Katra, March 13: Vinod Kumar, Assistant Professor at the School of Architecture and Landscape Design, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), recently presented his research at the prestigious international conference, “Smart Sustainable Cities 2025: Pioneering Novel Frontiers for Green Urban Living.”
Organised virtually by MDPI, one of the world’s leading scientific publishers, the conference brought together eminent scholars and experts from renowned institutions, including Erasmus University Rotterdam, State University of New York, University of Strathclyde (UK), Florida International University, and the University of Salerno (Italy). Kumar’s research paper, “Place-Making and City Boosterism with Metro Rail in Indian Metro Cities from a Smart City Perspective,” explores the transformative impact of metro rail systems on urban development in India. His study underscores how metro infrastructure contributes to place-making, city boosterism, and the broader objectives of the Smart City initiative. The presentation sparked engaging discussions on integrating transport innovation with sustainable urban development, offering valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners aiming to build future-ready cities. By contributing to the global discourse on smart and sustainable cities, Kumar has reinforced SMVDU’s reputation as a centre for cutting-edge research and academic excellence. The conference provided a vital platform for experts to share insights and collaborate on innovative solutions for sustainable urbanisation.