Patna is going to be infused with eco-friendly technology in the near future now that it has been selected under the Centre's Smart City Mission.

From zero emission vehicles (e-buses and e-autos) to Wi-Fi hotspots, from solar rooftops on government buildings to e-charging points for vehicles, from bicycle docking stations to cycle tracks and smart bus stops, many such projects would be taken up under the mission to make the city not only clean and green but also technology friendly.

According to the Smart City Mission guidelines, the total state and central financial assistance for each city would be Rs 1,000 crore (state and Centre has to provide Rs 500 crore each). However, as far as Patna is concerned, it would take up projects worth Rs 2,771 crore as approved under the Mission, confirmed Patna Municipal Corporation commissioner Abhishek Singh.

He said under the Mission, proposal for projects worth Rs 2,771 crore was sent which had been approved.

"In addition to the projects to be taken up on the basis of Rs 500 crore funds to be provided by the Centre and the state, we would also take up projects worth Rs 1,000 crore to be provided by the state apart from Rs 700-crore project to be taken up on public-private partnership mode. Besides, we would take up Rs 71-crore project under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the private companies.

Under the area-based development, total 817.35 acres would be developed. As part of area-based development, Patna Junction to Gandhi Maidan area would be developed apart from Bankipur bus terminal, which would be developed as inter-city bus terminal-cum-traffic and transportation management centre. Besides, riverfront area would be developed from Bans Ghat to Collectorate Ghat and mini heritage park would be developed at Shaheed Kunwar Singh Park.

"As part of redevelopment of Bankipur bus terminal, a facility of private and commercial parking would be provided. There would also be a bicycle docking station and e-charging points there apart from solar rooftop installation of 250kg Watt per day to generate 1,250KW energy on a daily basis. The project would cost Rs 175 crore," said a PMC official.