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Urban Infra 2022: Implementation of major urban infra projects in India - Challenges & Solutions


The urban public transport sector comprises of metro rail projects, Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and other urban transit infrastructure. A total of 18 cities in India have an operational metro rail transit system whereas it is operational/under construction in 27 cities.

The vision 2025 for urban public transport envisages the mass rapid transit system to be available in more than 50 cities in India by 2025.

Under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) of Govt. of India, 50 projects worth Rs 573,366 crore are to be implemented under Urban Transport/Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS).

However, the progress in the implementation of the NIP in India is far from satisfactory. Change needs to happen before Indian cities double in population by 2050. The present focus is on building roads and flyovers to cater to the ever-increasing vehicular traffic in India. What is missing is adequate infrastructure for moving people through means, such as bicycle tracks and dedicated pedestrian pathways. Even where such infrastructure is available, it is not being used to its full extent. For example, pedestrian pathways are being encroached upon for other uses or are not walkable because of being broken or lined with garbage, etc. making them neither obstruction free nor safe. Similar is the case with our cycle tracks. The pattern of urban growth in terms of urban sprawl has resulted in an even higher demand for motorized travel.

The need of the hour is to focus on smart and sustainable public transportation in India, especially, low carbon public transport. As income levels increase, people aspire to shift to private transport, due to the infrequency and unreliability of public transport. As a result, the use of such desirable modes of public transportation is declining and the use of undesirable modes like cars and 2-wheelers is growing. To keep India walking, the government needs to oversee an incremental and mixed-mode approach for a transition into a low-carbon pathway. Cities and states need to be proactive and may consider some interventions for sustainable urban mobility solutions.

To discuss the challenges on the ground and possible solutions to overcome them, experts from various project authorities, implementing bodies and private players will join a plenary session on "Implementation of major urban infra projects in India - Challenges & Solutions" at the 2nd Urban Infra Business Summit & Awards 2022 to be held on 7th November 2022 at India International Centre, New Delhi, India.

The session will have the following technical experts:-
  • Dr. Brijesh Dixit, Managing Director, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (Maha Metro)
  • Mr. Rajesh Prasad, Director (Operations), Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL)
  • Mr. Anil Vij, Director (Technical), RITES Ltd.
  • Mrs. Bhavani Koneru, Head (Rail & Metro BU), Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T)
  • Mr. Ashish Singh, Vice-President (BD), KEC International Ltd
  • Mr. Siddharth Jha, Head-Rail (India), WSP Global
1. Dr. Brijesh Dixit (MD, Maha Metro): An acclaimed railway administrator, efficient infrastructure builder and urban transport professional. Presently heading Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (Maha Metro) as Managing Director. Associated with Indian Railway for over 30 years including association with Mumbai suburban and urban rail transport for over 15 years, at various levels covering planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining large scale rail infrastructures & operation of services and administration of institutions on both Western and Central Railways.

2. Mr. Rajesh Prasad (Director - Operations, RVNL): An officer of 1988 batch IRSE (Indian Railway Service of Engineers) presently working as Director (Operations) in Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) since March 2020. Earlier worked as Executive Director with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. He possesses strong business development professional skills in Procurement, Engineering, Feasibility Studies, Project Engineering, and Rail Transport domains. He possesses B. Tech. in Civil Engineering from IIT Kanpur.

3. Mr. Anil Vij (Director - Technical, RITES Ltd): Mr. Vij is working as Director (Technical) with RITES Limited since November 2019. He has over 35 years of working experience including 20 years of experience with Indian Railways. He has held important postings in Northern Railway, Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and Railway Board. He possesses B. Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi.

4. Mrs. Bhavani Koneru (VP & Head - Rail & Metro BU, L&T): Mrs. Koneru is working with Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) as Vice President and Head (Rail & Metro Business Unit). She joined L&T as Engineering Manager in April 1993 and since then has been associated with the company. She has invested more than 29 years in the civil engineering domain. She is B. Tech. in Civil Engineering.

5. Mr. Ashish Singh (VP - Marketing & BD, KEC International): Mr. Ashish is presently working as Vice President with KEC International Ltd since October 2018. He possesses more than 30 years experience in various positions in Railways & Metro sectors. He also won and executed various big ticket projects in Metro Railways such as Delhi Metro, Jaipur Metro etc.

6. Mr. Siddharth Jha (Head - Rail India, WSP Global): Mr. Siddharth is the Head of Rail and Associate Director for WSP India. He is responsible for managing the Rail business and meeting the revenue and productivity target of Rail. . Exploring new markets and regions to do the business. He is Chartered Engineer, member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE, UK) with over 14 years’ experience in civil engineering design, project management and business management, with extensive experience of working on all project stages, from preliminary design to detailed design.

7. Ms. Harshita Jain (Director, CEG Ltd): Ms. Harshita is working as Director (International Business Development) with the Consulting Engineers Group Ltd. She is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the civil engineering industry. Skilled in Business Development. Strong professional with a Certificate Course focused in Business Administration and Management, General from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

This session will be moderated by Ms. Harshita Jain, Director, Consulting Engineers Group Ltd.

To join this flagship program, please register and book your seat today!!

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