Imagine being in a virtual city where the bustling cityscape and intricate infrastructure come to life before your eyes. The futuristic vision is now a reality due to the Mumbai Megapolis Metaverse project, which operates as a digital twin for the city.
Mumbai Metaverse Unleashed
During Mumbai Tech Week on February 18, the Maharashtra Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai (TEAM), unleashed the Mumbai Megapolis Metaverse. This project is designed to transform urban governance by creating a virtual replica of Mumbai, integrating technology to engage and educate citizens.
Virtual Infrastructure Display
Within the metaverse, users can immerse themselves in a captivating experience that highlights significant infrastructure projects within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Whether it’s the Mumbai Coastal Road or the Navi Mumbai International Airport, citizens have the opportunity to explore these ventures using virtual reality (VR) devices, a user-friendly mobile app, and the official Maharashtra tourism platform.
By simulating 12 critical infrastructure projects, the digital twin metaverse strives to boost public understanding of the costs, technological aspects, and environmental impacts involved. The initiative is meant to promote sustainable infrastructure development and encourage increased support from the community to help shape Mumbai’s future, a city that has over 21 million inhabitants.
Mumbai Tech Week Celebration
Mumbai Tech Week stands out as a lively tribute to the city’s tech ecosystem, acting as a nexus for collaborative efforts and groundbreaking innovations. Featuring active participation from 46 tech companies, the week-long event reaches its pinnacle with a spectacular launch at the Jio World Convention Center, emphasizing the metaverse as a prominent highlight for engaging with Mumbai’s technological progress.
Distinguished figures such as Smriti Irani, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, and representatives from Meta, Microsoft, and Google are set to contribute their insights during discussions throughout Mumbai Tech Week. The Technology Ecosystem Advancement Mumbai (TEAM), comprising 46 member companies, plays a pivotal role in spearheading this initiative and driving Mumbai’s dynamic tech landscape forward.
Global Cities Leverage Metaverse And AR For Urban Development
In recent developments, urban centers around the world have been adopting digital transformation through the integration of metaverse technologies into public services. In 2023, the Seoul Government made strides with the launch of its Metaverse Seoul initiative, enabling residents to access city services within a virtual environment.
The leading effort, mentioned by Mayor Oh Se-hoon, successfully shifted from a beta phase to becoming renowned as one of TIME’s 200 best inventions of 2022. This platform is a tool for Seoul’s citizens, facilitating multiple virtual connections and access to official documents, complaint filings, and tax-related inquiries.
Taking a cue from Seoul, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in partnership with the Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau, has introduced “HELLO! TOKYO FRIENDS.” This innovative portal, utilizing both the metaverse and augmented reality (AR) technologies, is crafted to elevate Tokyo’s appeal as a tourist destination, both nationally and internationally.
The goal is to expand the community of Tokyo enthusiasts and foster a greater appreciation for the city’s unique offerings.
