Times of India: Odisha plans smart solution projects ahead of 2018 men’s hockey WC

By Sujit Kumar Bisoyi

BHUBANESWAR: As the city gears up to host the men’s hockey world cup in November-December, 2018, the state government plans smart solution project to overhaul the city’s civic amenities. It plans to spend nearly Rs 550 crore for the smart solution project.

City’s traffic management, parking system, public transport and emergency services would get an overhaul under the smart solution project. Also, the state government aims to upgrade the state capital a Wi-Fi enabled by setting up 1800 access points.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the project here at the state secretariat and asked various departments to implement the projects in time.

An official statement issued by the chief minister’s office said that the traffic system of the entire city would be modernized and enforcement activities would be strengthened. Similarly, computer-aided designing would be introduced to avail services like PCR van, ambulance, fire, water tanker and public transport.

To streamline the parking system in the city, there would be multiple parking lots in the city. It has planned to develop a mobile app to facilitate information on parking places and booking, said official sources.

While the state government would install 850 CCTV cameras and 150 pan-tilt-zoom cameras, it would also set up 30 emergency call centre during the grand event.

Around 1000 delegates including players, their family members and officials from 16 counties would throng the city during the tournament scheduled from November 28 to 16 December, 2018. Total 44 matches would be played at the Kalinga Stadium here.