Government grants extension to Kochi's smart city project

The Smart City project in Kochi has finally put an end to the uncertainty surrounding its future, as the Union government has granted an extension until June 2024. This decision comes as a relief, as numerous projects initiated by the CSML would have faced a crisis without this extension.With the additional time granted, the CSML can now focus on implementing several ongoing projects. Hibi Eden, MP, played a significant role in advocating for the extension of the project. He took up the matter with Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the head of the urban affairs standing committee of the Parliament.To date, the CSML has successfully completed 20 projects within the city. Additionally, the tendering process for two more projects is currently underway, while approximately 30 projects are in the implementation stage. Without the extension from the central government, significant obstacles would have impeded projects such as the Rs 72 crore Ernakulam Market renovation and the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) housing project, both of which have experienced delays due to various reasons.The decision to extend the Smart City project until June 2024 provides the CSML with much-needed breathing space to carry out ongoing initiatives successfully. This extension ensures that critical projects can continue unhindered, benefitting the city of Kochi and its residents.