Chandigarh's Ambitious Smart City Project
Chandigarh has been selected as one of 13 cities for fast-tracked inclusion in the Smart Cities Mission. The project carries an estimated cost of Rs 6,200 crore and aims to enhance the city's livability and sustainability. Baldeo Purushartha, Municipal Commissioner of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation and CEO of Chandigarh Smart City Ltd., is spearheading the initiative.
Focus on Area-Based and Pan-City Development
The project focuses on two key development strategies: Area-Based Development (ABD) and a pan-city development plan. According to Purushartha, sectors 17, 22, and 35 have been designated as the city's smart sectors under the ABD initiative. The pan-city plan intends to improve public safety, implement smart and integrated e-governance systems, and enhance overall livability.
Transforming Sector 17
Internal areas within Sector 17 will be transformed into vehicle-free zones. Residents can look forward to uninterrupted, 24x7 water supplies, smart meters for electricity and water consumption, and personalized mobile app services for accessing various facilities. These improvements are aimed at creating a more pedestrian-friendly and technologically advanced living environment.
Revitalizing Jan Marg
Jan Marg, a central artery of the city, will be pedestrianized on weekends. During these times, it will host a variety of activities, including art fairs, yoga sessions, sporting events, street shows, and food stalls, creating a vibrant public space for residents and visitors alike. This initiative aims to promote community engagement and cultural expression.
Comprehensive Smart Solutions
Mr. Purushartha elaborated on the comprehensive nature of the plan: "The plan also includes a multi-nodal command and control center to manage water supply, police and emergency services (fire, ambulance, disaster management), fire systems, and a transition to more sustainable transportation. We will introduce more e-rickshaws to replace diesel and petrol rickshaws, and our bus fleet will be transitioned to electric and battery-operated vehicles. The plan also encompasses food courts, street lighting upgrades to solar-based LEDs, urban design improvements for plazas, and the installation of solar plants on rooftops." He emphasized the integrated approach being taken to ensure holistic development.
Project Timeline and Budget Breakdown
Purushartha affirmed that both projects are expected to be completed within two years. The estimated cost of Rs 6,200 crore is divided between the pan-city proposal (Rs 250 crore) and the ABD initiative (Rs 5,950 crore). This significant investment reflects the city's commitment to becoming a model smart city.