Kerala - Kochi   

Kochi gears up for Smart City inauguration

KOCHI: “Network of opportunities” – reads a signboard put up on the way leading to the site of the Smart City project.

That pretty much sums up the excitement surrounding the project.

As the day for the stone-laying function of the Smart City project is closing in, preparations have gathered momentum.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan and Tecom Executive Chairman Ahmad Bin Byat will jointly lay the stone at 11 a.m. on Friday.

The stone-laying function is expected to last about 45 minutes.

A huge pandal and a temporary bridge across Edachira Canal connecting the venue are in the final stages of completion.

A science and IT-related show by Tecom would add charm to the occasion. About 10,000 people are expected to attend the function.

Jazia Mohammed, Marketing Director of Tecom, promoters of the project, reached the city on Tuesday for direct supervision of the preparations.

Tecom has fully taken over the arrangements being made on the venue, District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish said. Project Director Baju George is expected to reach the city on Tuesday night, he said.

Security has been tightened at the venue in view of the high profile function to be attended by many dignitaries.

A large contingent of police force has been deployed at the venue and surrounding areas, the Collector said.

The district authorities have started sending invitations for the function. “We are inviting people from all of walks of life from across the district. The people to be rehabilitated for the project are also among the invitees,” he said.

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