Global South Diplomats Visit Bhubaneswar Smart City

18 Sep 2025 CW Team

Bhubaneswar’s progress as a smart and sustainable city has drawn international recognition, with a 40-member delegation from the Global South Young Diplomats Forum visiting Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) on Sunday to review its urban development model.

Representing 40 countries, the diplomats interacted with senior officials and examined technology-driven initiatives integrating digital systems with governance and civic services. They were welcomed at the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation’s ICOMC tower by BSCL Managing Director Dr Thirumala Naik (IAS) and General Manager Purandar Nanda (OAS).

The delegation was briefed on the city’s command and control centre, intelligent traffic management, real-time grievance redressal, and digital monitoring of water supply, sanitation, and public safety. Officials highlighted Bhubaneswar’s strategies to tackle rapid urbanisation through data-led planning, smart lighting, efficient public transport, and sustainable infrastructure.

The visitors also learned about the city’s focus on green energy, waste management, carbon footprint reduction, and integrated transport corridors that promote non-motorised mobility. The exchange created opportunities for cross-learning, with many diplomats expressing interest in replicating Bhubaneswar’s innovative systems in their own countries.

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..