Tirupati – the famed temple town of South Indian State of Andhra Pradesh – is adding Smart embellishments to its spiritual identity. As the latest initiative under the ambitious Smart Cities Mission, the Tirupati Smart City Corporation Limited has partnered with NEC India for developing the city as per the guidelines of the Mission.
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Under the project, NEC India will be implementing integrated ICT solutions throughout the city and setting up a City Operations Centre (COC) in Tirupati. The ICT solutions, that in turn include setting up of a Unified Control and Command Centre, will facilitate real-time data collection and analysis and two-way communications to provide more efficient responses to issues related to safety, security, healthcare, the environment, and more.
Furthermore, a City Network Infrastructure and On Premises Data Centre would also be set up to help implement a more data-backed decision-making mechanism for the operations of the city.
“NEC India’s vast experience in setting up Smart Cities in India is a direct result of our 70+ year history in the region, where we have proven our capabilities in leveraging technology-driven solutions to solve a wide range of challenges,” said Aalok Kumar, President and CEO of NEC Corporation India and Corporate Senior Vice-President leading NEC’s Global Smart City Business. “The Tirupati Smart City Corporation Limited further validates our expertise in the field and solidifies India’s role in driving NEC Corporation’s Smart City initiatives on a global scale.”
Being home to one of the most popular pilgrimage centres in the country, Tirupati attracts a large number of visitors round the year. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Lord Balaji) is one of the highly revered shrines in India and lakhs of devotees visit the temple every year. It’s one of the richest temples in the world.
According to official reports, the temple attracts as many as 80,000 visitors every day, and during the special festivals called Brahmotsavam the number of pilgrims touch as much as three lakh a day. As it is, the urbanization necessities in the town has vastly increased the need for a massive infrastructural development that is easy to implement and monitor.
“Managing this kind of footfall while ensuring the highest order of comfort, efficiency, and safety for all is a mission-critical task,” observed D. Haritha, I.A.S., Managing Director of the Tirupati Smart City Corporation Limited. “Given NEC Corporation’s depth of experience and proof of concept in developing smart cities all over the world, and particularly in India, we are confident that in time, Tirupati will become a destination that extends beyond the realm of pilgrimage, and the elevated experience of visiting the city is sure to encourage visitors to stay longer.”
As part of the project, NEC India will also be deploying its Intelligent Traffic Management System, which will be a crucial element in streamlining traffic, managing congestion during peak hours, and minimising road accidents. NEC India will also be supporting the authorities in Tirupati to deliver municipal services through systems across key areas. These include Facial Recognition Systems, Intelligent Video Management Systems, and the integration of feeds from existing and proposed CCTV cameras across the city.
In order to improve the aesthetics of the city, Digital Billboards and Variable Message Sign Boards will be implemented in designated areas. Moreover, as part of enhancing engagement, a City Collaboration Platform will be developed to provide visitors and residents with important local information through a web portal and mobile phones.
On the other hand, the solutions provider will also be implementing Smart Water Solutions, Environmental Sensors and Public Address Systems to assist in the smooth governance of the city.
