Srinagar Smart City Unveils Robust 175-km Optical Fibre Network for Enhanced Connectivity In a significant stride towards digital connectivity, the Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) is set to launch a state-of-the-art 175-kilometre-long optical fibre cable (OFC) network by the end of June. This ambitious project aims to address the existing digital connectivity challenges in the city and ensure the seamless operation of the Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC), according to officials familiar with the matter. With its impressive scale and independence from private service providers, this network is poised to become one of the most robust government networks in the country, boasting enhanced security measures.
The SSCL’s optical fibre cable network, comprising 960 million OFCs, will be centralized and managed through the ICCC, which serves as the nerve center for all Smart City IT-related initiatives. Unlike other networks that are susceptible to disruptions during maintenance or other issues, this robust network features multiple loops, ensuring uninterrupted data transfer. Furthermore, the project has established its own data centers capable of accommodating vast amounts of data for the next two decades. To bolster the system’s resilience, discussions are underway with Jammu to establish a backup arrangement, strengthening the network’s reliability and continuity.
By offering a dense government network that is independent of private service providers, this project not only addresses the connectivity needs of Srinagar but also adds an extra layer of security. The officials emphasize that the system will provide high-speed intranet services throughout the city, enhancing communication and facilitating various Smart City interventions.
The reliability and glitch-free nature of the OFC network are key features, incorporating multiple layers of redundancy. This ensures uninterrupted network performance, even in situations necessitating security-related shutdowns or network congestion due to potential threats. The OFC network has been meticulously laid underground, involving the construction of two ducts across the entire city. The network spans across 66 major traffic junctions, critical public infrastructure, and government offices, providing comprehensive coverage.
Notably, the newly established system is expected to cater to the city’s data requirements for the next two decades, utilizing the OFCs installed in the first duct. Additionally, a spare duct has been prepared, allowing for the inclusion of additional OFCs to accommodate future demands without the need for extensive excavation work. This forward-looking approach ensures scalability and adaptability while minimizing disruptions to the city’s infrastructure.
Srinagar Smart City Unveils 175-km Optical Fibre Network to Enhance Digital Connectivity and Security
Rajeev Jain, Additional Director General of Media at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, highlights the significance of this project within the framework of the Smart Cities mission. He explains that while most smart cities have implemented Integrated Control and Command Centers (ICCCs), Srinagar’s SDNet plays a critical role due to its unique circumstances. Jain believes that the SDNet project will have a profound impact and become one of the most influential initiatives within the smart city ecosystem.
With the project nearing completion, reaching approximately 90% progress, it is in its final stages. While the transformation brought about by other Smart City projects may be visible on the ground, the significance of the SDNet might not be immediately apparent. However, Anuj Malhotra, General Manager of Planning and Urban Development at SSCL, emphasizes that the SDNet is the key to managing all other projects and has already been scaled to cover the entire city. It holds immense potential to integrate data from various city departments into one secure control center, streamlining operations and fostering efficient governance.
In conclusion, the launch of the Srinagar Smart City’s 175-kilometre-long optical fibre cable network represents a significant milestone in bolstering digital connectivity and ensuring the city’s future readiness. With its independence from private service providers, enhanced security measures, and expansive coverage, this robust network promises to revolutionize communication
