This article was originally published on the NITI Frontier Tech Respository.
These poles do far more than offer free internet. Equipped with CCTV cameras, public address systems, environmental sensors, emergency call boxes, and digital displays, they function as urban alert systems that respond to both emergencies and day-to-day operational needs.
Their integration with Vadodara’s ICCC allows officials to:
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Receive real-time environmental data
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Monitor crowded public spaces
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Push instant alerts in emergencies
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Use video feeds and sensor data to direct law enforcement or public health actions
From flood warnings to civil disturbances, this hardware acts as an extension of the city’s control room—on the street.
Public Wi-Fi meets public safety
Each resident of Vadodara now gets access to 30 minutes or 100 MB of free Wi-Fi daily, improving connectivity in underserved areas. But Wi-Fi is only part of the offering. Data from sensors on the poles—such as air quality or crowd density—is sent back to the ICCC, where it is visualised, analysed, and, when necessary, turned into alerts on the same pole’s message board or loudspeaker.
This feedback loop has been critical during public events and emergencies. The system proved especially valuable during the 2019 floods in Vadodara and the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling real-time communication and geo-fenced citizen advisories.
Emergency call boxes: Accessible help at every corner
Poles also come equipped with SOS call boxes, offering citizens a direct link to emergency responders. This is especially relevant for:
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Women, children, and senior citizens, walking alone at night
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Rapid response to accidents or crimes
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Health emergencies, with dispatch linked to the ICCC
These call boxes are geo-tagged and mapped to ensure rapid identification and deployment of services.
Revenue meets resilience: A sustainable model
Deployed through a public-private partnership, the smart pole system comes at no cost to the city. The private partner not only maintains the infrastructure but also generates revenue through:
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Digital billboard advertising
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Leasing telecom equipment on poles
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GIS-enabled property tax expansion
In the first year alone, the project generated Rs 90 lakh, and total revenue over 15 years is expected to exceed Rs 22.41 crore — making it both financially sustainable and security-forward.
Designed for tomorrow: Built-in flexibility and scalability
The modular poles are designed to be future-proof, with plug-and-play slots for:
With smart city demands evolving, these poles are positioned to adapt—a low-footprint, high-impact model that can grow as urban needs change.
Conclusion: Turning street furniture into safety infrastructure
Vadodara’s smart pole system is more than a tech upgrade — it’s a holistic rethinking of public infrastructure as a civic safety net. Blending internet access, public surveillance, emergency response, and revenue generation, the city has shown how to transform everyday objects into guardians of urban safety.
As other cities look to enhance security while managing costs, Vadodara’s model offers a replicable roadmap for building resilient, responsive streets — one smart pole at a time.
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