A''bad ranks 3rd in state for noteworthy progress in Smart City Mission

Aurangabad, Dec 2:

The historic city Aurangabad has secured the third position in the state-level ranking announced by the Urban Development Department (UDD), in execution and implementation of projects under Smart City Mission. Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities have secured first and second positions, respectively. Meanwhile, Aurangabad has left behind, major cities like Nagpur, Nasik and Kalyan-Dombivili in the ranking.

The UDD team analysed the criteria like the number of projects completed, ongoing, at tender stage, at detailed project report (DPR) level etc. which were proposed under Smart City Mission. The utility of fund, out of the total grants, was also an essential aspect in the ranking.

The administrator of the municipal corporation and the chief executive officer (CEO) of Aurangabad Smart City Development Corporation Limited (ASCDCL) Astik Kumar Pandey played a vital role in implementation and execution of Smart City projects. Taking advantage of relaxation offered during the lockdown, Pandey maintained the persuasion and got them done. The ranking will help give a push to the city, it is hoped.

According to the additional CEO Arun Shinde, " There was a speed in progress with the starting of projects like Master System Integrator (MSI) and conservation of heritage gates in the city. By the end of the calendar year, the city would witness noteworthy progress in the Smart City projects. Safari Park, E-Governance and Cycle tracks (at the tender stage) are important projects which would also be launched, soon."

Adds the deputy CEO, Pushkal Shivam, " The projects would gain more momentum after the end of the code of conduct for Marathwada Graduates'' Constituency election. Accordingly, the city''s ranking will further elevate again with the completion and launch of more works, proposed under Smart City Mission, in future."