Shillong likely on 4th Smart City list

SHILLONG: The State Government has seen a ray of hope in funding the Smart City project after Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu assured that he would look into the matter.
It was also indicated that Shillong has been shortlisted for the Smart city project in the fourth and final list, which will be announced shortly, sources said.
The Union Urban Development Minister, who was in Guwahati on Tuesday to review implementation of central projects in the North East, has asked the State Government to submit its bid after which the Centre would consider what relaxation can be given to cash-strapped Meghalaya, the sources added.
The State Government had requested the Centre to allow 50:50 funding pattern instead of 90:10.
As per the project, a minimum of Rs 1,500 crore is estimated to improve the sewerage system, drainage and waste management, among others.