Odisha signs MoU with German GIZ for technical assistance on urban transport services

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has entered an agreement with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH India to prepare a ‘Comprehensive Low Carbon Mobility Plan‘ for Smart City Bhubaneswar.

A formal MoU in this regard was signed on Thursday in presence of the Deputy Consul General of the German Consulate, Jurgen Thomas Schrod and Minister for Industries and Water Resources Niranjan Pujari.

As part of the project, a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority will be established in the city to ensure efficient delivery of the urban transport services. The team of experts would also provide technical advice and support in planning and implementing of non-motorised transport, public transport or modal integration in the Smart City.The GIZ team will also facilitate in providing access to national and international best practices through collaboration with international networks and initiatives.

“The project aims to promote sustainable urban transport particularly in the field of public conveyance by introducing more cycles, e rickshaws and e- buses,” informed Kishan Kumar.

The focus will be on promoting tools and procedures for low carbon and integrated mobility planning to align individual transport projects with an overall vision and strategy for the city.

“It is mostly about preserving the right percentage of green areas within the urban space as per the international guidelines. I think Bhubaneswar is going the right way and in the right direction,” said Schrod.

In a related development, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday visited the Smart City Control Room at Shaheed Nagar, Bhawani Mall and took a stock of its progress. Speaking to media persons, the CM said this will start functioning in next three weeks and l take the Smart City Government to the next level.