Ahmedabad is among the top five smart cities in terms of project completion even as the deadline of June 2024 for the Smart Cities Mission draws near. R SRINIVASAN spoke to Mihir P Patel, CEO/MD, Smart City Ahmedabad Development, to discover reasons behind the city’s success. Excerpts:
What factors would you attribute to Ahmedabad being among the top five and completing 65 out of 70 projects?
The success of Ahmedabad Smart City can be attributed to its strong leadership, which provided a clear vision and direction for smart city initiatives. The leaders have effectively engaged various stakeholders or partners and ensured their active participation in planning, execution and maintenance of various projects. This collaborative approach has strengthened a sense of ownership and collective responsibility, leading to efficient project implementation and optimal utilisation of funds. Additionally, the city's focus on technology integration has played a crucial role in its achievements. By incorporating advanced technologies into aspects of urban life, such as transportation, waste management and citizen services, it has enhanced efficiency.
