Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 18: The work of installing 15 smart poles, which are a part of the Smart City project, is under progress. They are meant to convey quick information to the people and to keep a close watch on the spot. These smart polies are being installed at various junctions in the city.

In the first phase, 15 smart poles are being installed. In the second phase, 15 more of them will be set up. These poles have modern cameras which can capture movements even at night. They help in identifying the accused involved with crimes. Each of these poles cost about Rs five lac. Smart City officials say that the cost may go up or down depending on the model of the pole and camera being installed depending on the areas.

In the city, smart poles will come up at St Agnes College Junction, Lower Bendore, Kankanady, Morgans Gate, Rao and Rao Circle, Kadri circuit house, Padil, Marnamikatte, and Lalbagh. Work on the poles have already begun at Kavoor, Padavinangady, Ladyhill and Pumpwell where poles have been installed. The one at Mallikatte has not been functioning as the display has been fixed on the inner side. By month end, it might start functioning. The installation of poles at Kottara and Vamanjoor has been withheld pending proposed road development works there.

Each of these poles have 360 degree camera and three to four additional cameras. Smart display gives out different information to the public like rain, temperature, pollution level, vehicle density at different roads etc. It also has push button facility to convey information to city command and control centre. The poles can be made 5G compliant. It has control panel and Wi-Fi connectivity.

City corporation commissioner Akshy Shridhar, said that smart poles are part of the process of developing the city into smart city, He said that these poles will be helpful to the people and the administration.