Within the framework of the European Union - International Urban Cooperation (IUC) programme, a delegation of five Karlsruhe City representatives led by the Head of the Economic Development Department, Mr. Ralf Eichhorn and the Head of Urban Planning Office, Ms. Anke Karmann Woessner, visited the City of Nagpur between 27th – 30th of November, 2018. In July 2018, a delegation from Nagpur lead by the Deputy Mayor of Nagpur visited Karlsruhe and examined various urban cooperation opportunities. The visit from Karlsruhe to Nagpur was organised to discuss selected areas of cooperation and prepare a mutually agreed work plan for a specific project for both cities. Karlsruhe is the second-largest city of the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg.
The Honourable Mayor of Nagpur, Ms. Nanda Jichkar welcomed the team at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Head Office. She said that the guidance of Karlsruhe will be crucial for the Smart City Project and for the operation of the city bus service. “City bus transport of Germany is commendable. I wish similar transport to be developed in our city,” she said.
During the four days visit, the German delegation was made aware of various projects and programmes going on in the city of Nagpur; like smart city, metro rail, city bus service, affordable housing, city digital services etc. The German delegation also made a visit to the integrated command and control centre which is managed by Nagpur Municipal Corporation. Mr. Ramnath Sonawane, CEO of smart city limited gave a presentation of the Smart City project, followed by presentations on city bus service and Metro Rail project. The delegation was also informed about the digitalisation work.
Towards the end of the visit, both cities agreed to work in the areas of sustainable urban mobility with a specific focus on non-motorised transport. The experts from the German delegation gave their initial impressions about the Nagpur city and the potential to incorporate non–motorised transport in city activities. During the concluding session, a detailed activity chart was prepared by both the cities with specific timelines to implement the project in a time – bound manner. IUC / India will continue supporting and overseeing the development and implementation of the local action plan between the two cities.
For more information contact Mr. Ashish Verma, IUC/India, averma@iuc-india.eu