Smart City project to be completed by 2021 only

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan told the Assembly today that the Smart City project will be fully operational by 2021.

Replying to a question from P. V. Anvar (LDF Independent) and others, the Chief Minister said that as per frame work agreement signed between the Government and TECOM in May 2007, the project was to be completed within ten years from date of closure of the project. The project required construction of 88 lakh square feet of buildings and creation of 90000 job opportunities in ten years.

The Chief Minister said that the first phase of the project, providing 5500 job opportunities, on a 6.5 lakh square feet building had already started functioning.

In response to a supplementary question from P. C. George (Independent), the Chief Minister said that the Director Board meeting, to be held on August 6, would bring more clarity on the terms of agreement. The Government, if necessary, would ensure necessary changes in agreement through partner meetings.