Rajkot: Ahead of the end of the current term of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) ruling body, the Standing Committee approved several major development proposals during its final meeting held on March 5. Of the 115 proposals placed before the committee, 106 were approved, clearing development works worth ₹470 crore, while projects worth over ₹90 crore were either rejected or kept pending.

The approved proposals focus on strengthening urban infrastructure, civic amenities and employee welfare. Key projects include the ₹220-crore Green Ring Road project, construction of a modern fire station costing ₹30 crore, renovation of the historic Jubilee vegetable market, development of a new health centre and sports complex, and a major increase in medical assistance for municipal employees.

Green Ring Road and infrastructure works

To reduce traffic congestion and improve environmental sustainability, the civic body plans to develop a Green Ring Road by converting connecting roads of the 150-ft Ring Road-2 in the West Zone into four lanes. The project, earlier estimated at ₹120.79 crore, will now be executed at a revised cost of ₹220.82 crore following directions from the state government.

The committee also approved the development of a DP Road from Raiya village to the Smart City area at a cost of ₹18.58 crore. In addition, consultants will be appointed for periodic inspection and repair of all overbridges and underbridges in the city.

New fire station near Aji Dam

A modern fire station will be constructed on a municipal plot behind the Aji Dam Traffic Police Station in Ward No. 15 at a cost of ₹30.16 crore. The project will include basement parking for 27 cars and 65 two-wheelers, space for six fire engines on the ground floor, along with a workshop and control room.

The building will also have residential facilities, including four 3-BHK flats and 64 2-BHK flats for officers and staff.

Medical assistance for employees increased

In a major welfare decision, the committee approved a 200% increase in medical assistance for RMC employees, raising the limit from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh. The benefit will cover 21 serious diseases, and employees will now be able to seek treatment not only at government hospitals but also at registered single or multi-speciality hospitals at the district level.

However, the assistance will not apply to cases related to addiction-related illnesses, cosmetic surgery or suicide attempts.

Jubilee vegetable market to be renovated

The committee also approved the renovation of the historic Jubilee vegetable market. Since traders from Lakhajiraj Market have already been shifted there, both groups of traders will be temporarily relocated during the renovation work.

Standing Committee Chairman Jaymin Thakar said the civic body will spend several lakh rupees to facilitate the relocation, and a suitable nearby location is being identified.

Additional grant sought from state government

Under the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Shaheri Vikas Yojana, RMC has received a ₹515-crore grant for 2025-26. However, considering the scale of planned development works, the corporation has proposed projects worth ₹1,030 crore, including ₹734 crore for infrastructure.

To bridge the funding gap, the civic body has requested an additional grant of ₹256.44 crore from the state government.

Saurashtra’s first Sponge Park approved

The committee also approved ₹28 crore for Saurashtra’s first Sponge Park in the Vavdi area of Ward No. 12, spread across 34,800 sq. metres. The park will feature water retention ponds, yoga spaces, solar energy installations, multi-sport courts, rain gardens, community farming areas, festival gathering zones, an outdoor gym, a water museum, flower gardens, walkways, ghats, selfie points and toilet blocks.

In the same ward, approval was also granted to build a library near Vraj Villa Apartment in Vavdi at a cost of ₹18.97 crore, along with road widening works and a new sub-ward office.

Final approvals before end of term

The current term of the BJP-led ruling body in RMC will end on March 11. With this being the last Standing Committee meeting, the administration cleared a large number of proposals, and authorities are expected to perform foundation-stone ceremonies for several projects before the end of the term. DeshGujarat