Timely project delivery, quality & sustainability to enhance advancement in road construction

A one-day conference on Roads and Highways- Backbone of the Economy was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi, highlighting the emerging trends and roadmap for the future. The Conference also emphasized on creating world-class sustainable roads and highways in the country. Delivering the inaugural address Gen (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), Minster of State, Minster of Road Transport & Highways, emphasized on the role that roads & highways play towards socio-economic development of the nation. He highlighted that infrastructure sector has a multiplier effect ranging between 1.5 to 3 on the GDP of a nation. Quoting an example, he highlighted how America in the 1930’s focused on infrastructure development, particularly constructing roads and highways, which ultimately gave a boost to the overall economy and played a pivotal role in improving the lives of the natives. Urging the stakeholders, Gen Singh emphasized that there should not be any compromise with the construction quality as well as building materials used which are prerequisites for creating a long-term and sustainable roads and highways. At present, around 3000 kms of new highways and expressways are in different stages of construction which is a testimony to the Government’s commitment towards strengthening this sector which apart from contributing to the economy is also a big employment generating sector.

Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman, National Highway Authority of India, through a video message highlighted how Gati Shakti Scheme launched by the Prime Minister has emerged as a key driver for the progress of various sectors including Roads & Highways. He emphasized that companies in the business of constructing roads and highways should become more professional in terms project delivery commitments and timelines. This becomes more important at a time when the Government is offering huge incentives for timely completion of infrastructure projects. Also, professionalism will help these companies to expand their horizons and make them eligible for global tenders and projects as well. Manoj Gupta, Conference Chairman & MD, AR Thermosets Pvt Ltd emphasized the importance of Infrastructure development for one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Gupta mentioned that India has one of the most modern and widespread networks of roads as compared to other developing nations, however, strong focus needs to be placed towards maintenance of the roads and highways. He suggested that Digitisation can play an important role in keeping the highways well maintained. Appreciating the Government’s push towards the Roads and Highways sector, he highlighted that modern day India is using best of the technologies available for creating a green and sustainable road infrastructure.

Sudip Chaudhury, Member (Projects), National Highways Authority of India, highlighted that there is a need to efficiently assimilate and plug in the available resources for maximum output in terms of constructing quality roads with low maintenance cost. He highlighted that the Bharatmala Project launched in the year 2017 has played a significant role in connecting remote areas and satellite cities with major cities of the nation and now under the PM Gatishakti Yojna, different Ministries and Departments are collaborating to create a world-class infrastructure in the country. CSIR-CRRI Director Prof Manoranjan Parida stated that India has the second largest road network with 62 lakh kms of highways and aspires to become the world’s largest country in terms of road network. He highlighted the use of steel slag and fly ash in road construction and stated that work is in the progress to improve the rural road connectivity.

Arpan Ghosh, President Engineering, Cube Highways Technologies, emphasized the significance of utilizing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), generated in substantial quantities during the milling of aged or severely distressed bituminous pavement. This reclaimed material can be reincorporated into the construction of Bituminous Concrete (BC) layers, leading to preservation of bitumen and aggregates. RAP usage is cost-effective and eco-friendly leading to sustainable development by conserving natural resources. He also called for routine maintenance and renovation of roads. Asim Tewari, Managing Director, LSI Engineering & Consultants Ltd, emphasized on the direct relationship of India’s economic development with the growth in infrastructure sector. In order to keep India’s GDP growing at a constant rate of 7-8%, it is imperative for the government to continuously focus on increasing investment in the Infrastructure Sector. He also highlighted the importance of advanced technology that is required to minimize accidents due to various reasons including driver fatigue, sleep, etc. Deepak Kashyap, Chief Growth Officer, Utkarsh India Ltd; Sanjay Patwari, VP – Sales & Marketing (Mobility & Wind), Bonfiglioli Transmission India; Yesh Balaram, Chief Services Officer, ARRB Systems; Adit Thakkar, Director, Giridhar Techfab; and Neeraj Menon, Partner, Trilegal amongst others addressed delegates in the conference which was attended by around 175 participants. Technical sessions on Evolving Trends and Business Opportunities in the Indian Roads & Highways Value Chain; Creating World Class Sustainable Roads & Highways in India; Monetization of Roads & Other Infra Assets and a Master Class on Legal Issues in Roads & Highways Sector, were held.