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Overview Of Project SMART For Station Area Development

The Ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Railways (MoR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for ‘Station Area Development along Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail’ (Project SMART). This program is part of a wider endeavor to enhance the areas surrounding the Mumbai – Ahmedabad High Speed…

By Pritipalit

The Ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Railways (MoR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for ‘Station Area Development along Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail’ (Project SMART). This program is part of a wider endeavor to enhance the areas surrounding the Mumbai – Ahmedabad High Speed Railway (MAHSR) Stations.

Objectives Of Project SMART

Project SMART aims to improve commuter and other stakeholders’ accessibility and convenience, as well as to promote economic activity near station areas. Furthermore, the project is intended to promote and strengthen the institutional capacity of state governments, municipal corporations, and urban development authorities in the planning, development, and management of MAHSR station surrounding regions.

The Four HSR Stations Under The MoU

The agreement was signed for four High Speed Rail Stations in Gujarat, including Sabarmati, Surat, and Virar and Thane in Maharashtra. Greenfield developments include Surat, Virar, and Thane, while brownfield developments include Sabarmati.

Seminars And Field Visits For Project SMART

Project SMART seminars and field visits are being organized in Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai by MoHUA, the governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra, and JICA. On May 8, 2023, the first seminar in the series was held in Nirman Bhawan in New Delhi.

Participants In The Seminars

Officers from the Japan Embassy, JICA Headquarters, JICA India Office, JICA specialists’ team, Ministry of Railway, National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited, MoHUA, and TCPO attended the session.

Contributions Of Seminars To The Development Plans

The seminars’ discussions will help to develop ‘Station Area Development Plans’ for the HSR stations in Sabarmati, Surat, Virar, and Thane, as well as a model handbook containing experiences and methodologies used in Japan, India, and other countries for Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Station Area Development.

Conclusion

The Station Area Development along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (Project SMART) is a significant initiative aimed at improving commuter accessibility and convenience, promoting economic activity, and strengthening the institutional capacity of state governments, municipal corporations, and urban development authorities in the MAHSR stations’ surrounding areas. Seminars and field trips organized by MoHUA, the governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra, and JICA will aid in the creation of effective station area development plans and the promotion of transit-oriented development.

Project SMART – FAQs

Q1: What is the contribution of the seminars to the development plans?

Ans: The seminars’ discussions will aid in the development of ‘Station Area Development Plans’ for the HSR stations in Sabarmati, Surat, Virar, and Thane, as well as a model handbook containing experiences and methodologies for Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and Station Area Development used in Japan, India, and other countries.

Q2: What are the seminars and field visits for Project SMART?

Ans: MoHUA, the governments of Gujarat and Maharashtra, and JICA are organizing Project SMART seminars and field visits in Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. These seminars and field trips are intended to assist in the development of efficient station area development plans.

Q3: What is Project SMART?

Ans: Project SMART is a combined initiative of the Ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Railways (MoR) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance the neighbourhoods surrounding the Mumbai – Ahmedabad High Speed Railway (MAHSR) stations.

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  • Pritipalit

    Priti Palit, an accomplished edtech writer, boasts a wealth of experience in preparing candidates for multiple government exams. With a passion for education and a keen eye for detail, she has contributed significantly to the field of online learning. Priti's expertise and dedication continue to empower aspiring individuals in their pursuit of success in government examinations.

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