Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)
Udupi, Dec 16: Udupi has created its own niche in the international arena. Udupi where Lord Krishna has established himself, is a tourism hub for holy places. Udupi-Manipal has been on the fast track of development, and use of modern technology becomes very important to make them smarter.
Preparations are afoot to develop Udupi, a tourist spot, Manipal, which is an educational hub, and Malpe, which has a leading port of Karnataka, under the Smart City concept. Preparations are underway to make this happen. Now, detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared and preparations are being made to place the proposal before the state government for the approval of the project.
The major aim of Smart City concept is to provide international level basic infrastructure, traffic regulations, safety, tourism, and increase in local investment. A firm from Bengaluru has prepared the blueprint for converting Manipal-Udupi and Malpe into Smart City.
CCTV cameras, 5G technology, Wi-Fi system, modern bus bays, rickshaw bays, bike bays and e-toilets construction are envisaged in the plan, said the planning officials.
The DPR has been prepared by a private firm, and the city municipality will call for tenders. The municipality need not invest any money. Those who take the work on contract have to get their investment back with service charges and advertisement. The municipality has to approve the DPR and send the same to the government for the approval, it is learnt.
Public private participation model
Under the public private participation (PPP) model, the municipality and district administration provide land needed for Smart City development to the private firm. The local admin situation does not extend any financial assistance for this project. Once the Smart City plan is executed in full, the company has to recover money from advertisements from the places developed, and income from commercial shops developed there.
LP cameras, smart towers, control centres, cycling paths, e-toilets smart lounges etc will be provided in addition to systems to keep an eye on vehicles violating traffic rules.
As Manipal, Udupi and Malpe are financial and educational tourist spots, a private firm has shown interest to build the Smart City here. The urban development department, municipality and the MLAs are awaiting the execution of the project.
Udupi consists of 35 wards and nine panchayats. If the Manipal-Malpe four lane work is completed, Smart City project may get momentum, people feel.