The City Municipal Council of Udupi is contemplating opting for a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative to make the city smart at an estimated cost of Rs.1.3 bn. The city is likely to get 3,000 smart poles for CCTV cameras, 5G-enabled wi-fi system and drone chargers. Bus bays, autorickshaw bays, motorcycle bays and toilets would be provided at various locations under the project. A detailed project report is being prepared by a private entity. Tenders would be invited by the CMC and the private participant would invest in creation of infrastructure and get the money back through user fees. The council has already invited tenders for installing 1,000 LED street lights.
