Guy Perry, president, cities & strategy, Essel Infraprojects, has definitive ideas on what makes a Smart City
![What Makes A Smart City?](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/11942/170039/575f471582bf0/What-Makes-A-Smart-City.jpg)
To do good, and do it right. More importantly, to do right by the people. That is Guy Perry’s motivation. As president (cities and strategy) at Essel Infraprojects (EIL), Perry believes that a good action must go somewhere and it is with this thought he moved to India early this year armed with three decades of experience in urban planning, designing and developing ‘wise’ cities.
Not for him just a smart city. It has to be wise too. A wise city, says Perry, is one that will be sustainable for generations to come. And although deployment of technology is inevitable, such a city will look at different aspects of development and movement systems, people’s well-being and the impact on the environment. He should know. In his earlier stints across Asia, Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, he has created and redeveloped and designed cities that today stand as icons that other countries could emulate.
Over the last couple of years, Essel Infraprojects Ltd has been betting big on integrating its Smart Utilities model, so that it can set the pace for building integrated smart cities in the country. At a time when the Indian government has selected 20 cities that will be the first to receive funds, of the 98 short-listed, to convert them into smart cities, EIL is looking at transforming the quality of life of citizens. And this is where Perry comes in. His novel ideas will help the company bid for and execute the projects to make a huge difference to its citizens. For starters, he affirms that “whatever we do in India has to be done on its own terms. That doesn’t mean we cannot be inspired by what has been done in other parts of the world. But there are specific challenges here. I would like to think that we will find the right balance of technological innovations that will establish a better framework of life for the people here. And this needs to be done in a short span of time”.
This story is from the June 2016 edition of Construction Week.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2016 edition of Construction Week.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![TRIUMPH AT R+T ASIA 2024: CELEBRATING RECORD-BREAKING INTERNATIONAL ATTENDANCE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11942/1755970/3sQBSjiVA1721912025500/TRIUMPH-AT-RT-ASIA-2024-CELEBRATING-RECORDBREAKING-INTERNATIONAL-ATTENDANCE.jpg)
TRIUMPH AT R+T ASIA 2024: CELEBRATING RECORD-BREAKING INTERNATIONAL ATTENDANCE
The 19th edition of R+T Asia concluded with a heightened international involvement, making an impact on the sector and ushering in a new chapter for the R+T Asia trade show in an international format.
![CRYSTAL CLEAR](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11942/1755970/n_bkp296N1721911283140/CRYSTAL-CLEAR.jpg)
CRYSTAL CLEAR
From smart loT technologies to sustainable manufacturing, doors and windows are becoming increasingly transparent
![LEVELLING THE FIELD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11942/1755970/FDzzspBbo1721910732235/LEVELLING-THE-FIELD.jpg)
LEVELLING THE FIELD
The demand for motorgraders is often linked to infrastructure projects. Government initiatives and investments in infrastructure play a crucial role in driving the market
![SMOOTH OPERATORS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11942/1755970/XPzYqlYNt1721910175169/SMOOTH-OPERATORS.jpg)
SMOOTH OPERATORS
The future is bright for excavators as infra projects continue its run
![A HEART OF CARE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11942/1755970/ZHhwfzFMH1721909511049/A-HEART-OF-CARE.jpg)
A HEART OF CARE
Rishi Jain, MD, Jain Group, believes that real estate is a business of feelings and dreams and not mere bricks and mortar. Exceptional care towards the customer Is the only sustainable way to remain relevant in this business
![GOLDEN GROWTH FUND'S LUXURY HOUSING PROJECT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11942/1755970/NOc6iN8l81721909036918/GOLDEN-GROWTH-FUNDS-LUXURY-HOUSING-PROJECT.jpg)
GOLDEN GROWTH FUND'S LUXURY HOUSING PROJECT
GGF plans to develop and sell the luxury units through this project
![NMDC'S RS 50 CRORE R&D FACILITY IN HYDERABAD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11942/1755970/qAk_OndZ01721908968687/NMDCS-RS-50-CRORE-RD-FACILITY-IN-HYDERABAD.jpg)
NMDC'S RS 50 CRORE R&D FACILITY IN HYDERABAD
Invested Rs 150 crores in the past 5 years towards R&D
![FORTUNE HOTELS EXPANDS GOA PRESENCE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11942/1755970/PRES9qiwh1721908893496/FORTUNE-HOTELS-EXPANDS-GOA-PRESENCE.jpg)
FORTUNE HOTELS EXPANDS GOA PRESENCE
Most rooms peep into spectacular views
![RUSTOMJEE GROUP'S RUSTOMJEE 180 BAYVIEW](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11942/1755970/RBiI2mBAu1721908848176/RUSTOMJEE-GROUPS-RUSTOMJEE-180-BAYVIEW.jpg)
RUSTOMJEE GROUP'S RUSTOMJEE 180 BAYVIEW
Marks entry of company in Matunga
![BRIGADE GROUP TO CONSTRUCT THIRD WTC TOWER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11942/1755970/RecYt0IHo1721908311798/BRIGADE-GROUP-TO-CONSTRUCT-THIRD-WTC-TOWER.jpg)
BRIGADE GROUP TO CONSTRUCT THIRD WTC TOWER
The new tower will be 16 storeys high