Coimbatore, often called the “Manchester of South India,” is quickly transforming into a model Smart City under the Central Government’s Smart Cities Mission. By February 2025, 43 out of 54 planned projects will be completed. This will greatly improve urban infrastructure, sustainability, and residents’ quality of life. Let’s explore how Coimbatore is becoming a Smart City.
Cascading System of Lakes
One major project is the rejuvenation of Coimbatore’s historic lakes. Seven lakes, including Singanallur, Peelamedu, and Ukkadam, are being restored. These lakes will revitalize ecosystems, provide recreational spaces, and promote water conservation. The project started in 2022 and aims to increase public space availability from 2.17 square meters to 4.9 square meters per capita.
Ukkadam Lake Restoration: The restoration of Ukkadam Lake is complete. It now features a park with walking tracks and recreational areas. This restoration also reduces flood risks by 25% during the monsoon season.
Other lakes, like Karikattukulam, Saraswati Kulam, and Valankulam, are also being restored. These lakes will enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal and serve as sustainable water management systems.
Pedestrian-Friendly Model Roads
Coimbatore has converted 9 kilometers of roads into pedestrian-friendly zones in areas like RS Puram and Peelamedu. The roads now feature wider footpaths, bicycle lanes, and improved traffic management systems.
Impact: Pedestrian accessibility has increased by 40%. Safety has improved, and traffic-related injuries have decreased by 15%. This project emphasizes Coimbatore’s commitment to walkability and safety, providing residents with more accessible and safer public spaces.
Green Energy Initiatives
Coimbatore is adopting renewable energy solutions to create a sustainable urban environment. The city installed a 2 MW solar power facility at the Ukkadam Sewage Farm. This generates 2.5 million kWh of electricity annually. As a result, electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions have significantly decreased.
LED Street Lighting: The city has replaced traditional streetlights with energy-efficient LEDs along key roads like Avinashi Road and Gandhipuram. Energy consumption has decreased by 25%, and carbon emissions have been reduced by 15,000 metric tons annually.
Smart Water Distribution Monitoring System
In 2023, Coimbatore implemented a Smart Water Distribution Monitoring System. This system uses real-time data to monitor water flow, detect leaks, and optimize distribution.
Achievements: The system has already reduced water wastage by 20% in its first year. By 2025, it will cover the entire city, ensuring a reliable 24×7 water supply for all residents.
Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC)
Coimbatore’s ICCC, operational since 2022, serves as the city’s urban management hub. It integrates data from over 500 sensors to monitor and manage traffic, waste collection, and public safety in real time.
Impact: The ICCC has helped reduce traffic congestion by 20% during peak hours. It has also increased waste collection efficiency by 30%, improving city resource management.
Waste Management and Recycling
Coimbatore’s waste management strategy focuses on sustainability. The Peelamedu sewage treatment plant processes 100 million liters of water daily, recycling it for industrial and agricultural use. Moreover, 60% of solid waste is segregated at the source, reducing landfill waste by 35%.
E-Waste Recycling: Coimbatore is piloting an e-waste recycling program. By 2025, the program will process up to 5 tons of e-waste per month.
Public Spaces Development
Coimbatore has developed over 25 hectares of green spaces as part of its Smart City transformation. These include parks and recreational areas. For example, Singanallur Lake park offers walking tracks, outdoor gym facilities, and event spaces to enhance residents’ quality of life.
Current Status and Future Plans
Coimbatore has completed 43 of 54 Smart City projects and is on track to finish the remaining projects by mid-2025. These include sponge parks and a floating solar power plant. Future plans also include expanding the metro rail system and introducing advanced smart traffic management systems.
Conclusion
Coimbatore is steadily becoming a Smart City with projects focused on water management, green energy, waste recycling, and urban infrastructure. With many projects still in progress, the city is paving the way for a sustainable and livable urban environment. As Coimbatore continues to evolve, it will serve as a global model for smart urban development.
