From New York To New Delhi: NDMC Installs Free WiFi Kiosks To Link The Capital

"Free super fast WiFi and that's just the beginning", this phrase pops up on your screen the moment you open New York City's international infrastructure project website, 'Link NYC'. Initiated in 2014 this project aims to connect several cities with free internet connectivity. 'Link Kiosks' in New York were set up to reduce dependency on payphones and other wired systems.

However, free super fast WiFi is also speeding its way to India as the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has taken up a similar digital project that would link up Delhi with free WiFi availability.

NDMC has installed two 'Link Kiosks' in New Delhi's financial and business hub, Connaught Place under its smart city project. One at Palika Bazar entrance and one near Charkha Museum. C.P witnesses a large turnout of customers, traders and businessmen. People have often complained of low internet connectivity at the shopping hub which also forms an integral part of India's historical architecture. With the rapid growth of Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC),commuters exiting adjoining stations like Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Janpath will also benefit from NDMC's 'Link Delhi' project.

Key Features

The Kiosk will have two screens, while one will cater to the advertising needs, the other will be used for interaction. New York currently has two 55-inch screens which NDMC has modified to a 75 inch advertisement panel and a 46 inch interactive panel, said NDMC chairman Naresh Kumar to TOI.

The interactive panel will provide access to to all government department sites, railways, airlines, wayfinder, maps, bus services, NDMC services, tourist spots, air quality data etc, free WiFi, mobile charging point, sensor and camera to monitor.

The Corporation has an objective of installing 50 such kiosks in popular visitors' spots like Khan Market, Sarojini Nagar, Lodhi Colony, India Gate etc. If the initiative is successful then the number of panels will be increased from 50 to 75 in the next phase.

"New York City has implemented this concept and we have taken a cue from them to provide free WiFi services along with an interactive panel to avail government services. We have selected locations with high footfall and market places where these panels will be installed,¡± Kumar told TOI. However, the users will not be able to avail transaction facilities for the time being, due to security issues.

If NDMC's project to link Delhi with free WiFi succeeds then general public shall be able to call for help during emergency through these panels. They will be able to make free calls, charge their devices and view public service announcements on advertising screens.