Greenfield Smart Cities: Smart Investment Destinations

The Government of India has announced the development of industrial corridor projects so as to contain the urbanisation challenge and majorly give a strong boost to the country’s manufacturing and industrial potential.
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<p> Urbanisation has been an important feature in the process of human development all throughout history. This trend is often associated with a sweeping population migrating from the countryside to the cities (McKinsey Global Institute, 2011). India’s urban population grew from 290 million, reported in the 2001 census, to an estimated 340 million in 2008, and as MGI projects, it could soar further to 590 million by 2030. India will have 68 cities with a population of more than 1 million by 2030. The Government of India has announced the development of industrial corridor projects so as to contain the urbanisation challenge and majorly give a strong boost to the country’s manufacturing and industrial potential.</p>
<p> As the foremost of these, the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project has been initiated on the backbone of the 1,504 km long Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) in the six highly urbanised or industrialised states of the country. The DMIC cities or nodes are envisaged to be world-class destinations with efficient infrastructure, offering opportunities for setting up of manufacturing units which will help in increasing the industrial output of the country and create jobs (10 million plus), besides providing an environment for work, live, learn and play. </p>
<p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Planned greenfield</span><br />
The tenets of sustainable development in the DMIC cities lay emphasis on the quality of infrastructure services such as water supply, sanitation, renewable energy, Housing for All, solid waste management, sustainable public transportation, etc. Benchmarked with the best practices for various cities for different infrastructure sectors as urban planning and design, potable water and waste water system, storm water management, transportation system planning, etc., these cities have been set up at par with the highest global standards. </p>
<p> The detailed land use planning of the DMIC cities has been prepared by the best in class consultants or master planners are chosen through a competitive process from across the globe. The implementation and phasing of the cities is not only focussed on developing the core infrastructure but it also addresses the distribution of social amenities like schools, health care centres, community centres, old age homes and also the provision of mandatory open spaces and parks, and the housing for Economically Weaker Section (EWS). In today’s world where everything operates in silos, it is very important to create a healthy environment where social interaction is encouraged and people feel free to express themselves. It is utmost necessary that unique or creative public places or open plazas are created in the cities which enables citizens from every stage to participate and enjoy. The cities aim at people-centric development which is liveable, workable and walkable.</p>
<p> Urban design guidelines have been very carefully and intrinsically formulated in each city to ensure development aligns with the vision of the master plan and the overall vision of the DMIC. These new age cities will strive to provide the highest quality of life to its citizens and promote sustainability through its built form.</p>
<p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Walk the talk</span><br />
In the DMIC cities, parks and open spaces have been provisioned based on the hierarchy and catchment of 5 min and 10 min walking distance. The community amenities have been clustered with the parks and open spaces such that they serve either a neighbourhood or a community based on the hierarchy of open spaces and are reachable within a 5 min and 10 min walking distance. This will promote walking and cycling within the cities and hence, improve the health of the citizens. </p>
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<p>The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has awarded the prestigious IGBC Green City ‘Platinum’ Rating to Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), Gujarat. Dholera City, with a total footprint of over 920 sq. km. and developable area of 422 sq. km., India’s largest upcoming Greenfield Smart City.</p></li>
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<p>Auric Hall building (Admin Building) in Shendra Industrial Area in Aurangabad, Maharashtra received Times Network National Award in two categories i.e. Best Architecture and Best Office Building.</p></li></ul>
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<p> Authored by Alkesh Sharma, Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, DMICDC.</p>