Global conference on Indian roads to focus on potential, strengths in sector

“India would spend around US$ 70 billion in the road sector in the next three years. The private sector participation is expected to be about US$ 40 billion…” - Kamal Nath, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways

An international conference ‘India Roads 2009: Better Roads Better India – Outlook, Opportunities & Way Ahead’ is being organized on September 25, 2009 at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. The conference shall address all pertinent issues concerning the road sector which include policy restructuring, network planning, construction & maintenance, financing and funding, latest equipments and machineries, material, tolling policy & mechanism, latest technology innovations, safety, rural road development, BOT/annuity projects, bidding process & model documents, updates on NHDP / NHAI / PPPs etc., besides reviewing new model concession agreement and showcasing latest projects like the Golden Quadrilateral.

The chief guest at the international conference shall be Mr. Mahadev Singh Khandela, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and the keynote shall be delivered by Mr. Brahm Dutt, Secretary, Department of Road Transport & Highways and Mr. Brijeswar Singh, Chairman, NHAI.

Organized by Foundation of Infrastructure Research Studies Training in association with AM Events, a division of ASAPP Media – publishers of Infrastructure Today, this international conference is intended at road operators, products & service providers, policy makers at all state transport & development boards, financial institutions, infrastructure development & consulting organizations, construction companies and contractors, risk & safety managers, tunnel & bridge authorities, cement and concrete industry professionals, iron and steel industry professionals, material providers etc.

Besides the projects under the NHAI, the Government also earmarks funds for constructing roads, undertaken by various state government agencies and municipal corporations including "innovative funding" schemes in the Budget for boosting country's road infrastructure development. Financing for the maintenance and reconstruction of roads is growing every year. Roads are the pivotal part of the “Urban Transport Development” in India and therefore this international conference has taken upon itself the mantle of addressing all issues relating to policies and regulations, decisions, competent operators, use of technologies and best management practices such that a balance between the increasing transport demand and the corresponding impact on the environment is facilitated.