5G, Metaverse, and Digital Twins: Building a Cyber- Physical India

SANJAY KUMAR DAS
ADDITIONAL SECRETARY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY & BIO TECHNOLOGY, 
DEPARTMENT & STATE INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER, GOVT. OF WEST BENGAL

Digital transformation is redefining our world, with remarkable examples like Satnavari, an AI-powered smart village near Nagpur, and Mumbai’s use of 70,000 AI- enabled CCTV feeds to create a digital twin for managing Ganpati Bappa celebrations. These innovations demonstrate how technology can model and navigate real-world complexities, showcasing the immense potential of digital solutions.

At the core of this transformation is the concept of digital twins, which enable predictive and intelligent decision-making in areas like urban planning, traffic management, and disaster resilience. India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), exemplified by UPI and open APIs, forms the backbone of this progress, delivering scalable and inclusive systems that revolutionize daily life and commerce.

Looking ahead, we must embrace forward-thinking strategies, including post-quantum security, 5G advancements, and metaverse technologies for governance and citizen services. Imagine blockchain-secured electoral processes or immersive digital platforms resolving disputes—these are no longer distant possibilities but emerging realities.

Global standards are critical to ensure the acceptance and interoperability of these innovations. Security must be embedded from the outset, not retrofitted, to build trust and resilience in digital systems.

For Eastern India, with its vibrant MSMEs and urban innovation hubs, the potential is vast. By leveraging emerging technologies, fostering smart urban ecosystems, and prioritizing security and inclusivity, the region can lead in digital transformation.

The future I envision is one where floods are predicted and mitigated, traffic systems save lives, and students in remote villages access world-class education. By modernizing infrastructure, adhering to global standards, and applying innovation with a local-to- global mindset, we can build a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital society.