Kolkata: The West Bengal government’s Urban Development and Municipal Affairs (UDMA) Department has signed two sets of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to improve civic infrastructure and the quality of urban life in the state.
The proposed initiatives include the development of multi-level car parking (MLCP) facilities, beautification and urban renewal projects in Kolkata, along with an investment proposal of Rs 3,000 crore for solid-waste management and the conversion of waste into Compressed Biogas (CBG).
The initiatives will initially focus on Kolkata and Bidhannagar. Surveys will be conducted to identify suitable locations and determine the specific projects to be taken up.
Kolkata Urban Renewal Plan to Include Multi-Level Car Parking
Under the first set of MoUs, North India Technical Consultancy Organisation Limited (NITCON) will undertake consultancy and project-development work for beautification, urban renewal and multi-level car parking facilities.
The projects are aimed at improving urban infrastructure, addressing parking requirements and enhancing the overall appearance of Kolkata.
West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul said the initiative would begin in Kolkata and Bidhannagar, with detailed surveys determining the locations and nature of the projects.
NITCON Managing Director Satvinder Singh said the organisation would conduct a comprehensive survey to identify feasible locations before deciding the number of multi-level parking facilities and the investment required.
Urban Beautification Plan to Address Overhead Cable Congestion
The proposed urban renewal programme will also focus on improving the city’s visual appearance and civic infrastructure.
One of the key objectives will be to address the network of overhead telecommunications cables across the city. The plan will seek to remove the tangle of cables as part of the broader beautification and urban improvement initiatives.
The projects will follow a coordinated design approach, with emphasis on symmetry, cost optimisation and better utilisation of existing infrastructure.
Rs 3,000 Crore Investment Proposed for Waste Management and CBG Plants
The second set of MoUs involves a proposed investment of Rs 3,000 crore in solid-waste management projects and facilities to convert waste into Compressed Biogas (CBG).
Noida-based Skymax Infra Power Limited will invest in the proposed waste-management initiative.
The projects aim to promote scientific waste processing and improve the management of urban waste. The initiative is also expected to generate employment opportunities, with an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 jobs.
Skymax Infra Power Limited Chairman and Managing Director Arjun Rawat said unmanaged waste creates health problems and inconvenience for residents, making scientific waste processing an important part of the proposed projects.
Projects to Focus on Better Civic Infrastructure and Employment
The MoUs bring together urban infrastructure development and waste-management initiatives as part of the state’s efforts to improve urban living conditions.
The initial surveys in Kolkata and Bidhannagar will help identify suitable project locations, assess feasibility and determine the scale of investment required for the proposed facilities.
While NITCON will handle consultancy and project-development activities related to beautification, urban renewal and multi-level parking, Skymax Infra Power Limited will invest in the proposed waste-management project.
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