Press Release

Hyderabad, August 16 & 17, 2022: The 7th Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting was held with attendance of researchers from Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H) and Japanese related organizations on August 16, 2022. This India - Japan joint research project has been designed collaboratively by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as a scheme of "Science Technology Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS)". It has been jointly undertaken by IIT-H, Nagoya Electric works Co. Ltd., Nihon University and Tokyo Institute of Technology.

The aim of this joint research project, named M2Smart project, is to establish a reliable and common approach for grasping the traffic situation in cities by building a system that effectively utilizes mobile devices, traffic sensing, big-data analysis and network technology. This was the final JCC of this joint research project, and Indian and Japanese researchers had summarized the activities and achievements during the past 5 years with regard to traffic monitoring and the traffic flow analysis by utilizing deep learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) recognition architecture, driving behavior sensing, environment gas monitoring, etc. The traffic monitoring has been implemented not only in Hyderabad but also in Ahmedabad by joint collaboration with Ahmedabad city where the project team had installed traffic monitoring camera at several junctions and main roads. They will utilize project analysis to generate hand-book for low carbon urban transportation that would be beneficial for the consideration of suitable urban transportation system in India. In addition to this final JCC, on August 17, 2022, Indian and Japanese researchers of this M2Smart project conducted the workshop by inviting other experts from IIT- Roorkee, IIT- Bombay etc. in order to share the achievements of this joint research project.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India said, "Enhancing the academia - industry network between India and Japan is one of the most important elements in terms of long-term benefit for both countries. In this connection, JICA has been engaging in various initiatives with IIT-H, and IIT-H has become a crucial platform for both countries. This joint research program is also one of the important opportunities for enhancing the partnership between IIT-H and Japanese academia and industries. I appreciate dedication and collaboration of Indian and Japanese researchers for this joint research project and hope that the achievements of this project regarding reliable approach for grasping the traffic situation in the cities would contribute to the formation of suitable and sustainable urban transportation system, and facilitation of a modal shift."

JICA has also been extending integrated support to IIT-H through ODA (Official Development Assistance) loan of 23,035 million Japanese yen (around INR 1,400 Crore) for IIT-H campus development. JICA's support is facilitating the development of International Guesthouse, Sports & Cultural Complex, Technology and Incubation Part, Convention Centre, Research Centre Complex, and Knowledge Centre, procurement of high-end laboratory equipment in IIT-H campus.

About JICA

Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in forms of loan, grant and technical cooperation so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.

• JICA India Office Web
• JICA India Brochure
• JICA Facebook Page (external link)

For further information, please contact:

JICA India Office
Shusaku Takada / Aishwarya Mishra
+91 11 49097000
Takada.Shusaku@jica.go.jp;
Mishra-Aishwarya@jica.go.jp

Edelman India
Rakhi Aurora
(+91) 9599067185
Rakhi.Aurora@edelman.com