IBEX NEWS BUREAU,: In a significant move aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure and modern civic planning in Himachal Pradesh, Vikramaditya Singh, Himachal Pradesh’s Public Works Department (PWD) and Urban Development Minister, held high-level meetings with Karnataka’s Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister in Bengaluru on Thursday.
During the visit, the minister met Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar and discussed various developmental initiatives, urban reforms, and governance models being implemented in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru, which is regarded as one of India’s leading urban innovation hubs.
The discussions focused on strengthening inter-state cooperation and exploring advanced urban management systems that could be adapted to the geographical and environmental conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Shri Vikramaditya Singh also sought guidance and support for accelerating upcoming public welfare and infrastructure expansion projects in the hill state.
A detailed portfolio-level meeting was later held between the two leaders, both of whom oversee urban development responsibilities in their respective states. The meeting centered around modern urban governance strategies and technology-driven civic solutions.
Key areas of discussion included intelligent traffic management systems, deployment of smart traffic signals, establishment of Integrated Command Centers (ICCs) for real-time monitoring and emergency response, sustainable Smart City development, and implementation of Urban Challenge Fund-based financial models for large-scale municipal projects.
Speaking after the meeting, Shri Vikramaditya Singh said Karnataka, especially Bengaluru, has emerged as a benchmark for planned urban growth and innovation-driven development in India. He emphasized that Himachal Pradesh aims to study and adopt suitable elements of the Bengaluru urban model to build smarter, safer, and more organized towns across the state.
He added that the government is committed to introducing sustainable and technology-oriented urban solutions while preserving Himachal Pradesh’s unique ecological and geographical balance.
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