NEW DELHI: Underlining that the national capital had entered a phase where the focus was not just on building infrastructure but shaping entire urban ecosystems, L-G Taranjit Singh Sandhu outlined the way forward for city to emerge as a ‘metropolis’, from its existing structure as a ‘metro’.
He stressed that the path ahead had to be based on the prime pillars of smart mobility, sustainable development, water and environmental management, disaster resilience and development of the Dwarka sub-city as a hub for knowledge based in industry, innovation centres and global partnerships.
Elaborating on the plan to move from a ‘metro city’ to a ‘metropolis,’ Sandhu said that a metropolis is not defined only by infrastructure. It is defined by efficiency, sustainability, innovation and quality of life.
This shift must aim at creating a system of governance that ensures move from isolated projects, to integrated development, from infrastructure creation, to ecosystem building, and from growth, to sustainable growth, he said. Taking from other cities in the world, Delhi could start working in several areas, he said.
First, in the area of smart mobility. The future of urban transport lies in integration, where metro systems, buses, last-mile connectivity, and digital platforms work together, he said, adding that data-driven systems, AI-based traffic management, and real-time monitoring, can improve commuter experience.
Second, sustainable development. As Delhi continues to grow, the need for cleaner energy, efficient buildings, waste management, and green mobility, becomes more urgent, the L-G stressed. The expertise of other nations, such as Japan, in areas like hydrogen energy, electric mobility and energy-efficient infrastructure, can help accelerate this transition, he said.
Third, water and environmental management. Urban sustainability cannot be achieved, without addressing water systems, pollution control and climate resilience, he said.
Fourth, in disaster resilience, cities today must be prepared for unexpected challenges, he emphaised.