A meeting of stakeholders in the Dehradun smart city project was held here on Friday. Officials informed the gathering about the various features to be developed in Dehradun as part of the project.
Parade Ground area rejuvenation will be undertaken as part of area based development works. This entails development of proposed integrated public precinct with Gandhi Park.
This will enhance the quality of space for public congregation and create healthy and lively ‘lungs’ for the city. One way road will be converted to four-lane two-way road while the road between Gandhi Park and Parade Ground will be developed for pedestrians. Mobile kiosk area for vendors, walkways, facilities for organising fairs and parades, public amenities like toilets, drinking water and information kiosks will also be provided.
Similarly, works are also proposed to be undertaken for rejuvenation of the DBS and DAV colleges area. These works will be aimed at enhancing institutional environment and promote walkability while also facilitating improved vehicular movement, pedestrian movement, public facilities and organised retail development relevant to the land use.
Work is also proposed to be undertaken for pedestrianisation of Paltan Bazaar area in the heart of the city.
Further, as part of the project, model smart road development, facade development and architectural solutions for Doon Library are also proposed to be undertaken.
As part of the project, smart roads will be developed starting with the stretches of Haridwar Road from Prince Chowk to Araghar Chowk and EC Road from Araghar to Behl Chowk in the first phase.
The second phase will entail development of smart road on stretches of Rajpur Road and Chakrata Road. The smart roads will have smart LED lights, electric vehicle charging stations, indicative cross sections, pedestrian crossings, smart parking management system, smart bus stops, sensory lighting and variable message sigh board. Improvement of 22 junctions is also slated to be undertaken in the city.
To enhance efficient urban public transport system, the operation of electric buses is proposed to be facilities in Dehradun.
Earlier, speaking as the chief guest, the Tehri MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah spoke on the need for progressing with changing times. She suggested that a dedicated lane could also be provided for ambulances on city roads. The Dehradun Smart City Limited chief executive officer Shailesh Bagauli spoke of the area based development and IT driven works to be undertaken as part of the Rs 1,400 crore project.
At a time when increasing urbanisation is also bringing more challenges with it, he stressed on the need for developing Dehradun into an eco-friendly city where smart solutions benefit the public and enhance the environment. ACEO and Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority vice chairman Ashish Kumar Srivastav also addressed the gathering on the occasion.
Public representatives, experts and other stakeholders also expressed their views at the meeting.