PM Narendra Modi launches smart city projects for northeast

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday launched integrated command and control centres, which use technology to integrate services like police, transport and water, for five cities in the northeast.

He launched the facility for Gangtok and Namchi in Sikkim, and Pasighat and Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and Agartala in Tripura.

Smart City Command and Control Centres use digital technology to integrate different service networks. They enable real-time collaboration among departments such as police, transport, power, water, sanitation, and public safety utilities, a statement from the prime minister's office said.

Addressing the event via video conference, the PM said the urban centres of the northeast, with their pool of skilled human resource, have the potential to emerge as growth hubs for the entire region.

"I believe that with the system in place, administrators will be able to monitor city operations better and respond in real time. The implementation of Integrated Command and Control Centres is gathering pace across India. As on March 1, 2019, these centres have already become functional in 15 Smart Cities. Work is in progress at 50 other centres," Modi said.

As cities start implementing and expanding the different elements of this system, they will be able to improve 'ease of living' for their citizens, he said.

"I am confident that we are fast progressing towards urban transformation of our north eastern cities. This will improve quality of life and boost economic development of the region," he added.