URBAN PATTERNS

The 10th Metro Rail India Summit focussed on urban mobility and future of metros

- MOLLY R

Running successfully for a decade, the 10 th Annual Metro Rail India Summit 2021 once again hit a home run when the on-ground event saw a housefull in keeping with pandemic protocols.

The event took place at Sahara Star, Mumbai, on November 26. During the day-long event, metro rail operators, contractors, systems providers and consultants deliberated on important facets of the metro rail industry through panel discussions, presentations and delegate interactions.

Bibhor Srivastava, MD, ITP Media (India), welcomed the gathering in his opening address. This was followed by a virtual keynote address by SVR Srinivas, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, where he highlighted how the pandemic has impacted public transportation and ways the government is seeking to reimpose a trust among citizens. “Planning the metro is most important. The regional and development plan of the city must be given priority when planning a metro. Where should metros come up? One must know how the region will grow and the sectors that will grow. The execution becomes crucial and land acquisition and right of way are even more important. With too many stakeholders involved, it helps if they all work in cohesion. The huge capex required must be carefully thought out as, in the long run, it cannot be recovered through operational revenues. Technology plays an even more important role, especially in systems. The arrival of CBTC calls for an upgradation of skillsets. We are executing nearly 20km of lines worth Rs 1 lakh crore.”