Horeb Moses, Researcher, CAG

Following is a list of transport related agencies that are actively involved in Chennai’s mobility planning, financing, and decision-making:-

When the Government of India introduced its Smart City Mission back in 2015, it was met with widespread approval, fist pumps and the feeling of quantifiable development all highlighted by a background score of ‘Swachh Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ chants. The general consensus was that India would soon be home to bigger, better, suave cities.

In an age where progressive urban cities serve as a measure of national growth, it is easy to be carried away by several ambitious and pro-western urban projects. The central and state governments are pushing for advancement in the form of smart cities and various other technological upgrades. This is apparent in the initiation of transport projects such as metro rails, mono rails and even the outrageous concept of the hyperloop.

Having recently joined CAG, in the capacity of a researcher, I was excited and curious as to the kind of work my job would entail. I wasn’t disappointed. The very first projects I was roped into were about road safety and zero waste cities. Now, being a design major with a background in architecture and urban design I tackled the issue of road safety with verve and set about approaching the issue from a spatial perspective.