Page 64 - Construction_Opportunities_December_2024

INFRASTRUCTURE TICKER TAPE crore. As of November 15, 2024, work orders had been issued for

8,066 projects worth `1,64,669 crore, of which 7,352 projects (91%
of total projects) have been completed.
The Smart Cities Mission, which began in June 2015 with a total
central outlay of `48,000 crore, has seen the government release
`47,225 crore to states and union territories, of which `44,626 crore
(94%) has been utilized. The mission’s timeline has been extended
to March 31, 2025, to accommodate delays due to various
factors, including legal issues, clearance delays, land acquisition
challenges, and the complexities of construction in hilly areas.
Sahu highlighted some of the key achievements under the
THIRTEEN OUT OF 100 SMART CITIES COMPLETE ALL THEIR SCM, including the construction and improvement of over 1,740
PROJECTS kilometers of smart roads, the development of more than 9,433
Thirteen out of 100 smart cities in India have successfully smart classrooms across 2,398 government schools, and the
completed all their projects, while 48 cities have achieved over establishment of 41 digital libraries. Additionally, 172 e-health
90% completion under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), Union centers and 152 health ATMs have been set up, contributing to the
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu healthcare infrastructure.To enhance water supply systems, over
informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday. In response to a question, 17,026 kilometers of water networks are now monitored through the
Sahu outlined the progress of the ambitious urban development SCADA system, which has helped reduce non-revenue water. The
initiative, revealing that more than 84,000 CCTV surveillance use of technology has also improved solid waste management
cameras and 713 kilometers of cycle tracks have been installed in over 66 cities, boosting efficiency and route management.
across these cities. The Smart Cities Mission continues to drive modernization in urban
Additionally, 23 cities have completed more than 75% of their infrastructure, with an emphasis on sustainability, technology, and
designated projects, with 714 ongoing projects valued at `17,303 improving the quality of life for citizens.

SILCHAR 4-LANING PROJECT APPROACHING review preparations for the next phase of the project. During the
COMPLETION visit, Yadav evaluated the structures and boundary walls of several
The transformation of the two-lane road from Rangirkhari Point to government offices situated within the expansion alignment.
Birbal Bazar into a four-lane highway marks a significant milestone The road widening project is set to extend all the way to Silchar
in Silchar’s infrastructure development. This project is expected Medical College, and once completed, it is expected to
to greatly enhance connectivity and ease traffic flow in one of substantially reduce traffic congestion in the area. This will provide
the city’s most congested areas. Cachar District Commissioner much-needed relief to daily commuters and improve access for
Mridul Yadav recently inspected the site to assess progress and emergency medical services.

CENTRE TO INVEST `1,010 CRORE IN BRAHMAPUTRA connecting significant religious sites via waterways. This initiative
AND BARAK RIVER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS will deploy vessels on a “Hop On & Hop Off” basis to connect
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Kamakhya Temple, Pandunath Temple, Ashwaklanta Temple, Doul
Sonowal, announced in Parliament that the Ministry is investing Govinda Temple, Umananda Temple, Chakreshwar Temple, and
`1,010 crore for the comprehensive development of the Auniati Satra.
Brahmaputra and Barak rivers in Assam. This initiative aims to The `1,010 crore investment will fund key projects, including the
enhance the region’s inland waterways infrastructure, including Comprehensive Development of NW2, with `474 crore allocated
improvements for cargo and passenger movement, as well as and 79.87% physical progress achieved. Other projects include
river tourism. the development of Pandu Port’s approach road and a ship repair
Sonowal also highlighted the approval of a new slipway in Majuli, facility, with `388 crore allocated, and the development of Barak
valued at `96.60 crore, under the Sagarmala scheme, with in- River and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) with `148
principle approval already conveyed by the Department of crore. Six tourist jetties, including floating jetties at Bogibeel and
Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. Pandu, are also under development, with the latter nearly 85%
In response to a question from Gaurav Gogoi, MP from Jorhat, complete.
the Minister provided further details on the ongoing infrastructure Additionally, the construction of slipways in Dhubri and Majuli is
projects on Brahmaputra (National Waterway 2). These include the ongoing, while other proposed passenger terminals at various
construction of 12 floating terminals, two multimodal terminals at locations across Assam are at different stages of execution.
Pandu and Jogighopa, and two permanent terminals at Bogibeel Sonowal also responded to Pradyut Bordoloi, MP from Nagaon,
and Dhubri. Additionally, the Inland Waterways Authority of India regarding the maintenance of safe vessel navigation. He
(IWAI) is maintaining the required depth for smooth cruise vessel confirmed that a fairway with a depth of 2 to 2.5 meters and
operations along the fairway. a width of 35 to 45 meters is being maintained. Maintenance
Sonowal also announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dredging is carried out wherever necessary based on hydrographic
for a “Riverine Based Religious Tourism Circuit” project aimed at surveys, ensuring safe and efficient movement of vessels.

64 CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES|DECEMBER 2024