“Metro rail process has started, and we are putting in efforts to bring the metro to Jammu and Srinagar”

Port Blair, December 2:

Smart cities should involve innovative solutions towards smart mobility, connectivity in the city, and smarter learning systems.

Sandeep Kadam, secretary, Govt. of Maharashtra said they have smart classrooms and tried working on the personal learning management system, and school management system which is very useful. They have introduced these systems in government schools as well.

He said, “We are trying to add robotics as a component of smart learning. Children should know about robotics to be successful. There are several admission queries by lakhs of children, and we have been planning a chatbot. But the challenge is if we can transfer that communication to a real agent, we can improve our admission process.”

Nikita Pawar of Andaman & Nicobar administration shared their projects, “We are planning 40 electric buses, and 20 in the next 3 months only. Innovative things make the commute easier, and comfortable. We have decided that all future licenses will be given to e- rickshaws only. Other smart solutions like AC buses and shuttle buses are introduced. Charging systems will be introduced for EVs.”

Kriti Garg from Andaman & Nicobar administration added, “The innovative solutions where connectivity is a challenge, we have tried smart classes in 100 schools moving towards interactive panels”

Dr. Shafqat khan from UT of Jammu & Kashmir said, “We have entered a phase of moving from state to UT, which is a challenge. Jammu and Srinagar are two smart cities. There are a lot of projects which are being done in convergence with other departments. In 2017, we did not have traffic signals, which is now implemented. Likewise, the key to a sustainable city is a good waste management system. Srinagar has a waste management system, and Jammu will have soon.

I think there has to be a large focus on healthcare in our systems. Regards healthcare, we have been able to double the number of hospital seats in 12 months. For weaker economic sections, we have successfully implemented ‘Ayushmaan Bharat’. People at the grass-root level are the focus of the healthcare system.”

Another secretary from UT of Jammu & Kashmir, Amit Sharma talked about smart mobility systems in the UT, “We are focusing on introducing smart mobility solutions in J&K UT. We used to operate from 2 different capital for six months. We have tried implanting smart greener mobility services through electric buses. We are bringing in an ICCC for traffic management in the city. An intelligent traffic light system has been introduced through Jammu and Srinagar municipal corporation in the last one year. Metro rail process has started, and we are putting in efforts to bring the metro to Jammu and Srinagar. Highway expansion is on a fast track along with Jammu to Kashmir railway track, and that will be a game-changer.”

Anubhuti Sohni from Ujjain smart city ltd. said she comes from the cleanest smart city. Ujjain has set up a digital centre in a garden and set up electronic devices which are free for everyone. One person teaches people how to use devices. They are also generating energy from waste and set up a plant. We are bringing waste and energy is generated out of that.

She concluded, “We are moving ahead with more tech to generate CNG gas and reduce waste going for a clean energy substitute. There are smart classrooms, and during summer vacations we allow students to use smart classrooms for preparation for competitive exams.”

Courtesy: Business World