RAHSTA Forum sets the stage for groundbreaking discussions in roads infra
The second RAHSTA Forum 2024, held on August 30 at Hotel Sahara Star, has successfully set the stage for the highly anticipated RAHSTA Expo 2024. This prelude event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions, setting the tone for what promises to be a landmark event in India’s road and highway infrastructure sector.
The Forum was inaugurated by Pratap Padode, Founder of the FIRST Construction Council, a pioneering organisation dedicated to advancing India’s infrastructure development. Padode emphasised the Forum’s role as a crucial stepping stone toward the RAHSTA Expo 2024 and highlighted the upcoming RAHSTA Awards.
He remarked, “Out of the total Rs 2.78 lakh crore allocated, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been designated around Rs 1.68 lakh crore as part of MoRTH’s capital expenditure plan for 2024-25. The government is focusing on developing access-controlled national highways and ensuring they meet a minimum of two lanes with paved shoulder standards.”
Vipin Sondhi, Chairman of the RAHSTA Expo Committee and former MD and CEO of JCB India and Ashok Leyland, added, “The positive momentum in the industry is further reinforced by the 2024 Union Budget, which emphasises rapid infrastructure growth, particularly in roadways. The significant increase in capital expenditure dedicated to improving and expanding road infrastructure signals the government’s commitment to building a world-class network of roads and highways. This investment will not only enhance connectivity across the nation but also spur economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of citizens.”
A key highlight of the Forum was an engaging panel discussion on “BOT Revised Scheme, QCBS Tender System, and Road Projects Being Awarded.” Moderated by Vijay Agrawal, Managing Director at Equirus, the discussion featured a distinguished panel of experts:
- RK Pandey, Former Member of NHAI and Member of the RAHSTA Committee
- Prof. Satish Pandey, Principal Scientist at CSIR-Central Road Research Institute
- Sudhir Hoshing, CEO of IRB Infrastructure Developers
- Zafar Khan, Chief Operating Officer at Highway Concessions One
The panel explored critical issues affecting the road and highway sector, including updates on the BOT scheme, the QCBS tender system, and the latest trends in project awards. Their insights provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of road infrastructure in India.
The forum for the RAHSTA Expo was attended by prominent figures from the infrastructure industry, including Himanshu Agarwal, COO of Zydex Industries; Rajan Aiyer, Managing Director of Trimble; Satin Sachdeva, Founder & Secretary General of the Construction Equipment Rental Association; SP Rajan, VP and Head of Plant and Machinery at L&T Construction; Satish Kumar, CEO of Mumbai First; Ashwin Moghe, Senior Vice President at UltraTech, among other exhibitors of the RAHSTA Expo.
About RAHSTA Expo 2024
The 14th RAHSTA Expo is part of the India Construction Festival and will be held on October 9 and 10, 2024, at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai. This prominent event will feature cutting-edge technologies, industry innovations, and a comprehensive array of discussions on sustainable advancements in road and highway construction.
Organised by the FIRST Construction Council, the RAHSTA Expo 2024 will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders for two days of exploration, collaboration, and transformation.
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