RMC clears 470cr projects ahead of civic polls

Rajkot: The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) Standing Committee, in its final meeting before the upcoming civic body elections, approved development works worth Rs 470 crore on Thursday.With the new term election scheduled for April, the committee cleared projects across nearly all wards, focusing on infrastructure upgrades and improvements in public utilities.Among the major approvals was the construction of a new road connecting Raiya Road with the Smart City area, aimed at providing an alternative route for commuters and easing congestion on existing arterial roads. The committee also approved widening of the New Ring Road, which is heavily used by large vehicles entering the city. Currently narrow and riddled with potholes, the road will undergo a major upgrade.To strengthen civic amenities in newly developed areas, the committee approved the construction of new urban health centres in areas such as SRP Camp and Manharpur. Renovation of the old Jubilee vegetable market was also sanctioned.The committee also approved the appointment of a consultant to conduct regular inspections of all underpasses and overbridges across the city to ensure structural safety and timely maintenance.Additionally, a new fire station will be built behind the Aji Dam traffic police station. The facility will have the capacity to house six fire tenders and will include a workshop and a control room. The plan also includes construction of 64 residential flats for fire department officers and staff above the fire station.Despite clearing projects worth Rs 470 crore, Standing Committee chairman Jaymin Thakkar said proposals worth Rs 90 crore were rejected. "We rejected the proposals of Rs 90 crore as the tender amounts were found to be unreasonable," Thakkar said.