Latest news with #SmartCitiesMission
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Coimbatore Corporation initiates study to ease congestion at R.S. Puram junction
The Coimbatore Corporation has initiated a study to ease growing traffic congestion at the R.S. Puram junction. Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said a team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras will carry out a month-long study, which will include traffic volume counts, turning movement analysis, conflict point identification, and a reassessment of the available space at the junction. Necessary improvements will be taken up based on the report, he said. Once regulated by traffic signals, the intersection of DB Road and TV Samy Road now operates without them, as the area had been developed earlier under the Smart Cities Mission. 'The existing roundabout is not the best option for handling the traffic. It is often managed by a traffic police personnel, but still ends up getting choked,' said S. Ambika, a resident of R.S. Puram. G. Manuneethi, Divisional Engineer of the State Highways Department (Road Safety), said the junction earlier had a diameter of about 25 metres, which could accommodate a 14-metre roundabout and provide nine metres of motorable space. The existing roundabout is only about six metres in diameter, which is not ideal for turning radius,' he said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
CII's Madurai vision document outlines reimagining city in 2035
Madurai: Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) Pudhu vision document for Madurai has outlined a 2035 roadmap for reimagining the city as a dual hub of heritage and modernity. Tamil Nadu IT and digital services minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan launched the document on Tuesday. Lauding the document as "comprehensive and thought-provoking," PTR said it effectively articulates the socio-economic aspirations of southern Tamil Nadu and offers practical suggestions for aligning govt action with regional needs. "This document combines both grand ambition and granular detail. It tackles everything from heritage and tourism to IT and industrial corridors," he said. PTR candidly reflected on Madurai's historic stature and its relatively slow growth in recent decades. "In Roman times, the Pandya kingdom was a trade surplus with Europe. But today, cities like Coimbatore and Erode have outpaced Madurai," he said. The reason, he noted, was not a lack of potential but a more modest approach to projecting achievements. Citing examples from his own constituency, PTR criticised past planning failures under the Smart Cities Mission, especially the granite paving around the Meenakshi temple. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Flexible Phone Plans for Small Biz Undo "It's uneven, it overheats, and blocks drainage," he said, stressing the need for informed urban design rooted in local context. He also spoke about long-delayed govt projects. "The plan to shift Madurai Central Prison took four years just to identify land. Execution timelines are glacial," he said, underlining the urgency for reforms in administrative efficiency. Pudhu the CII vision document, proposes a dual-city model — preserving the historic urban core while building a new growth hub 30-60km away. It envisions walkable townships, climate-smart industrial corridors, and citizen-centric governance. The aim is to create a city where tradition and technology coexist. Calling for collaboration, PTR said, "Documents like this, when driven by industry and civil society, are far more valuable than bureaucratic plans. The govt must work with associations like CII to make them a reality."
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
T.N.'s industrial development not aggressive like in other southern States: Minister
Information Technology Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan on Tuesday said Tamil Nadu's performance in industrial development had not been aggressive like in other southern States. 'Though Tamil Nadu fared well in other parameters like social development, social equity and social justice in the last 20 to 30 years, its performance in industrial development is not aggressive like in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana,' he said after releasing logo and a vision document 'Pudhu Madurai,' 2035, at a Confederation of Indian Industry function in Madurai. According to him, though Tamil Nadu has set a benchmark for other aspects, it lagged far behind in urban policy and urban planning. Noting urbanisation plans have come with their own merits and demerits, Mr. Rajan said he has always been consistent about critiquing the Smart Cities Mission project and decried many of its plans. 'Similarly, prominence of Madurai has not kept pace with other places like Coimbatore, Tiruchi, among others, which have grown at a faster rate,' he said. Maybe those districts were not faster in growth, but were aggressive about marketing themselves and Madurai has not been so outspoken like others. 'Though the current government tried several ways to pull back the projects by taking many corrective measures, many like Periyar bus stand complex and ELCOT buildings could not be opened as the government did not bother to get environment clearance and building plan approval,' he observed. According to him, many plans under the smart city project were ill-conceived. He recounted a project in his constituency which involved uprooting paver blocks on Chithirai streets around the temple and replacing them with four-inch granite stones. Calling it as 'hyper-stupidity,' Mr. Rajan said, 'The replacement made the pathway uneven, made the surface hot for pedestrians.' The Minister said even when the government had good visions, it usually takes forever to implement them. One such plan was the shifting of Madurai prison, which, as Finance Minister (earlier), he thought could be done in one-and-a-half years. But, after hitting several roadblocks and only after four years has it got land allocated for the construction of a new prison, he added. 'Another thing as Finance Minister I did was bring metro to Madurai and good thing is we have a Detailed Project Report (DPR), but due to discrepancies in planning and funding, it took more time than expected,' he stated. In a place like India where government is vital as it controls key resources, the role of industrial and traders' associations were equally important, he added. Commenting on the vision documents released during the event, he said such a remarkable plan for Madurai prepared by CII was unlikely to be prepared with such detailing and standard by a bureaucrat. C. Devarajan, vice-chairman, CII Tamil Nadu, said Madurai which encompassed a long and rich history had a capacity in it to transform into a global city. 'The vision document akin to reports from other districts is to bring a change in the city if all its people give equal contribution,' he added.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
How India's Real Estate Revival is Sparking Growth in Electrical Manufacturing
India's real estate sector is witnessing a robust revival, driven by rising urban aspirations, supportive government policies, and renewed buyer confidence. This resurgence is not just transforming skylines—it's also igniting growth in allied sectors, particularly electrical manufacturing. Every construction project, whether residential, commercial, or industrial, depends on a solid electrical backbone comprising wiring, cabling, smart systems, and energy-efficient solutions. As new developments accelerate and stalled projects regain momentum, the demand for reliable, innovative electrical products is surging—paving the way for a new era of opportunity and expansion across the sector. This resurgence is not limited to Tier 1 cities alone. Rapid urbanization in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, coupled with the government's strong focus on infrastructure development through programs like Smart Cities Mission and PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana), is further widening the market. As real estate developers focus on delivering smarter, more energy-efficient, and technology-enabled spaces, electrical manufacturers are being called upon to innovate, upgrade, and meet the evolving needs of a new generation of buildings. This shift toward smarter and more sustainable infrastructure is also visible in adjacent sectors, notably in renewable energy and digital infrastructure, both of which further reinforce the demand for advanced electrical solutions. The solar industry for example is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a combination of large-scale solar power projects and widespread adoption at the individual and community levels. Major solar farms are being established to generate electricity on a massive scale, while industries, housing societies, and individual homeowners are increasingly investing in solar panels to fulfill their energy needs. This surge in adoption is strongly aligned with the government's proactive support through initiatives like the Solar Energy Yojana, which promotes clean and sustainable energy solutions. Simultaneously, India's data centre industry is witnessing a significant surge, with investment commitments projected to exceed $100 billion by 2027. This boom is fueled by the country's rapid digital transformation, increased AI adoption, and a growing demand for cloud services. Major players like Airtel's Nxtra, Reliance, and Adani are expanding their data centre capacities, with Airtel planning a $600 million investment to nearly double its capacity to 400 megawatts by 2027. The expansion of data centres involves real estate and necessitates substantial investments in supporting infrastructure, particularly in electrical wiring and optical fibre cables. The demand for high-speed connectivity is driving a boom in the optical fibre cable industry, with companies expanding fibre networks to meet the needs of data centres and 5G rollouts. Additionally, the growth of data centres is leading to increased demand for robust electrical wiring solutions to ensure seamless power distribution and operations. The trend reflects a growing awareness of environmental responsibility and a strategic move towards energy self-sufficiency. Intelligent lighting, home automation systems, energy-efficient fans and appliances, and smart metering solutions are increasingly becoming non-negotiable elements of new constructions. Moreover, the rising emphasis on sustainability and green buildings is reshaping the landscape. Developers and consumers alike are seeking electrical solutions that minimize energy consumption, optimize performance, and reduce the environmental footprint of buildings. This has led to a growing demand for products that are compliant with global standards of energy efficiency and safety. Manufacturers that can align their offerings with these evolving preferences are likely to gain significant traction in the coming years. However, the growth opportunity comes with its set of challenges. As demand rises, so does the need for consistent quality, reliability, and compliance with stringent safety standards. The electrical manufacturing sector must ensure that products are not only innovative but also durable and safe, especially as the complexity of projects increases. Additionally, the sector must navigate the twin challenges of supply chain disruptions and raw material price volatility, which continue to impact production timelines and costs. Another critical factor that will determine the sector's ability to capitalize on this real estate revival is its readiness to embrace digital transformation. From adopting Industry 4.0 practices in manufacturing to enhancing customer engagement through digital platforms, the sector needs to evolve rapidly. A focus on R&D, investment in automation, and building resilient supply chains will be key pillars in ensuring sustained growth. India's aspirations to become a $5 trillion economy rest significantly on the growth of infrastructure and urban development. As real estate continues to grow in both scale and sophistication, the electrical manufacturing sector will play a pivotal role in powering this transformation. By innovating responsibly, prioritizing quality, and staying agile to market needs, the sector can not only meet the demands of a resurgent domestic market but also strengthen its presence on the global stage. In the journey ahead, collaboration between developers, policymakers, and manufacturers will be crucial. Together, they can create ecosystems that promote safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The revival of real estate is more than a sectoral uptick—it is a signal of broader economic momentum. For the electrical manufacturing industry, it is an invitation to rise to the occasion, power India's next phase of growth, and contribute meaningfully to building the nation's future.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Study Abroad: What the University of Birmingham Dubai programs offer for future urban planners
Currently, more than half of the world's population lives in urban areas and urban migration is only set to grow. This will put immense pressure on physical and social infrastructure which can only be eased with sustainable urban planning. Consequently, urban planners will be needed to help plan and manage the growth of cities and regions in a way that is sustainable, liveable, and equitable. This, in turn, has spiked an interest in sustainable urban design and planning programs in universities across the world. The University of Birmingham Dubai (UoB D) offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in sustainable urban planning and design. Here, students have access to a globally respected British education, new and future ready courses, multicultural classrooms, and access to a robust job market. As one of the fastest-growing cities globally, Dubai offers a live urban laboratory where students can directly engage with cutting-edge urban transformations. The city integrates some of the smartest technologies in city design, management and governance, from AI-driven mobility systems to advanced digital twins and real-time urban data platforms. Study abroad: University of Strathclyde opens applications for MSc Artificial Intelligence & Applications course In an exclusive interview, Dr Mohammad Radfar, Associate Professor of Sustainable Urban Design and Planning, University of Birmingham-Dubai talks of the undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered by UoB D, scholarships, and how future planners can adapt global solutions to a local/regional context. Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission aimed to transform 100 cities into sustainable and citizen-friendly urban centres. This initiative has led to a surge in demand for professionals skilled in urban design, planning, and architecture. Architects and urban designers are now integral to projects focusing on smart infrastructure, green buildings, and sustainable urban development. The mission has opened up various roles for urban design professionals, including Sustainable Urban Designers and Planners, Urban Analytics and AI experts as well as Smart Infrastructure specialists. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, students can explore various undergraduate and postgraduate courses that integrate the principles of sustainability, development, environmental impact, and urban systems. BSc Sustainability Postgraduate Courses: Urban Planning MSc Sustainable Urban Design MSc Urban Analytics and AI for Planners MSc The curriculum typically includes modules on sustainable infrastructure, environmental impact and assessment, climate resilience, urban design system, smart technology, sustainable practices and measures, policy framework, and energy efficiency, data analytics, GIS, machine learning and AI as well as application of AI in urban data analysis. Many courses are interdisciplinary, combining engineering, environmental science, and planning, and offer practical learning through live projects, industry engagement, and research-driven teaching. The basic eligibility for Undergraduate courses requires students to have a minimum of 75–85% in Class XII (CBSE/ICSE or State Boards), depending on the subject and course. Also, subjects should typically include Mathematics and Physics for engineering-related courses. And an overall IELTS score of 6.0. For Postgraduate courses, students require a UK equivalent of a 2:1 or 2:2 honours degree, with 55–60% or above from a recognised university (depending on the program) in a relevant discipline such as Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Science, Geography, Urban Planning, etc. And an overall IELTS score of 6.5. The average cost for the UG program would be AED 130,359 (roughly USD 35,491) per year; for PG program, it is AED 145,847 (roughly USD 39,708) per year. · 125 Scholarships for International Students: The University will offer exclusive, invitation-only scholarships to 125 meritorious international students starting in September 2025. Each scholarship provides up to 50% funding for students pursuing degrees in engineering, health, business, education, computer science, law, and life sciences. · 40% Scholarship for Indian Students: Available to all students who receive an offer to study at the University of Birmingham Dubai, the scholarship value will be determined based on predicted grades or upon meeting the offer conditions. With access to world-leading academics and a globally recognised British education positions UoB Dubai's programs among the most professionally and academically robust in the region. Students benefit not only from theoretical foundations but also from practical exposure to live projects, industry collaborations, and regional policy innovations, making these programs particularly suited to those aiming for impactful careers as urban designers, planners and urban scientists. AI and digital communication offer a lot of advantages to make urban living efficient but one must not ignore the cost to the environment while including AI and Digital communication while planning a city. AI could be used to create better traffic signals and thus traffic flow, better public transport scheduling, predict infrastructure maintenance needs ensuring infrastructure longevity, use data to predict urban growth scenarios to future proof development. Lastly, AI can be used to optimise energy-efficient building while monitoring environmental risks and mitigating them on time. Digital communication can be used for citizen participation, and governance, such as testing policy before mass implementation, civic alerts and other services.
