Smart Planner

01 Jun 2015 CW Team

Now there is one more reason to visit the pink city of Jaipur. The tourist hot-spot is being primed to become a ´smart city,´ much to the delight of its residents and the 40 million tourists it attracts annually. The man behind the ambitious smart city project is Shikhar Agarwal, Commissioner, Jaipur Development Authority (JDA). For the citywide project, eight zones have been selected to deploy and pilot four applications of smart cities in tourist locations, metro stations, bus stands, hospitals, parks and government hospitals. To turn this dream project into a reality, JDA along with Cisco, is drawing up a blueprint that is expected to complete soon. The first phase of the project is set to start from the 25 hectare Central Park, which is located in the heart of the city. Plans are afoot to set up a digital infrastructure that would offer citizens amenities, including connected transport, interactive kiosks, wireless broadband, safety and security services, traffic management and environmental updates. Taking over the reins at JDA last year from the previous position he held as Director General (employment and training), Ministry of Labour and Employment, Agarwal has put immense effort to turn around the fortunes of the debt ridden JDA. When the plans turn fruitful, it would be an interesting melange of erstwhile Rajput charm juxtaposed with cutting edge technological innovation. With an eye on the prize, Jaipur - a smart city, Agarwal is ready to broaden the city´s horizons.

Infrastructure Energy

19 Mar 2026

Cabinet Clears Rs 25.85 Billion Small Hydro Scheme

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31, with an outlay of Rs 25.85 billion to support installation of around 1,500 MW capacity.The scheme targets projects of 1–25 MW across states, with a focus on hilly and North Eastern regions. Central financial assistance of Rs 36 million per MW or 30 per cent of project cost (capped at Rs 300 million per project) will be provided for North Eastern and border districts. For other states, support will be Rs 24 million per MW or 20 per cent..

Panasonic Launches SIP Video Intercom System

Panasonic Life Solutions India has launched its VL-VQ Series SIP-based IP Video Intercom System, aimed at enhancing security and access management across modern residential developments. Designed for apartments, gated communities and large housing projects, the system offers a three-layered security framework integrating residences, building entrances and central security operations. It combines door stations, lobby display units, room monitors, guard stations and central management software into a unified platform, enabling real-time monitoring and communication. The system supports multipl..

Mindspace REIT Tops Global Environmental Rankings

Mindspace Business Parks REIT has secured the No. 1 global rank for Environmental Performance in the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) and has been recognised among the top 10 per cent of global performers in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026. The REIT achieved the highest Environmental Dimension score of 84, ranking first among 379 global real estate companies. It has also been elevated from a Sustainability Yearbook Member to Industry Distinction 2026, reflecting its position among the top-performing global peers. Mindspace REIT recorded an overall..