Pune is using ABD and the retrofitting model for new urban infrastructure

Pune Smart City aims to use an ‘integrated approach’ to provide solutions. Dr Rajendra Jagtap, CEO, Pune Smart City Development Corporation (PSCDC), elaborates, “Through a state-of-the-art command and control centre and revolutionary traffic management system, the city aims to integrate various authorities under one centralised control.” He further shares: Current progress of works in the city: Pune is using ABD and the retrofitting model for new urban infrastructure. Currently, it is taking the lead (among other smart cities in India) in terms of project completion. Till date, PSCDC has issued RFPs worth Rs 5 billion, which includes adaptive traffic management, developing traffic master plan, the junction redesigning, solid waste management, and vehicle tracking system. That said, operated by smart technology, we have already made available 5,000 bicycles for public use across the city and are continuously adding to this number. In the future, Pune is looking at electric auto rickshaws as a viable mode of transportation. We have completed 58 projects worth Rs 48 billion and are aiming to issue 40 more tenders by 30 January this year. Smart infra: We have conducted a successful pilot project to convert 1.5 km into smart roads, and are in the process of converting 80 km of streets across the city. We are also using optic fiber ducts to establish high speed internet connectivity. An e-corridor is being set up to create Wi-Fi and connectivity throughout the city that will be accessible through smart phones, as well as, to construct 500 new smart toilets and smart poles around Pune. We aim to use an ‘integrated approach’ to provide solutions. Through this system, the city will be in a position to provide a faster response time for emergencies, real-time traffic and weather data on variable message displays, and manage the public transportation system with the highest level of efficiency. - RAHUL KAMAT