Vizag’s Smart City project gaining momentum

Visakhapatnam’s Smart City initiative continues to gain momentum, demonstrating effective resource allocation, project completion, and a crucial role for the City Operations Centre (COC) in enhancing city management. The initial funding for the Smart City project amounted to Rs 1,000 crore. However, as of now, Rs. 940 crore has been allocated, with an additional Rs. 60 crore designated for Administrative and Other Expenditure (A&OE) charges. The current expenditure stands at Rs 610.70 crore.
According to GVMC officials, several projects envisioned during the planning phase have been successfully completed, with one or two undergoing trial runs. Notably, the City Operations Centre has emerged as a pivotal hub for monitoring day-to-day GVMC activities. The COC serves as a nodal centre for disaster management and addressing citizen grievances. It has effectively handled eight disasters, including Titli, Phethai, Fani, Yaas, Gulab, Jawad, Asani, and Michaung. Operational functions encompass coordinating with line departments, establishing an emergency call centre, and alerting citizens through various channels.
The COC’s role extends to data analysis, aiding authorities in data-driven decision-making. Over 2 lakh grievances have been registered through various modes, contributing to revenue generation by facilitating continuous monitoring by the Executive Authority. CCTV footage from the COC assists the Police Department in accident investigations. A Bus Information System, part of the COC project, equipped 100 buses with panic buttons and GPS for real-time movement tracking. Despite the successful implementation, the system faces operational challenges as APSRTC authorities have not provided route schedules, rendering the real-time tracking feature inactive.
Certain roads have been transformed into Smart Streets, featuring uniform carriageways, designated parking spaces, and other amenities. The 24/7 water supply project in ABD areas covering 1,600 acres has been completed, with a trial run in progress. Additionally, the underground sewerage project, treated as a convergence project, is underway, with steps being taken to ensure its timely completion in coordination with the regular water supply wing of GVMC.
The Visakhapatnam Smart City Project continues to evolve, adapting to challenges and delivering on its promise of a technologically advanced and citizen-centric urban landscape.