In a major boost to urban development efforts in Karnal, the state government has extended the deadline for the Karnal Smart City Ltd. (KSCL) — the special purpose vehicle overseeing the Smart City Mission in the district — to March 31, 2027.

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This fresh extension, made on the advisory of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is aimed at expediting ongoing works and ensuring the timely completion of pending projects. Earlier, the deadline had been set for June 30, 2024, and later extended to March 31, 2025.

Confirming the development, Deputy Commissioner and KSCL CEO Uttam Singh said the extension offers much-needed breathing room. “The extended timeline gives us the opportunity to wrap up ongoing works and take up new works under the Smart City framework,” he said.

Karnal was included in the Smart City Mission on June 23, 2017, with the aim of transforming the city’s infrastructure, improving service delivery, and enhancing the quality of life through smart and sustainable urban solutions.

As per officials, out of around 120 projects sanctioned under the mission, nearly 90 projects have already been completed, while approximately 20 are currently under execution. Several others are at the tendering stage.

The total estimated cost of the Smart City projects stands at Rs 929.77 crore, with an equal funding share from the Central and state governments.

Among the ongoing projects are the construction of two elevated flyovers, a shopping complex at the old grain market, two community centres and an old-age home.

Sources said with the deadline now extended to 2027, KSCL is likely to propose and implement a few additional projects to further strengthen urban infrastructure in the city.