Chennai: GCC Plans Digital Twin Pilot for Data-Driven Urban Planning
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has proposed a Digital Twin pilot project for a central part of the city, covering about 5 sq km, including Nungambakkam, College Road, Greams Road, and Anna Salai. The initiative aims to enable data-based urban planning and better city management.
The Digital Twin will create a virtual model of the selected areas and will be supported by an Urban Data Observatory and an infrastructure asset management system, both of which are yet to be implemented. The platform will integrate data from the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), city sensors, and GIS mapping, and will use 3D and 4D simulations along with AI for planning and analysis.
To strengthen flood monitoring, surveillance cameras will be installed at 100 stormwater drain points across Chennai at an estimated cost of ₹2 crore.
In addition, the GCC’s GIS Cell will carry out a LiDAR survey covering nearly 1,000 km of bus route roads and key interior roads, at an estimated cost of ₹5 crore. The survey will generate high-resolution road data, create detailed digital maps, and support traffic planning and maintenance works. As part of the pilot phase, initial LiDAR mapping will be conducted on Khader Nawaz Khan Road.
The integrated systems are expected to help civic departments analyse flood risks, traffic congestion, and emergency situations, enabling better coordination and faster response through consolidated data.
