Genesys secured a record-breaking contract for Mumbai's Digital Twin Initiative worth Rs 1.55 billion with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Under the agreement, the company will provide the implementation and upkeep of a 3D city model and map stack for Mumbai and update it for three years. The geospatial solution will redefine urban planning, infrastructure development and emergency response and foster enhanced quality of life for residents. The unified mapping platform incorporates layers such as the 3D reality mesh model, base map with advanced features and street imaging, digital surface model (DSM) and digital terrain model (DTM) along with a change detection map to empower municipal departments, government agencies and citizens to make informed decisions that contribute to the city's growth. Holding promise beyond traditional mapping, it is aligned with the city's vision of becoming a smart city. Sajid Malik, CMD, Genesys International Corporation, shares more about the challenges, potential and prospects of Mumbai's Digital Twin Initiative and the requisite technology in conversation with R SRINIVASAN. Excerpts:  

What difficulties are involved in the creation of a 3D model of the city’s infrastructure in all 24 wards?

Bombay is one of the most complex cities as it has all kinds of terrain. It is very dense. There are old parts of the city, shanty towns, a huge slum, probably one of the tallest high rises you can find in any city and one of the busiest airports in the country.