Mangaluru Smart City Projects Stalled for a Decade Under PPP Model
In a significant setback for urban development, the Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) has failed to complete four critical projects worth Rs 262 crore, even after a decade of initiation under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The prolonged delays highlight persistent challenges in infrastructure execution, affecting the city's modernization efforts.
Details of the Delayed Projects
The four projects include the installation of solar panels on government building rooftops, construction of a multilevel car parking facility in Hampankatta, conversion of conventional streetlights to LED systems, and the redevelopment of the Central Market. Among these, only the Central Market project, with an estimated cost of Rs 114.03 crore, is nearing completion. However, MSCL authorities have announced that it will not be opened until December this year, further extending the wait for residents.
Slow Progress on Key Initiatives
The multilevel car parking (MLCP) facility, designed to accommodate 400 vehicles in Hampankatta, has been progressing at a snail's pace. Construction began in November 2021 but faced significant delays and temporary halts due to technical issues. With an estimated cost of Rs 79.1 crore, the project is still in the early stages, with work on touch piling, footing, and columns ongoing. MSCL officials estimate that it may require another 12 months for completion.
Similarly, the LED streetlight project, launched in 2021 with an aim to replace 65,870 conventional streetlights across 60 wards of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), remains incomplete after five years. So far, less than 25,000 streetlights have been converted to energy-efficient LEDs, despite an estimated cost of Rs 62.6 crore. This project was expected to reduce the MCC's electricity costs by 50%, but the slow implementation has hindered these benefits.
Shortfalls in Solar Panel Installation
The rooftop solar panel installation project has also fallen short of its targets. Initially planned to produce 1,288 kW of power, official statistics reveal that only 705 kW has been achieved so far. MSCL general manager (technical) Arun Prabha KS attributed the delays to technical reasons but assured that the concessionaire is working to complete the project soon.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Outlook
MSCL authorities have stated that the MCC is actively monitoring the progress of the LED streetlight project to expedite its completion. Despite these efforts, the overall timeline for all four projects remains uncertain, raising concerns about the efficiency of the PPP model in delivering timely urban infrastructure. The continued delays underscore the need for improved project management and oversight to ensure that smart city initiatives meet their intended goals without prolonged setbacks.
