NEC India launches smart city project in Tirupati

NEC Corporation India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Japanese IT service provider NEC Corporation, on Thursday said, it has launched a smart city project in Tirupati, for Tirupati Smart City Corporation. Under this project, NEC India is implementing information communication technology (ICT) services throughout the city and setting up a city operations centre (COC) in Tirupati.  

Tirupati is home to one of the most sought after pilgrimage destinations in the country, attracting up to 80,000 visitors each day. According to D. Haritha, IAS, Managing Director, Tirupati Smart City Corporation, managing this kind of footfall while ensuring the highest order of comfort, efficiency, and safety for all is a mission-critical task.  

The ICT services, including integrated services and a Unified Command and Control Centre, will support real-time data collection and analysis and two-way communications, to help provide responses to issues related to safety, security, healthcare, and the environment. 

In addition, a city network infrastructure and on-premises data centre is expected to support the implementation of a more data-backed decision-making mechanism for the operations of the city. NEC India will also deploy its Intelligent Traffic Management System, managing congestion during peak hours, to reduce road accidents. 

NEC India will also support local 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. NEC India will also implement Smart Water Solutions, Environmental Sensors and Public Address Systems to assist in governance of the city. 

Also as part of the project, 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 local information through a web portal and mobile phones. 

“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,” Haritha said. 

NEC has already successfully implemented similar smart city projects in Kalyan Dombivli, Hubballi Dharwad, Ahmedabad, Surat and many other cities in India and globally. 

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday said while addressing a Press conference that all smart city projects will be completed by June 2024. He also informed that all the projects are being monitored by the officials concerned on a real time basis.