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
Infrastructure Transport

India’s Maha Kumbh of Road Construction

The RAHSTA Forum 2025, held on June 25 at Courtyard by Marriott, Mumbai, delivered powerful insights and dialogue on the future of India’s roads and highways sector. Organised by the FIRST Construction Council, the Forum served as the curtain-raiser to the much-anticipated RAHSTA Expo 2025, set to take place on 3rd and 4th September at the Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai.Union Minister of Roads Transport & Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, while appreciating the efforts of FIRST Construction Council and ASAPP Info Global Group, commended the awards which recognise excellence across various..

Next Story
Real Estate

Built to Last, Designed to Impress

The construction and interior design industries stand at the confluence of functionality and aesthetics, where innovation powers the creation of enduring structures and inspiring spaces. At the heart of this process are materials and solutions that enable architects, designers, and builders to realise their visions with precision and reliability.Featuring iconic brands such as Fevicol—synonymous with adhesive solutions—Dr. Fixit, a complete waterproofing system renowned for addressing every critical area of construction, and Roff, a specialist in tile-fixing solutions, Pidilite has earned ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

New Push to Cut India’s Air Pollution through Power Sector Reforms

In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability, Cummins India introduced CPCB IV+ compliant gensets to India on July 5, 2023, marking a paradigm shift in the power generation industry. These generators are engineered to adhere to the progressive emission norms set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Being the first sets in the field, they have garnered praise for their remarkable achievements in emissions reduction and cutting-edge technology. Powerica, with its four-decade-long partnership with Cummins India Limited, is dedicated to consistently deliver th..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?