Today's urban landscape is a mix of interconnected elements, where technology serves as a vital force. From powering smart lights, and waste collection to propelling electric vehicles, technology has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. As we move towards the future of urbanization, it has become increasingly evident that robust infrastructures, driven by technology, will play a crucial role in shaping the efficiency and sustainability of smart urban spaces of tomorrow.
In 2015, India embarked on a journey which sought to redefine urban living- the Smart Cities Mission. Its Core philosophy is founded on the recognition that in the face of rapid population growth, urbanization cannot remain concentrated solely in major metros; it must seep into all tiers of our country. With tier 2 towns such as Indore, Surat, and Agra leading the bandwagon at this year's Smart City Conclave, we are already setting the stage for what an aspirational future of India could look like; signalling a decentralization of progress, moving beyond the metros, and fostering the growth and development that is inclusive.
As we stand witness to a historical shift towards an ever-expanding urban landscape, and with India now standing as the world’s most populous country, the imperative of the hour is a development plan centered on the concept of 'Smart Planning.'
Here are some key selections poised to play a pivotal role in furthering the vision of a smarter and safer India in 2024:
Generative AI:
In India’s dynamic urban landscape, AI emerges as a catalyst driving the transformation of cities into smarter, more efficient hubs, playing a crucial role in defining the many aspects of city administration. For tackling the persistent challenge of traffic management, AI-powered solutions like smart traffic signals and predictive analytics have revolutionized vehicle flow, mitigating congestion, and enhancing daily commutes for millions.
Beyond the scope of managing daily operations, AI has been powering advanced protective systems with facial recognition and anomaly detection that have significantly boosted security measures. These systems not only support law enforcement but also foster a safer environment for residents. The transformative role of AI in addressing urban challenges positions it as a key player in shaping the future of smart planning in India for years to come.
Internet of Things:
Another emerging trend gaining momentum in the future of smart cities and public safety is the Internet of Things (IoT). In other words, the technology that facilitates the interconnectedness of devices for streamlined operations. As IoT continues to expand, some of the areas where it has already made significant strides include intelligent policing and smart resource management. These systems play a crucial role in promptly informing authorities of real-time accidents, and even capturing the license plates of offenders. Additionally, IoT is instrumental in optimizing the allocation of city utilities by collecting data from water, gas, or electricity meters and automatically transmitting consumption data to service providers. The growing integration of IoT in urban planning holds immense potential and is poised to be a prominent force in shaping the urban landscape in 2024 and beyond.
Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs): Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs) serve as centralized hubs for monitoring, managing, and responding to diverse urban functions. As cities become increasingly complex, the need for efficient coordination and data-driven decision-making becomes paramount. ICCCs address this challenge by acting as a central unit for integrating technologies such as AI, IoT, and advanced analytics to provide real-time insights into citywide operations.
Their role is best remembered as a vital support system during the pandemic. At a time when necessities such as food and shelter were scarce, Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs) were deployed to collect data on food and shelter availability, helping integrate data points for frontline personnel movement and coordination. With their demonstrated effectiveness, ICCCs are here to stay and bound to play a crucial role in the smart cities of the future, offering not only crisis response but also regular monitoring and management facilities to cities across all tiers in India.
Biometric Authentication Systems and Behaviour Detection Solutions: In today’s smart city blueprint, biometrics and AI-enabled facial and behavior recognition technologies stand as a linchpin, addressing crucial aspects of security, efficiency, and citizen-centric services. These solutions have advanced to the point that they can now not only recognize faces but also detect unusual behavior. Naturally, technology is bound to play a crucial role in reducing crime rates and ensuring timely grievance redressal.
Beyond security, India is already beginning to integrate technology into public and commercial transportation services like public buses and airports (commercial), with biometrics-led smart boarding solutions and automatic fare collection systems. A prime example of such solutions in recent memory is the DigiYatra program which is helping airports streamline pre-departure formalities and enhancing passenger experiences. While our country is already known for its successful implementation of the world's largest biometric ID system, better known as the Aadhaar Card, these solutions are undoubtedly going to play an even larger role in shaping the seamless and citizen-friendly future of Smart Cities.
Digital Twin: Another niche within the spectrum of public safety that is bound to assume an even greater role in the year to come is the concept of a digital twin. In simple terms, it is the virtual representation of the urban environment, allowing administrators to monitor, analyze, and optimize various aspects of city management. With access to advanced technologies, these digital replicas are becoming even smarter, encompassing real-time data integration from IoT devices and sensors. This integration provides city administrators with insights into traffic flow, energy consumption, waste management, and other critical factors. Predictive analytics within the digital twin framework assist in anticipating challenges and planning for future urban development. Some of the areas where this technology is expected to play a significant role include predictive analysis for crime prevention and traffic management for safety. For instance, in the case of traffic management, on ground efforts are geared towards implementation of systems to ensure safe and smooth traffic flow. The digital twin here aids this process by simulating and analyzing traffic patterns, and optimizing traffic signals and emergency response routes for greater safety.
The journey toward a smarter India is marked by the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies into the fabric of our urban existence. From the ambitious initiatives of the Smart Cities Mission to the transformative potential of generative AI, IoT, Integrated Command and Control Centers, biometric solutions, and Digital Twins, these innovations hold the promise of a more efficient, connected, and sustainable future. As we embark on 2024, it is not merely the technology itself but the thoughtful application and collaboration that will determine the success of our smart city endeavors. By embracing these advancements with strategic planning, a commitment to inclusivity, and the intent to enable each Indian to realize their best lives, India is poised to redefine its urban landscape and emerge as a global leader in the realm of smart and sustainable living.
Kushwaha is General Manager & Business Unit Head of Public Safety- NEC Corporation India Pvt ltd
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
