Smart city push falls short as assets created remain underutilised in Tiruchi

Tiruchi's Smart City projects face underutilisation despite completion, raising concerns about planning, execution, and revenue generation.

Despite the completion of a majority of projects under the Smart City Mission in Tiruchi, several key initiatives continue to remain underutilised, raising concerns over planning, execution, and revenue generation.

Of the 83 projects sanctioned at a cost of ₹965.17 crore, 80 have been completed by the civic body. A number of these projects, particularly those aimed at generating revenue, have failed to achieve the expected outcomes.

The revamping of underground drainage (UGD) work, undertaken in three phases at a cost of ₹210.3 crore, is in the final stages. The project involves laying pipelines spanning 175.73 km and providing 27,175 house service connections. Officials said the work is likely to be completed within a month.

Although most projects were scheduled for completion by 2021, many overshot their deadlines and were not completed until after multiple extensions.

The Puthur commercial complex, initiated in 2020 at a cost of ₹20 crore, remains incomplete. Originally planned as a ground plus three-floor structure, the project was curtailed to two floors owing to financial constraints. The facility is expected to be leased out to commercial establishments upon completion.

In addition, several shops at the Chathiram bus stand continue to remain vacant, affecting anticipated revenue for the Corporation. “Due to the delay, the civic body lost a significant amount of revenue that could be gained through renting out the shops,” said councillor K. Suresh Kumar.