In this exclusive interview with Veloxx Media , Arun Mahesh Babu M.S., IAS, Municipal Commissioner of Vadodara, shares his visionary approach to urban governance. Harnessing technology, community engagement, and sustainability, he reveals how Vadodara is evolving into a smart, inclusive, and culturally-rich city.
Below are the given edited excerpts:
- You’ve held key administrative roles across sectors. How has your journey shaped your approach as Municipal Commissioner of Vadodara?
My experience in district administration, smart city missions, and renewable energy has shaped a citizen-centric, tech-driven, and sustainable governance approach. We use participatory budgeting and digital tools like the VMC Projects Dashboard and e-Sarkar to amplify efficiency and integrate thousands of public ideas. Climate-responsive planning—like clean air action, EV infrastructure, and water conservation—reflects my belief in collaborative, informed decision-making for a responsive, resilient Vadodara. - What is your overarching vision for Vadodara as a smart and sustainable city?
We aim to make Vadodara technologically advanced, environmentally resilient, and socially inclusive. Key priorities include expanding electric mobility, implementing solar energy projects, enhancing water security through real-time monitoring, and championing circular waste management under Project Kanchan. Our focus on citizen safety and participation ensures liveability and pride across all communities. - What does “inclusive urban development” mean to you, and how are you embedding it into Vadodara’s transformation?
Inclusive development means leaving no one behind. We’re allotting 30,000 homes under PMAY 2.0, supporting 35,000 vendors via PM SVANidhi, and empowering women-led SHGs. Initiatives like hawker zones, urban outlets, and platforms for civic engagement make citizens co-creators. Inclusivity guides planning, resource allocation, and the measurement of city success. - Vadodara is a city rich in culture and civic spirit. How do you envision balancing tradition with the momentum of smart urban growth?
We honour Vadodara’s heritage while embracing innovation. Historic sites like Mandvi Gate are restored as lively cultural spaces. Heritage walks and aartis bring history to life for locals and tourists. Cultural commerce supports local artisans, and smart infrastructure such as IoT water systems and traffic management advances our Creative City vision—combining tradition and technology for a soulful, future-ready Vadodara. - How do you balance immediate civic needs like sanitation, roads, and water with long-term planning and infrastructure sustainability?
We balance responsiveness with strategic sustainability. IoT monitoring and geo-fencing ensure efficient sanitation, while new roads and flyovers address traffic for today and tomorrow. Water capacity is expanded with new plants and real-time tech. Long-term efforts include waste-to-energy, urban forests, and clean energy projects. Modernized libraries and sports facilities further bridge civic needs with enduring city growth.
