Smart City Blends Heritage With Modern Innovation In Gwalior

Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh): Gwalior, a city renowned for its rich history and royal legacy, is undergoing a remarkable transformation under the Smart City Mission. By integrating cutting-edge urban solutions with heritage conservation, the city is redefining itself as a model of sustainable development while preserving its cultural roots. 

At the forefront of this change is the Moti Mahal Command Control Centre, a restored heritage building now serving as a state-of-the-art monitoring hub. This facility played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic and now oversees disaster response, sanitation, bike-sharing, and traffic management.

Nearby, the Regional Art and Craft Design Centre (Karigar Kaushal Vikas Kendra) has emerged as a hub for artisans, offering training in wood and stone craftsmanship while promoting local art.

Baija Tal, a historic lake built by Maharaja Daulat Rao Shinde, has been revitalised with water conservation systems, façade lighting, and a floating stage, making it a vibrant cultural venue. The Digital Museum and Planetarium at Maharaja Bada offers an immersive journey through the region’s history, while the Veer Savarkar Sarovar (Katora Tal) dazzles visitors with its musical fountain and heritage-themed water show. 

Gwalior’s architectural marvels now glow with façade lighting, enhancing their beauty at night. The Digital Library at Maharaja Bada, equipped with RFID technology and digitized collections, bridges the gap between tradition and modernity. Additionally, the Atal Museum, housed in the historic Gorakhi School, celebrates the life of Atal Bihari Vajpayee through interactive exhibits. 

Naveen Nayak, PRO of Smart City Gwalior told Free Press that these initiatives have revitalized the city, earning pride among residents.