Govt. floats tenders for Rs.7,600 cr smart cities

In its quest to build Jammu and Kashmir smart city projects on fast tracked basis, the government has started the tendering process for implementation of the mega smart cities at an investment worth Rs.7,600 crore, said official sources, elaborating that the cost of the project is expected to be over Rs.3,800 crore for each city. The Union Ministry of Urban Development this year announced development of Srinagar and Jammu cities under the Smart City Mission and now the state government is inviting tenders from the eligible firms for implementation of the mega project. The scope of works in the projects included beautification of the Jhelum River, pathways, cycle tracks along the Bund, improvement of ghats along the river, dredging, and removal of silt from the river under the project among others. The selected firm has to design, develop, manage, and implement the projects. The sources said that JK Government has asked the centre to release first installment of Rs 200 crore for each city enabling the state government to initiate the work for the twin cities on fast track-basis.