Trichy Corporation has completed 78 out of the 83 infrastructure projects sanctioned for the city, amounting to `965.1 crore under the smart cities mission programme. The remaining projects, including two major drinking water augmentation schemes and three phases of the underground drainage (UGD) network rehabilitation project, are scheduled for completion between March and June 2024.
Major projects such as multi-level car parking (MLCP), renovated fish markets, and public parks have already been completed. However, other projects funded by the smart cities mission received an extension until March 2024. An existing collector well at Kambarasampettai, supplying drinking water to Woraiyur, Puthur, and Cantonment areas, is undergoing renovation at a cost of Rs 9.3 crore.
Simultaneously, work on a new surface-level water tank to store 20 lakh litres of water and six surface-level storage tanks is in progress. The replacement of old motors is underway to ensure adequate yield even during peak summer. Additionally, six diesel generators have been installed in the headworks to continue drawing water during power shutdowns, with the project expected to conclude by June 2024.
Similarly, another drinking water augmentation project under the smart cities mission is approaching completion at the Periyar Nagar collector well. Out of the 17.4 km long mainline, work on 12.8 km has been completed, and officials anticipate commissioning the project by March 2024. “The drinking water augmentation projects would help us in sourcing an additional 30 MLD (million litres per day) for the core city areas. Pending work will be expedited,” Mayor Mu Anbalagan told .
The UGD rehabilitation project, consisting of three phases, is also nearing completion to address frequent sewer clogging in old city areas. Under the smart cities mission, Trichy Corporation has covered 159 km of the proposed total sewer length of 173.5 km. “Most of the pending works are associated with connecting the sewage outlet from properties to the main sewers. Contractors were urged to complete the works in a few weeks so that the damaged roads shall be relaid,” the mayor added. Approximately 80% of the UGD rehabilitation work has been accomplished.
As part of the project, the civic body will facilitate inspection chambers in UGD connections to prevent solid waste from blocking sewers.