The Infrastructure segment discusses future plans and sustainability of Smart Cities

Infra world takes multi-disciplinary approach for sustainable Smart Cities

New Delhi, September 28, 2015: The pace at which Infrastructural development is booming globally seems unstoppable. The 3^rd Annual ET Infra Focus Summit, organised by ET Edge, discussed the current scenario and future trends in Infrastructure segment, apart from Smart City & AMRUT mission. Ms. Sunita Quadros, Business Head, Times Conferences Limited emphasized, “There is a major contribution by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he has driven for better infrastructure and a better quality of lives. We have taken firm steps towards this vision through varied initiatives and programs which has resulted in a rise in the interest within the private sector. The involvement of the private sector and their investment is extremely vital in this segment.”

The summit delved into the trends in the infrastructure segment. Different infrastructure segments are now being combined into one integrated facility, and with this integrated solution departments will now dovetail better. Capt BVJK Sharma, Joint MD and CEO, JSW Architecture added, ” I attach big importance to Sagar Mala Project since it connects to everything from transportation, shipping, logistics, warehousing, maritime zones, storage and much more.”

The panellists discussed the essence of a Public Private Partnerships being risk sharing and not risk transference. Addressing the issue, Mr. Vinayak Chatterjee, Chairman, Feedback Infra Limited said, “The bedrock of smart city economics is asking the corporate sector to participate in building it in Public Private Participation model. But with most of corporate India reluctant to step up because their fingers are burnt, it will take time to reset the system.”

The summit extensively discussed the need to address issues like debts, time delays and consequent lags in the infrastructure industry. It saw leaders discussing measures to service debts, control delays, clearances and land acquisitions, etc.

Government initiatives are emphasizing on public expenditure led infrastructure development. The summit also discussed the need for revenue assurance which ought to be built into the current regulatory environment. The event closed with fruitful discussions on railway and water issues presided by Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Roads, Transport & Highways, Govt of India and Shashi Shekhar, Secretary, Dept of Water resources, Ganga Rejuvenation, Govt. of India.
Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)