Officials have reported that only half of the projects launched under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in the state capital have been completed over the past seven years. Of the 33 projects planned under Patna Smart City Limited (PSCL), 17 have been completed, while 16 are at various stages of implementation. It was noted that 73% of the funds allocated to PSCL have been utilised during this period. Patna was included in the Central government’s list under the SCM in 2017. The cities selected under the mission are entitled to receive Rs 10 billion over five years from both the Centre and the state government for the development of smart civic infrastructure in designated areas. However, the timeline for completing these projects has been extended multiple times, first to June 2023, then by another year, and now to March 31, 2025, following requests from state governments and members of Parliament. Mohd Shamshad, CEO of PSCL, stated that efforts would be made to complete the remaining projects within the newly extended deadline set by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Among the nine projects expected to be completed this year, the automation of drainage pumping stations (DPSs) and the construction of a multi-level car parking facility worth Rs 28.86 crore are due for completion by October. Additionally, he mentioned that the construction of a foot overbridge near St Xavier’s High School is expected to be finished by next month. Initial plans include the automation of nine DPSs, located in Saidpur (two), Pahadi (three), Yogipur (one), and Eco Park (three). Shamshad also indicated that by December, the pedestrian subway and multimodal transit hub near Patna railway station, common facility services at Mithapur institutional zone, and riverfront development are likely to be completed. Other ongoing projects include the redevelopment of Mandiri Nullah and Maurya Lok, an electric crematorium at Bans Ghat, the illumination of Biscouman Bhawan, landscaping along Nehru Marg, and the park in front of the DM’s residence.
