'Mini metros' of Punjab are all set for transformation as the state government has put in place a new model of urban development by constituting Urban Planning and Development Authorities for its major cities including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Bathinda, Patiala and Mohali.
The model aims at upgradation of the infrastructure that could amount to an estimated sum of Rs 10,980 crore, an official spokesman said today.
The government is also planning to engage international consultancy agencies for the master plans of other 40 major towns in the state.
It has already put in place a special development plan for Ludhiana city and it would be implemented at the cost of Rs 2053 crore.
The government has also approved a Rs 3150 crore plan for integrated development of Amritsar to put the Holy City on the international tourist circuit.
The Asian Development Bank has expressed keenness to be an active partner in implementing the ambitious plan of linking Sri Harmandir Sahib with Raja Sansi Airport by mono rail.
The state government was also approaching the Union Government for funds under Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Renewal Plan for cities like Jalandhar, Bathinda, Patiala and Mohali.
The Japan Bank of International Cooperation,(JBIC) has already agreed to fund state wide programmes to provide 100 per cent water supply and sewerage connectivity in all the major cities of the state.
Starting the urban development programme from Amritsar, Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal has also announced various projects of Rs 3,150 crore for the Holy City. This would include Rs 2567 crore for urban transportation and road network.
Keeping in view the ample scope of tourism in Amritsar, Rs 105 crore has been set aside for the promotion of tourism in the city, the spokesman said.
Complete urban renewal including conservation, preservation and development of culture and heritage will be met with another Rs 36 crore in the Holy City. Besides, Rs 120 crore will be spent on housing and providing basic services to the urban poor and Rs 10 crore will be given for urban governance.
The government has also earmarked Rs 40 crore for construction of new administrative complex in Amritsar. Focusing on the development of basic infrastructure, an agreement to set up thermal plant at Sri Goindwal Sahib, has also been signed with the GVK group.
The construction of thermal plant would begin next month.