In India, you have the opportunity to create and innovate

01 Sep 2014 Editorial Team

Michael Jansen, Chairman & CEO, CityZenith
"In 1992, while I was in China, I received a book - The New Urban Landscape by Charles Correa - from my father, which emphasised on the urban challenges of Mumbai. It intrigued me and I was fortunate to speak to Correa. He encouraged me to come and learn about ´the other half of Asia´. In my first year in India, I visited 70 different cities, travelling by train and bus, to the remotest locations. After this, I returned to the US. My visit again was with a renowned US architect to open his office in India. In 1998, I was lucky to discuss the future of India with businessmen like Ratan Tata and Godrej. In 2003, I formed my own architectural production company in Delhi with about 1,200 architects in its ambit to produce technical documentation for architecture firms abroad. We have completed over 5,000 projects across India.

A few things that make architecture in India special today are the impact of technology on the profession, namely Building Information Modelling (BIM) or 3D modelling, and the influence of international practices transformed for the Indian context. The new set of architects brings a perfect blend of contemporary and old architecture. If you go back to the days of the British Empire, British architecture emerged from the building boom coincident with the rise of the Raj. Today, in India you have that same opportunity to create and innovate. I would like to say to the architects here, in addition to the great buildings you design, the cities will need your help too. Please take those lessons of design, context and history and bring it to your cities. India has to build 200 cities over the next 20 years and it needs your help to do it.´

To view the video of this speech, log on to
www.constructionworld.in/cwabawards2014/michaeljansen

Real Estate

29 Jun 2026

Omaxe to Invest Rs 62 Billion in Hospitality Expansion

Omaxe has announced the launch of a dedicated hospitality business vertical with plans to develop 19 hotels across five states over the next four to five years as part of its strategy to strengthen recurring revenues and expand its integrated development ecosystem.The real estate developer proposes to invest approximately Rs 62 billion, subject to regulatory approvals and market conditions, to develop nearly 5 million sq ft of hospitality assets across high-growth urban centres, pilgrimage destinations and transit corridors.The proposed portfolio will be integrated with Omaxe's existing townsh..

Third Railway Line Between Tatanagar And Adityapur Likely By September

The third railway line between Tatanagar and Adityapur is expected to be commissioned by September as work on the corridor advances, according to railway sources. The project to add a fourth line on the busy route is progressing and has been allocated Rs 50.89 billion (bn) in funding. The allocation underscores the focus on increasing capacity and easing congestion on the corridor. Relevant timetables are being adjusted to integrate the new capacity into regular operations. Construction activity has involved track laying, formation work and signalling upgrades along strategic stretches, with m..

Indian Railways Approves Rs 2.7 bn Kavach Rollout in Odisha

Indian Railways has approved a Rs 2.7 billion (Rs 2.7 bn) plan to install the Kavach train collision avoidance system on 631 route kilometres in the East Coast Railway zone. The Ministry of Railways said the work will form part of a wider Kavach deployment programme that relies on an LTE based communication backbone rather than a standalone installation. The approval marks the latest stage in the steady expansion of the indigenous safety technology across the national network. The decision aims to enhance safety and reliability on corridors serving Odisha and adjoining areas. The project will ..