Three government agencies have lined up a series of projects ahead of Men’s Hockey World Cup that will begin in Bhubaneswar from November 28. The three agencies — Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Capital Region Urban Transport — will roll out projects that includes launching new city buses, mechanical sweeping and plantation in the city. The Telegraph takes a look at the projects
MORE WHEELS
The Capital Region Urban Transport has planned 200 bus queue shelters to be built at an estimated cost
of Rs 20 crore. For better management of the city buses there will be two bus depots at Patrapada and Patia, respectively. By November, in addition to the existing fleet an additional 100 buses will run in the city. "Less covered routes such as Chakeisiani, Ghatikia, Sikharchandi and Kalinga Vihar will have more buses," said BMC commissioner Krishan Kumar. He apprised councillors and the special invitees at a meeting held on Wednesday to discuss the initiatives.
CLEAN SWEEP
The commissioner said the letter of authorisation had been issued to two agencies to start mechanical sweeping of 80km of the road. Signage, dustbins and statues will be included as part of the cleaning job. The agencies will also have manual cleaning staff to attend to any emergency.
STREET LIGHTS & WIFI
Street lights will also be streamlined along the 80km stretch. The entire stretch will be free from hoardings and
encroachments. Kumar also said that the city would have WiFi coverage by the end of October. The network wouldbe accessible at 300 points across the state capital, he said.
GREEN DRIVE
The BDA will take up plantation and development of medians on major roads, said Kumar, who also happens to be the vice-chairman of the planning body. The plantation drive will cover various roads and junctions, including traffic islands and medians. In all, 40km of city roads will be covered under the programme.
ARTWORK
The BMC will undertake Street Art and Mural Project (STAMP) to beautify the city. The vendors to carry out the work will be finalised by September 5. This project had been carried out during the Asian Athletics Championship last year and won critical appreciation, Kumar said.Odisha Mining Corporation has provided more than Rs 2 crore to put up heritage signage in the city and the Old Bhubaneswar area has been made a hoarding-free zone for the purpose.
HERITAGE WALKS
The city will have five more heritage walks, cycle tour and nature trails. This will add to the existing Ekamra Walks in Old Town, Monks, Caves and Kings Walks at Khandagiri-Udayagiri and Museum Walks at the Crafts Museum.
FESTS GALORE
Government agencies will organise food, music and entertainment festivals at Janata Maidan. The BDA, in collaboration with Bakul Foundation, will organise a storytelling festival at Buddha Jayanti Park and Indira Gandhi Park. Madhusudan Das Park or Kala Bhoomi will also be one of the festival venues.
CITY TRAIL
Bhubaneswar Art Trail will be organised to showcase heritage and artworks in collaboration with the BDA, the BMC and the Utsha Foundation. This project will be located in a trail of 1.3km in the Old Town.
