Mumbai’s digital twin: BMC seals Rs 155 cr deal to create 3D model of city

Using geospatial technology, the process of 3D mapping entails creating a digital map of a city’s buildings, roads, bridges, underpasses, water bodies, modes of transport, traffic islands, open spaces, civic amenities and slums. Once in place, the technology will allow BMC and other government agencies to monitor the city’s growth and make informed decisions on planning, governance, removal of encroachments and disaster management.

How will BMC create the 3D map?

Spread over 500 square kilometres, the project will create a 3D model of the city’s infrastructure in all 24 wards. This map will also have a 360-degree panoramic street view. To implement, develop and maintain upkeep of the mapstack, the BMC roped in Genesys International Corporation, a leading homegrown player in mapping technology, in consortium with Veritas (India)Limited. Once the project goes live, BMC will map changes in the city on a yearly basis over the next three years.

How will it help the civic body?

Spearheaded by BMC chief Iqbal Singh Chahal and additional municipal commissioner Ashwini Bhide, the project was inaugurated on a city-wide scale on Friday at Bandra Kurla Complex.

Amidst the civic body facing growing challenges to provide basic amenities, building infrastructure and implementing large projects due to its growing population and expanding geographical area, the 3D City model project seeks to provide an elaborate and comprehensive overview of the city’s landscape to enable precise planning and collaboration among various stakeholders.

Once it goes live, the technology will help in running simulations for scenarios such as disaster management, work of the Mumbai fire brigade, planning on existing roads and bridges, estimation and collection of property tax, development planning and encroachment detection.

While this is the first time the project is being implemented pan-Mumbai, the civic body’s tryst with this tech goes back to September 2021, when it had completed a 3D model map of Worli area, spanning 10 sq km.