Varanasi,

22 Nov (HS): The MARGSHAKTI Industry Conclave, held at the prestigious Indian

Institute of Technology (IIT) BHU, gathered key figures across the

infrastructure, transportation, and urban development sectors to discuss the

future of India’s infrastructure as the nation gears up for a Viksit Bharat by

2047. The conclave, focusing on the theme Powering Infrastructure Towards

Viksit Bharat, kicked off with a welcome address from Dr. Ankit Gupta,

Professor and MoRTH Chair at the Department of Civil Engineering, followed by

insightful remarks from Prof. Amit Patra, Director of IIT (BHU). The conclave

was scheduled for 21 Nov-22 Nov 25 where various dignitaries participated.

The

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) featured prominently in the

discussions, with a keynote address by Shri Vinay Kumar Rajawat, the Director

General and Special Secretary, who articulated MoRTH’s ambitious vision for

future-ready infrastructure. Highways for Viksit Bharat @2047 is not just a

dream; it is a commitment to enhance the connectivity and transport landscape

of India, emphasizing the crucial role of roads in the nation’s socio-economic

development were discussed.

The

conclave served as a platform for the release of various technology products,

implementation manuals, and reports developed by IIT (BHU)'s dedicated team,

focusing on transportation infrastructure planning and advanced pavement

design. These releases mark significant strides in the research and application

of innovative solutions tailored for the rapidly evolving infrastructure

sector.

A

special keynote presentation by Awanish Kumar Awasthi, IAS, Advisor to the Chief

Minister of Uttar Pradesh, addressed the potential for infrastructure

transformation in the state as it aspires to achieve a $1 trillion economy.

Uttar Pradesh stands at the threshold of an infrastructure revolution. By

investing in sustainable and efficient transport systems, we can pave the way

for economic growth that benefits all citizens were discussed during the

conclave.

The

conclave also hosted a dynamic panel discussion titled Nagar Path – Urban

Roads, Governance, Inclusive Mobility, and City Logistics, where experts

deliberated on the challenges and opportunities in urban planning and mobility.

A technical session, Samriddhi Ke Path – Tourism, Expressways, Logistics

Efficiency, and Industrial Development, further highlighted strategies for integrating

tourism with infrastructure development to maximize economic impact.

Representatives

from the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL),

including Shri Pankaj Saxena, Ex-Director (Project Planning), and Shri Mannu Prakash Dubey,

AGM/OP&BD/EDFC, shared valuable insights on the implications of the PM Gati

Shakti National Master Plan. The Gati Shakti initiative is a transformative

step aimed at enhancing logistics efficiency and strengthening connectivity

across the nation, thereby supporting India’s ambitious GDP growth targets.

A

detailed discussion was held during the conclave, focusing on business

strategies as well as the status of existing, commissioned, and upcoming

freight terminals in DFCCIL.

While

the conclave overwhelmingly exuded optimism, experts also cautioned against

complacency. Infrastructure development must be holistic, considering not just

economic progress but also environmental sustainability. We need to ensure that

the growth we envision is inclusive and benefits all sections of society.

The

MARGSHAKTI Industry Conclave proved to be a pivotal gathering, aligning the

aspirations of various stakeholders towards a common goal: a developed and

prosperous India by 2047. With ambitious plans in place and a strong commitment

to infrastructure development, India is decidedly on a path that promises not

just enhanced connectivity but also a transformative economic landscape. The

collaboration between academia, government, and industry showcased during the

conclave holds the key to achieving these ambitious milestones, inspiring hope

for a brighter future for the nation.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi