Data from the urban development department, which is overseeing the project, shows that while work in other cities across the state are nearing completion — more than 80% done — only 68% and 56% of work respectively have been completed in Bengaluru and Mangaluru. Karnataka, in the past two years, received Rs 460 crore under the mission, including the state’s share of Rs 215 crore.
BA Basavaraj, urban development minister, said the slow pace is due to legal hurdles and delays in securing approvals from nodal agencies. “Some 11 works in seven cities are affected,” he said. “It is impossible to complete these projects by June 2023. We intend to complete these 11 projects by April 2024. We have communicated this delay to the Centre and have sought its approval. ”
A total 651 projects were launched under the mission, and as of February 2023, 522 proj ects have been completed and another 127 are in progress. Two projects are still at the tendering level.
While Tumakuru (88%) has the highest completion rate, Shivamogga (82%) and Belagavi (81%) are second and third. These three districts are followed by Davanagere, and Hubballi-Dharwad (80% each).
Bengaluru lies sixth with a completion rate of 68. 2%, while work in Mangaluru is at a lowly 56. 4%. Bangalore Smart City project (BenSCL) had taken up work on a total 44 projects, 30 of which have been completed. Basavaraj said: “The remaining projects are in the final stages and require only finishing touches. We are hopeful of completing them before the deadline. ”