Japan has decided to cooperate on “Smart City” initiatives in Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Varanasi

On 5^th January, Ambassador Hiramatsu called on H.E. Mr.Venkaiah Naidu, Minister of Urban Development, and discussed Japan’s cooperation on “Smart City” initiatives, flagship initiatives for urban development by the Government of India. In the meeting, Ambassador Hiramatsu conveyed to H.E.Mr.Naidu that Japan has decided to cooperate on “Smart City” initiatives in the cities of Ahmedabad, Chennai and Varanasi.  In Ahmedabad, the terminal station for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway is planned to be developed through Japan’s cooperation. In addition, Japan is supporting the construction of the Ahmedabad Metro project. Chennai has strong ties with Japan through the establishment of a wide range of Japanese manufacturing units, and Japan is also cooperating on the Chennai Metro project. In Varanasi, Japan is supporting the construction and rehabilitation of sewage facilities under the “Ganga Action Plan Project” in Varanasi. The Government of Japan hopes to further enhance its cooperative relationship with India through Japan’s participation in “Smart City” initiatives in these cities.