Dr. Namrita Kalsi, Joint GM, DMRC, India, believes that urban planning strategies must focus on the future. Emphasising on the need to upgrade traditional urban planning with technology, she says, “Across the world, one of the most accepted models in urban development is Smart Cities. India too is following this route. But the paradox is that conventional city planners should be actively engaged in collaboration and aggregation. But that is not the case. It is the technologists who have leapfrogged and are at the forefront of most aspects of a smart city”. Dr. Kalsi further added that urban planning needs a new methodology. “A methodology involving people, process, technology and citizen participation, and facilitating enterprises,” she said.

Mr. Rana Kapoor, MD & CEO – YES BANK, and Chairman – YES Global Institute, “Infrastructure is a vital component of economic development and growth. As Indian cities currently contribute 63% to the national GDP, focused efforts by the Government towards shaping urban India will go a long way in fostering economic growth and ultimately achieve the anticipated figure of 75% contribution to GDP by 2030.”

Mr. Georg Jahnsen, Urban Planner, GIZ, India, “A clear vision is critical for sustainable development. Moreover, data collection and visualisation is indispensable as data is undoubtedly among the many pillars of planning and developing smart cities. Cities need to look in the mirror and identify their history, challenges, contradictions, and complexities. There can’t be one silver bullet or a one-size-fits-all model. A multiscale, specially-tailored approach is the key and cross-sectoral planning is the need of the hour.”