Hyderabad Embraces Digital Twins to Accelerate Indias Smart Cities and Gati Shakti Goals
The strategic integration of digital twin technology is revolutionising how India designs, builds, and manages its urban and regional infrastructure, with a particular focus on achieving zero net carbon, eco-friendly, and equitable cities. A recent high-profile event in Hyderabad underscored the pivotal role of advanced digital solutions in accelerating India’s ambitious infrastructure vision, aligning with national programmes like Gati Shakti and Smart Cities. This digital pivot is crucial for fostering sustainable and resilient urban environments that serve all citizens.
The discussions brought to the fore how open, integrated digital delivery systems are fostering real-time decision-making, bolstering operational resilience, and ensuring long-term sustainability across critical sectors like transportation and water infrastructure. Industry experts highlighted that these digital tools are not merely enhancing efficiency but are fundamentally transforming the approach to urban development, moving towards a more collaborative and intelligent framework. This shift is particularly pertinent as India strives for inclusive growth and environmental stewardship.
Over the past year, significant strides have been observed in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with a concerted effort towards multi-sector development. Andhra Pradesh has prioritised enhancing regional connectivity through a slew of new railway, port, highway, and airport projects, while simultaneously advancing metro systems and industrial parks designed to stimulate economic expansion. In parallel, Telangana’s infrastructure endeavours have largely concentrated on road development and extensive urban modernisation, notably in Hyderabad’s transport network through metro expansions and new flyovers, complemented by the establishment of new industrial zones. These developments are intrinsically linked to creating accessible, low-carbon transport options and well-planned, energy-efficient industrial hubs.
The emphasis on digital leadership is empowering engineers, planners, and public agencies with the necessary insights and tools to deliver projects that are not only sustainable and resilient but also future-ready. This includes leveraging subsurface modelling, stormwater and wastewater network management, and advanced construction visualisation, all underpinned by cutting-edge innovations such as AI integration, geospatial intelligence, and robust digital twin applications. These technologies are instrumental in optimising resource allocation, minimising environmental impact, and promoting an integrated approach to urban planning that considers ecological balance and social equity.
Illustrative case studies from across India showcased the tangible benefits of these digital advancements. A national highway authority’s live digital twin platform for project management and a city water utility’s integration of SCADA and GIS to optimise its water system demonstrated how technology translates into cost-effective operations, predictive maintenance, and enhanced real-time visibility across vital infrastructure assets. These applications are critical for building smart utilities that reduce waste and ensure equitable access to essential services.
Further discussions highlighted the power of geospatially-enabled digital twins, which facilitate smarter and faster decisions throughout the infrastructure lifecycle. The integration of open applications and digital collaboration platforms is streamlining workflows for linear infrastructure projects, from highways to rail networks, with a clear focus on automation and efficiency. This holistic approach ensures that infrastructure development supports the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, fostering an India that is self-reliant, sustainable, and future-ready, with a deep commitment to resilient infrastructure and inclusive, sustainable development for all.
