We Are Trying To Establish Better Facilities Such As A Sewerage System And 24/7 Water Supply

It was raining applause when Gajendra Singh Nagesh, Additional Commissioner, Jabalpur, and CEO, Jabalpur Smart City, walked the stage at the recently held 4th Smart Cities Summit at Pragati Maidan in Delhi. It was a double victory: Jabalpur not just received the Role of Honour Award (given to city officials) but Nagesh was awarded Smart Leader of the Year. “It is overwhelming for me to be here and receive this award,” he said at the event. He shares more in a tête-à-tête with SHRIYAL SETHUMADHAVAN.

- Gajendra Singh Nagesh

When it comes to developing Jabalpur as a smart city, what is your key focus?

This award is not for me but for every citizen of Jabalpur. Through the smart city mission, our aim is to establish Jabalpur as a hub for business, tourism, education and sports in our development area. We are trying to put together mixed land use, transit oriented development and other features to address liveability concerns. We are trying to establish zero mile connectivity through non-motorised transport (NMT), smart road and efficient and affordable public transport. To increase liveability, our approach is for inclusive society and sustainable development with many more smart features that can add in making the city more liveable, smart and sustainable.

Tell us about the key initiatives undertaken in the smart direction.