 33 completed to date. However, the efforts of the Patna Smart City Limited (PSCL) indicate a commitment to finishing the remaining projects within the newly extended deadline. As the completion timeline now stands at March 31, 2025, it is hoped that the implementation of smart civic infrastructure in designated areas of Patna will significantly improve in the coming years.
