In tune with the rapid wave of technological advancements across the country, Goa's capital city, Panaji also expects a smart revamp soon. As per reports, the Goa Intelligent City Management System (GICMS) is expected to go live by mid-April. Notably, the plans entailed an earlier implementation of this ₹180 crore project but it got delayed due to multiple reasons, including objections from the local community.

More than 200 cameras installed in Panaji

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Amid a string of developments included in this project, an integrated command and control centre will be initiated at Altinho. As per reports, L&T has already installed more than 200 cameras out of the proposed count of over 338. Notably, this network lacks a connection to the command and control centre. For this, a tender for internet bandwidth has to be passed by the authorities.

Now, the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. officials have floated a new tender after taking permission from the Election Commission. While the plans slowed down for a period of time, reports state that L&T faced multiple problems in taking permissions for digging, road cutting and laying of fibre cables too. Further, the unmarked utility lines created another hurdle.

Panaji administration to be improved and strengthened

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Despite the delays, IPSCDL officials are now targeting mid-April for the implementation of the project. Once it is started, officials from various departments in the city will keep a check on waste management, city lighting, parking management, traffic violations, emissions amongst other things. As per reports, the command and control centre will have authorities from state police, traffic cell, transport department, revenue department and other public agencies.

After the execution of this project, the city administration will be improved and strengthened in Panaji. Taking a cue from this, other cities should also undertake similar measures for a smart and modernised makeover.

- with inputs from the Times of India