Being identified under the Smart Cities Mission of the Centre is a ‘huge morale booster’ for Chennai residents, according to a senior government official.

The authorities have proposed area-wise and pan-city programmes to strengthen infrastructure to world-class standards under theMission. The overall objective is to create a modern city that offers superior quality of life to its citizens.

Area programme The area-wise programme is a model for upgrading the Central Business District of T Nagar, which “if it materialises can be a role model for any city,” said the official who was closely associated with the formulating proposals for the project.

Beginning with basic facilities such as water and sewerage facilities, power supply and sanitation, the project envisages creation of green spaces, using online systems for e-governance and traffic management.

City programme The pan-city programme aims to encourage non-motorised transport — walking, cycling — and use of public transport rather than personal transport, using information and communication technology for traffic management and surveillance, all of which will contribute to enhancing quality of life in the city.

The proposals were finalised based on extensive public consultations. The State government had appointed JLL Property Consultants India in association with Townland Consultants and Tata Consulting Engineers to assist the Chennai Corporation in preparing the Smart City Proposal, which will be implemented through a special purpose vehicle.

Funding catalyst Under the project, the Centre will provide over ₹500 crore, with a matching amount from the State government, over the next five years for projects proposed under the smart cities mission. While the ₹200 crore a year is just about 10 per cent of the Chennai Corporation’s annual capital expenditure of about ₹2,000 crore, the focus on specific projects will serve as a model and catalyst for development, the official said.

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