Nagpur: “Various French companies have made investments in Nagpur’s Smart City and Metro Rail Projects. Nagpur would emerge a platform for strengthening Indo-French bilateral cooperation in future,” declared Paul Hermelin, Special Representative for Bilateral Economic Relations, who is heading a 30-member French business delegation that arrived in city on Thursday.
Hermelin was speaking after seeking information about Nagpur Smart City Project in view of investments to be made in the Smart City and Metro Rail Project. Mayor Nanda Jichkar, Deputy Mayor Deepraj Pardikar, Opposition Leader Tanaji Vanve, Municipal Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal, South Asia Regional Economic Department Chief John Mark Fennet, French Development Agency’s Deputy Director Herv Dubrel, Additional Municipal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of Smart City Project Dr Ramnath Sonavane took part in discussion.
Paul Hermelin further said that Nagpur is globally important city. The city is an example of Indo-French cooperation. Other cities of the world will take inspiration from Nagpur in future. France had extended a loan of 3.5 million euro for Nagpur’s electric traffic. The cooperation will continue in future also for development of Nagpur, he stated.
John Mark Fennet gave presentation highlighting contribution of France Government and French companies in development of Nagpur Smart City and Metro projects.
Other members of the high-powered delegation gave presentations on their expertise and know-how with focus on sectors like renewable energy, urban development and Smart Cities.
Mayor Nanda Jichkar, on behalf of NMC, thanked the France Government and French companies for their contribution in Nagpur Smart City project. Nagpur is among three cities – including Chandigarh and Puducherry – selected to receive technical assistance from the French Government through the French Development Agency as part of its support towards the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission in India.
The French delegation visited various projects being implemented under Smart City project. And Metro project such as the newly unveiled electric cars facility and the riverfront development sites.
Deekshabhoomi:
The French delegation also visited Deekshabhoomi and took darshan of Astikalash of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and garlanded statue of Bhagwan Buddha. Vilas Gajghate, member of Deekshabhoomi Smarak Samiti welcomed the delegation with bouquets. NMC PRO Ashok Kolhatkar informed the delegation about the historic and religious importance of the monument.
