First phase of Smart city expected to be inaugurated in Jan next year

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson has informed that the first phase of the prestigious Smart City project was now ready for inauguration in January next year itself, as most of the issues pertaining to the first phase had been solved. Speaking to the media after the seventh review meeting of the Smart City project held here, he said there were 23 issues raised by the Smart City officials, of which 10 have been completely resolved. Measures to solve the remaining ones, including the foul smell emanating from the Brahmapuram Waste Treatment Plant and a couple of land acquisition issues are fast progressing.

Inauguration of the first phase including the 6.5 lakh sq. ft. first IT tower and the launching of the 47-lakh-sq.-ft. second phase will be held in the month of January once a confirmation is received on the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Ruler of Dubai, the Chief Secretary added.

We are working out on protocols to facilitate his visit directly to Kochi instead of coming via New Delhi. The construction of the first tower is almost complete. The finishing touches, like landscaping are progressing, Thomson said. Ernakulam district collect M G Rajamanickam and other officials attended the review meeting, a release said.