Aurangabad, known as the ‘City of Gates’ owing to its historical monuments and Mughal heritage, is equally renowned for its industrial development, with a nominal gross district domestic product (GDDP) of Rs.988.04 billion. As growth has progressed, there has been a focus on enhancing the standard of living, prompting key initiatives, including the award-winning Majhi Smart  Bus Initiative. G Sreekanth (IAS), CEO, Aurangabad Smart City Development Corporation Ltd (ASCDCL), discusses the city’s ongoing and upcoming developments in conversation  with NEHA YADAV.Recent news highlighted the development of a smart city  bus depot. What are the  initiatives taken for electrification of public transport?The smart bus depot is part of our flagship project located in the Jadhavwadi area, spanning 7.5 acres. Currently, we operate 100 smart buses serving approximately 30,000 passengers daily compared to the initial 3,000. We are in the process of procuring 135 advanced electric buses, with the first consignment set to arrive within a month. To support this fleet, we are establishing a smart bus depot with a capacity for 275 buses, including 15 EV charging stations.We have also launched Chalo Mobility Pvt Ltd for online ticket booking, which incorporates electronic tax invoice management system devices to enable real-time ticketing. GPS-based vehicle tracking units are installed on all 100 buses to monitor  their exact location, while a  public information system will announce bus stops. Additionally, CCTV cameras and panic switches are integrated.  Tell us about key projects  under development.Multiple key projects are currently underway in Aurangabad across various sectors. In terms of infrastructure, a water pipeline project is in progress to ensure 24/7 water supply for citizens, alongside a drainage line project aimed at making the city septic tank-free.  Our plans also include the  construction of an international standard cricket stadium, smart hospitals and smart schools. On the environmental front, we are set to establish a zoological park and a bio-mining project.How does Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC) complement the smart city initiatives?AURIC focuses on diverse sectors such as textiles, food processing, defence and electronics, promoting a balanced economy. In infrastructure development, AURIC provides plug-and-play solutions that reduce setup times and enhance regional infrastructure, including transportation, power supply and waste management. Socially, we are implementing the walk-to-work concept to reduce commute times and improve work-life balance. AURIC also aligns with smart city initiatives in several key areas. In terms of technology integration, AURIC can serve as a testing ground for smart city technologies such as CCTV systems, waste management solutions and command-and-control centres, with data from these systems helping to optimise resource allocation and improve service delivery.How are some technologies like AI and IoT embedded into the ICCC?At our ICCC, we have incorporated advanced technologies to make the city smarter and more efficient. For instance, our cameras are equipped with powerful analytics features, including baggage detection, intrusion alerts, overcrowding monitoring, counter-flow detection, suspect search, tampering alerts and signal loss detection. We also monitor violations such as no helmet detection, triple seat riding, wrong way driving, red-light violations and stop-line violations. We are using an intelligent traffic management system (ITMS) to streamline traffic. Environmental sensors monitor air quality and other conditions, while analytics tools assist us in overseeing various devices installed across the city. Additionally, we  track smart buses and garbage trucks for efficient waste management and manage systems such as smart classrooms and the Jal Bell water scheduling system to ensure smooth operations across all aspects of the city.Are there any major upcoming smart city projects in the pipeline?A significant development in Aurangabad is the construction of a new state-of-the-art zoological park in Mitmita. This ambitious project aims to offer a world-class wildlife experience. Spanning 150 acre, the zoo will provide ample space for animals to roam and visitors to explore. It will feature modern, spacious enclosures designed to replicate natural habitats, ensuring the well-being of the animals. The zoo will house a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, lions, leopards, bears, monkeys, deer and numerous bird species. Visitor amenities will include food courts, souvenir shops and ample parking, with an expected annual footfall of 1 million visitors and tourists.What new investment opportunities do you see for businesses over the next years?Aurangabad presents a promising landscape over the next years. Key investment opportunities include the textile industry; the automobile and auto components sector, particularly in electric vehicle components and after-sales services; and pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. In infrastructure and real estate, there is growing demand for logistics and warehousing services. The services sector also offers opportunities, particularly in healthcare, education, tourism and IT, to cater to the region’s expanding population and diverse needs.