The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the World Resources Institute (WRI), India to develop sustainable urban mobility planning for the No 1 Smart City in India.
As per the MoU, the BDA and the WRI would have an integrated effort to address transport and development challenges such as road safety, traffic congestion, long commuting time, inadequate mobility alternatives, poor transport infrastructure, transport related pollutants, design of public space and planning of city areas. This MoU would be effective for one year.
WRI Integrated Transport Director Amit Bhatt gave a presentation in which he said the number of roads and flyovers are getting increased in a city with increase in the number of vehicles. So, pedestrians and non-motorised transport (NMT) users are getting sidelined. less dependency on public transport also increases the problem, and all these contribute to climate change and global warning.
The WRI would provide the BDA with its technical assistance in Smart City proposal and engage in capacity building programmes to catalyse specific sustainable solutions for urban development and mobility.
The WRI would support Bhubaneswar in its effort to develop transport and urban planning projects under the Smart City Mission. It would provide technical expertise in the areas of project development, policy and capacity building.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Pushpendra Singhdeo and BDA VC Dr Krishan Kumar were present. More number of buses under the city bus service network would be introduced.
Police Commissioner YB Khurania, Transport Commissioner DS Kutey, Works Secretary Nalinikanta Pradhan and Housing Director Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav were also present.