Transforming Urban Mobility
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Transforming Urban Mobility

The 3rd Annual Metro Rail Conference, held on 22 January 2025 at Radisson Blu, Mumbai, gathered over 150 industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. The event highlighted achievements, innovations, and challenges within the metro rail sector. Sessions focused on Metro Rail Expansion in India,...

The 3rd Annual Metro Rail Conference, held on 22 January 2025 at Radisson Blu, Mumbai, gathered over 150 industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. The event highlighted achievements, innovations, and challenges within the metro rail sector. Sessions focused on Metro Rail Expansion in India, technological advancements, public-private partnerships, and the economic and environmental impact of metro systems.The conference’s agenda was packed with engaging panel discussions, case studies, and expert insights on urban planning, digital transformation, financing, sustainability, and innovations in the metro rail space. It reaffirmed its role as a key event shaping the future of urban mobility in India.Pratap Padode, Founder & President, FIRST Construction Council & Editor- In- Chief, Construction World, opened the conference by noting, “Metro systems have transformed travel in India. Covering over 1,000 km across 11 states and 23 cities, these networks support millions, contributing to India becoming home to the third-largest metro system globally.”Transforming the Metro ExperienceSession I explored the integration of metros with Smart Cities and urban transport networks, focusing on last-mile connectivity solutions such as Namo Bharat (RRTS) and the introduction of MetroLite and MetroNeo systems for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Moderated by Vishal Ramprasad, Senior Program Manager at WRI India, it featured insights from industry leaders like Shantanu Goel (Joint MD, CIDCO), Vinod Kumar Yadav (NCC Transport), Dr. M.P. Ramnavas (Director, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd.), and Alok Sharma (Director, Autodesk).Driving Digital Transformation in Metro RailSession II delved into the adoption of AI, automation, and IoT for metro operations, exploring challenges in automated signalling, smart ticketing, and digital fare collection. The session highlighted the success of Delhi Metro’s Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) system. Moderated by Nilabha Dey, Director at KPMG, the session featured experts such as MJS Raman (IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation), PK Pandey (RDSO), and Anuj Goel (Mumbai Metro One Pvt. Ltd.).Unlocking the Future of Metro FinancingSession III focused on innovative funding solutions for metro projects, including PPP models, land value capture, and attracting international investors. The discussion also examined financing strategies for metro systems in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Moderated by Suneet K Maheshwari (Udvik Infrastructure Advisors LLP), the session featured insights from AVR Srinivas Sharma (CFO, L&T Metro Rail), Anand B Surange (Director, Infrastructure Advisors Pvt Ltd), Arnab Choudhury (Executive Vice President & Group Head DCM, SBI Capital Markets) and Sandeep U (CEO, Centrum Capital).Pioneering Green Metro InnovationsSession IV addressed sustainability in metro rail development, covering topics such as driverless metro technologies, energy-efficient traction systems, and BIM for cost and time optimisation. Key experts included Suyash Trivedi (Executive Director, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.), Bhargav Jog (Dextra India), and Umesh Rajeshirke (Managing Director, Spectrum Consultants India).The conference brought together industry leaders to explore the evolving landscape of metro rail systems in India, with a focus on technological advancements, sustainable financing, and operational efficiency. Dr. Shankar Raman of IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation highlighted the transformative role of automation and data-driven decisions in metro operations. A key case study on Mumbai Metro Line 1, presented by Shyamantak Choudhury (CEO, Mumbai Metro One Pvt. Ltd.), showcased its sustainability and operational viability. Additionally, Parag Raut (Tata Steel Ltd.) discussed Modern Reinforcement Solutions, while R. Ananta Kumar (Director BU Head, AFCONS Infrastructure Ltd.) presented innovative methods for easier and faster construction in metro projects.In conclusion, the conference provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in metro rail development, underscoring the importance of collaboration, technological innovation, and sustainable practices for the future of urban mobility in India.

Next Story
Technology

AI-Enabled Workflows Lift Profitability and Productivity

Organisations modernising frontline workflows with artificial intelligence, automation and real-time data are reporting stronger financial performance, higher productivity and improved employee engagement, according to a global study by Zebra Technologies and Oxford Economics.The research covered 1,000 senior leaders across retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics in the US, Mexico, the UK, Germany, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.In transportation and logistics, 54 per cent of companies that improved picking and packing operations reported faster operational performance, wh..

Next Story
Real Estate

India Leads Global AI Readiness but Implementation Lags

Indian companies lead global averages across all eight artificial intelligence readiness indicators tracked by JLL, but only 19 per cent have started making changes to their workplaces, according to the JLL 2026 Future of Work Survey.The study found that 77 per cent of Indian business leaders expect AI to change their office requirements, creating a 58-percentage-point gap between awareness and implementation. The survey covered more than 2,200 CEOs, CFOs and real estate leaders across 21 countries during the first quarter of 2026.Despite concerns over automation, 58 per cent of Indian leaders..

Next Story
Equipment

Three WOLFF Cranes Build Riyadh Cable-Stayed Bridges

Three WOLFF 180 B luffing jib cranes are supporting the construction of two cable-stayed bridges alongside the existing Wadi Laban Bridge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project is being developed for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and executed by the ICRC joint venture comprising IC Ictas and Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Company.The cranes are handling lifting operations including formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement, work platforms, surveying equipment and other construction materials. Each crane is fitted with a 40 m jib, reaches a hook height of 157 m and offers a maximum ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement