As part of its worldwide Intelligent Urbanisation initiative, Cisco Systems has signed up a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Karnataka to launch ‘Intelligent Bengaluru’ pilot project in the city.

Under the MoU, the project launched by the state government and networking giant will focus on global sustainable solutions for public safety and security, transportation, buildings, power distribution, energy utilization, health care, education and environment conservation.

In a major announcement, the company’s top functionaries stated that a pilot project will be carried out of the Kempe Gowda Bus Station in Bangalore at first.

Afterward, the project would be broadened to other locations in the city depending upon priority areas and concerns specific to each location.

To make improvements in public safety and security around the bus terminals, the company will work with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and Karnataka police.

However, Cisco did not reveal the amount of project investments with KSRTC, or names of locations identified for future pilot projects in Banagalore.

While lecturing on the occasion, Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said that under the initiative, public safety and security, healthcare and energy would be the primary focus of the government.

Mr. John Chambers, Cisco chairman and chief executive officer said that governments were starting to play more dynamic roles by nurturing public-private partnerships.

“This marks a fundamental shift in the way technology is being taken to the common man. In India, the Karnataka government has taken the lead in making technology part of public life and involving everybody as active shareholders in the process. Extending the reach of the network and information will be crucial to driving effective urban transformation,” Mr. Chambers said.

This enhanced strategy will also improve the quality of life for city dwellers. At the same time, Intelligent Urbanization could be the future of utilities, combining integrated city management, better quality of life for citizens, and economic development.