Varanasi Nagar Nigam has selected CityFlow and Janjatra as the winning solutions under the Sustainable Cities Challenge, a global initiative focused on improving urban mobility through innovative technology. The two platforms will be deployed to strengthen crowd management and pedestrian movement across the historic Kashi area, one of India’s busiest heritage destinations.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Toyota Mobility Foundation, Challenge Works, and WRI India, with the goal of making pedestrian travel safer, more efficient, and easier to navigate in high-footfall locations.
Two-Year Evaluation Identifies Scalable Solutions
The winning platforms were chosen after a two-year evaluation process that assessed technologies capable of addressing congestion and pedestrian movement in densely populated heritage areas.
The challenge attracted innovative proposals aimed at improving mobility while preserving the unique character of Varanasi’s historic neighborhoods.
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Add INDYASTORY on GoogleThe selected solutions will now move from pilot development to wider implementation across key areas of the city.
CityFlow Uses AI for Real-Time Crowd Monitoring
One of the selected solutions, CityFlow, was developed by CITYDATA.AI in collaboration with Nippon Koei.
The platform combines several advanced technologies, including:
- Computer vision
- Artificial intelligence
- Big data analytics
- Generative AI
Using real-time data from public spaces, CityFlow is designed to monitor pedestrian density, identify congestion hotspots, and provide authorities with actionable insights that can support faster operational decisions during peak movement periods.
The system aims to improve crowd management while helping city officials respond more effectively during festivals, public events, and periods of heavy tourist activity.
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Add INDYASTORY on GoogleJanjatra Focuses on Smarter Pedestrian Navigation
The second winning solution, Janjatra, was developed by The Urbanizer.
Rather than relying primarily on analytics, Janjatra focuses on improving the pedestrian experience through better navigation and street design.
Its features include:
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Add INDYASTORY on Google- Color-coded pedestrian routes
- Dynamic digital signage
- Real-time wayfinding guidance
- Tactical urban design interventions
The platform is intended to guide visitors along less congested routes, distribute pedestrian traffic more evenly, and reduce bottlenecks in busy sections of the old city.
Additional Solutions Recognized
Alongside the two winners, the challenge also recognized two additional innovations with honorable mentions.
These include:
Behtarway by VOGIC AI
- AI-powered pedestrian navigation platform designed to help people identify efficient walking routes.
Nayichaal by Prameya Consulting
- Accessibility-focused solution aimed at improving mobility for elderly people, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable pedestrians.
Although not selected for large-scale deployment, these projects were acknowledged for their contribution to inclusive and technology-driven urban mobility.
Financial and Technical Support for Deployment
The winning teams will receive both financial support and technical advisory assistance to help implement their systems across Varanasi’s historic core.
The deployment is expected to involve collaboration between technology providers, municipal authorities, and urban planning experts to ensure the solutions are integrated effectively into the city’s existing infrastructure.
Smart Technology for Heritage Cities
Managing large pedestrian volumes remains one of the biggest challenges for heritage cities that attract millions of visitors annually.
Varanasi regularly experiences significant footfall during religious festivals, cultural events, and peak tourism seasons, making efficient crowd management essential for public safety and visitor experience.
Technology-driven solutions such as AI-powered monitoring and dynamic wayfinding can help city authorities respond more quickly to changing conditions while preserving the cultural significance of historic public spaces.
Looking Ahead
The implementation of CityFlow and Janjatra represents another step in Varanasi’s broader efforts to modernize urban mobility through smart technology.
If successful, the initiative could provide a model for other historic cities seeking to balance heritage preservation with modern mobility management and public safety.
