Smart City: detailed study planned to identify projects.

A detailed study will be carried out in the run-up to identifying projects and preparing a Mater Plan following a MoU with the U.S. on developing a smart city, Municipal Commissioner Pravin Kumar has said.

A consultant for taking up the work has been identified and recommended to the State government. The consultant is presently discussing the financial aspects and scope of work with the U.S. Trade Development Agency, which is extending technical and financial assistance for the Master Plan.

The study to be launched in another three to four weeks would be an extensive one and take about 18 months. It would identify the scope of work and a shelf of six to 10 projects, funding model, and the possibility for investments by the U.S.-based companies in public private partnership mode, Mr. Pravin Kumar said.

The USTDA assistance is being given following the signing of a MoU with the U.S. Government on development of Visakhapatnam, Ajmer, and Allahabad during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Since the city figures among the 98 cities in the first round of Smart City development, a request for proposal (RFP) is given.

A meeting is likely to be held on September 10 in the city where the RFP would be opened to select a consultant.

'Once the agency is decided, it has to complete its work in 100 days to submit a plan in the format given for the Smart City challenge to the Union Government,' Mr. Pravin Kumar said.

A joint secretary-level official from the Union Government and the Principal Secretary, MA&UD, and Special Officer of GVMC Karikal Velavan would participate. Interaction with citizens would also be carried out.

Mr. Pravin Kumar said that apart from the Central funds, the city would require a huge quantum for improving amenities and the U.S. collaboration would help draw long-term plans.

THE HINDU