City to get AI-powered ‘digital twin’ to tackle floods, traffic woes

Chennai: Greater Chennai Corporation is set to roll out a suite of data-driven initiatives, including an urban data observatory, asset management software and an AI-powered ‘digital twin', in a bid to tackle flooding, traffic congestion and emergency response.The digital twin, a virtual replica of a 5sqkm pilot zone covering Nungambakkam, College Road, Greams Road and Anna Salai, will integrate IoT sensors, GIS mapping and 3D simulations to enable real-time monitoring and scenario-based planning. Officials said the urban data observatory will act as a centralised platform, consolidating data across departments to support evidence-based policymaking, while the asset management software will digitise and track civic infrastructure such as roads, stormwater drains and streetlights, helping shift from reactive repairs to predictive maintenance."The digital twin will allow authorities to simulate various scenarios, from heavy rainfall and flooding to peak-hour traffic snarls. By visualising these situations in real time, planners can anticipate problem areas, test interventions and deploy resources more efficiently during emergencies. The initial pilot zone has been chosen for its dense traffic flow and history of waterlogging during the monsoon," said a senior GCC official.The initiative builds on lessons from the 2015 Chennai floods and subsequent monsoons that exposed gaps in coordination and data sharing. With climate change intensifying rainfall patterns, officials say integrated, technology-led solutions have become critical.Residents, however, say the real test will be on the ground during the monsoon. "Every monsoon, roads in and around Nungambakkam get flooded within hours of heavy rain, and it takes days to drain out. If this system can actually predict and prevent that, it will be a big relief for the people," said J Vijayakumar, a resident of Choolaimedu.Urban experts have welcomed the proposal but stress that its success will depend on execution and transparency. "Data-driven systems can make a real difference, but only if they are consistently updated and accessible across agencies," said S Kirthana, an urban planner. Get real-time updates and result insights on the CBSE 12 Result 2026.