Telangana to push for ‘Global Smart City’ status for Hyderabad
With Hyderabad almost certain to remain with Telangana, the State government is striving to push for ‘Global Smart City’ status for the city. The government’s agenda was openly expressed by the State IT minister while speaking at the XI Metropolis World Congress plenary session held recently in Hyderabad. An intensive household survey was carried out across the city to collect data regarding citizens’ needs so as to design welfare measures. He was hopeful that this exercise would be fruitful in undertaking better revenue administration, inclusion of the urban poor, emergency response and disaster management as well as citizen-civic engagement.
Being the newest State to be added to the Republic, the challenges that Telangana is thrust with are immense. However, this presents a plethora of opportunities, especially with regards to developing Hyderabad into a ‘Global Smart City’. This was substantiated by the fact that about 39 per cent of the population of Telangana was living in urban areas making it a truly urban State. The State government is leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit to convert Hyderabad into a world-class city. The ‘Global Smart City’ status should rest easily with Hyderabad considering the efforts taken by previous governments to develop the city.
Impact on Realty
Conferring ‘Global Smart City’ status to Hyderabad could provide a major boost to the realty sector of the city which has been reeling under the effect of various undesirable circumstances in recent years. The Telangana imbroglio and the global recession had pushed the city to the back foot in realty terms. The city has emerged strongly ever since, following the creation of Telangana and the formation of a stable government in the State. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of developing ‘100 Smart Cities’ in India is expected to have a tremendous impact on Hyderabad, with the city almost certain to be included in the final list. However, the State government is going a step ahead by requesting the Center to consider awarding the ‘Global Smart City’ status to Hyderabad.
The city has the potential to fulfill this status considering the previous initiatives taken to develop it into a prominent IT city. Besides, strong emphasis was given for infrastructure development and improving connectivity. Social and physical infrastructure is expected to get further impetus, along with civic infrastructure by enhancing the status of the city. Better connectivity, Mass and rapid transport systems along with world-class infrastructure facilities can be expected thereafter. This could result in the creation of job opportunities aplenty luring migrants to settle in the city. This is expected to have a tremendous impact on the realty market in the city. With the need for more residential facilities, developers are expected to come up with more sophisticated and hi-tech concept and ‘Smart’ houses providing automated facilities. Without doubt, this is expected to result in price appreciation across the city, pushing the city limits further. Hence, investors who have invested in residential plots in the city can expect healthy returns with prices hitting the roof!!
