Bhubaneswar tops the list for India’s Smart City Mission. Neha Gupta Kapoor finds out why…
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha in East India, looked sleepy to me. It lacked urgency in movement that one would expect in a city, which has much going on for its economy. Signal junctions aren’t exceptionally congested, buildings are stout, neighbourhoods are sparsely populated, the nearest general store or public transport can be a good walk from home; and barren lots of land, though occupied with labour, weren’t under drastic machining activities at the time of my visit.
Yet, Bhubaneswar is one of the first planned Indian cities that opened for India’s Smart City Mission (SCM) in June 2016. This is how it works: exactly a year before June, states shortlisted cities they reckoned would be suitable for SCM. Those selected were asked to submit a proposal outlining their “bold vision, pan-city initiative and area-based development plan”. They were further assessed on feasibility of the proposal and its cost-effectiveness, estimated turnover on achieving its goals, citizen participation, strategic plan, and so on. This means, cities with practical land usage, basic infrastructure, and those that don’t require much financial aide in repairing damages and adopting beneficial measures stood a better chance.
The most important parameter seeks details of the city’s participation in Prime Minister Modi’s ‘‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’’ (Clean India Mission). The mission draws attention to slum sanitation, a basic necessity and a primary concern in India. Bhubaneswar’s submitted form states: “As per the census 2011, the population of Bhubaneswar was 8,37,737 with a total number of households estimated at 2,01,873. Of this total number, approximately 1,61,836 households were reported to have latrine facilities within premises, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of the total number of households.”
This story is from the October 2016 edition of Business Traveller India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2016 edition of Business Traveller India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Gastronomic Trailblazers
Discover the inspiring journeys of some of the top female chefs of the world as they defy odds, break barriers, and carve their path to culinary greatness.
Jet-Set Luxury
Global business class airport lounges that redefine travel
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at AI Maryah Island
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island effortlessly amalgamates work and vacation, in a prime location
The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Singapore
Ensconced within the grandeur of Shangri-La Singapore, The Lobby Lounge's chic décor enhanced my gastronomy experience as I sank into its plush comforts after a long and tiring day.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
An idyllic sanctuary, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is a truly remarkable hotel that personifies Thai hospitality and knows its guests.
Ride Revolution
Business Traveller India's curated list of forgotten pioneers from the recent Indian automotive past that were ahead of their time and helped shape modern automotive trends
SMART LIVING
The popularity of luxury hotels in smart cities for the urban traveller
GLOBAL GALAS
Discover the epitome of refinement in worldwide venues, where the harmonisation of business and romance thrives amidst luxurious settings
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAKU
Where luxury meets old-world allure and sophistication
AIR MILES
Business Traveller India speaks to Keyur Joshi, Founder and Chief Strategic Advisor of Wildlife Luxuries about sustainable hospitality, entrepreunership and more