The ancient city of Varanasi, also revered as Kashi and Banaras, has added a modern feather to its cap. It has been honoured with the prestigious 'Smart City Innovation Award-2025' for its groundbreaking 3D Urban Spatial Digital Twin Project. The award was presented during the 19th Digital Transformation Conclave and Award ceremony held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
A Pioneering Project for India's Spiritual Capital
This accolade marks a significant milestone, establishing Kashi as the first city in India to develop a comprehensive three-dimensional model aimed at blueprinting its future development, enhancing security, and improving public convenience. The project, completed at an approximate cost of Rs 10 crore over nine months, represents a fusion of the city's ancient heritage with cutting-edge technology.
The award was received on Friday by former Varanasi Municipal Commissioner Akshat Verma, Smart City chief manager Amarendra Tiwari, and project head Santosh Tripathi. The dignitaries presenting the award were Major General Manjit Singh, Joint Secretary of the National (Cyber) Security Council Secretariat, and the Special Secretary of the Electronics and Information Technology Department of Odisha.
How Kashi Was Mapped: LiDAR, Aircraft, and Drones
Varanasi Smart City's chief general manager, Amarendra Tiwari, explained that the '3D Urban Spatial Digital Twin' encompasses the entire municipal corporation area. The model was created using advanced Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. The massive data collection effort involved:
- Aerial surveys from low-flying aircraft for over 23 hours.
- Coverage of 1,838 line kilometers via road vehicles.
- An additional 1,055 line kilometers mapped using backpack systems in narrow lanes.
- Extensive use of drones for detailed imagery.
This effort has converted a 160 square km area into a detailed 3D Geographic Information System (GIS) with a stunning ground resolution of 4 centimetres. This precision allows the model to visualize objects as small as 4 cm, creating an incredibly accurate digital replica of the city.
Practical Applications: From Flood Management to Traffic Control
The digital twin is far more than a technological showpiece; it is a practical tool for urban governance and crisis management. A key application is in flood preparedness for areas along the Ganga. The 3D mapping can predict which specific areas and buildings will be affected by rising waters, allowing authorities to make necessary preparations well in advance.
Furthermore, the model provides exact measurements of lanes, roads, and buildings. Any department involved in development planning can use this data to assess space availability, utility placements, and project feasibility with unprecedented accuracy.
Smart City Project manager Santosh Kumar Tripathi highlighted its use for real-time civic response. The system will be integrated with approximately 2,500 cameras across 720 locations in the city. This integration will enable live assessment and management of:
- Crowd density during festivals and events.
- Crime monitoring and control.
- Traffic jams and real-time traffic flow analysis.
The digital twin is being made even more powerful by connecting it with the existing digital infrastructure of the Varanasi Municipal Corporation, the Varanasi Development Authority, and other government departments.
Former Municipal Commissioner Akshat Verma dedicated the award to the people of Kashi. He stated that the honour recognizes the ambitious plan to modernize the ancient city while meticulously preserving its original historical, spiritual, and cultural form, calling this balance a major achievement for its residents.
