International conference on Indian roads to focus on potentials, strengths and opportunities in the sector

An international conference 'India Roads 2009: Better Roads Better India – Outlook, Opportunities & Way Ahead' will be organised on September 25, 2009, at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi.

The chief guest at the international conference will be Mahadev Singh Khandela, minister of state for road transport and highways and the keynote will be delivered by Brahm Dutt, secretary, department of road transport and highways and Brijeswar Singh, chairman, NHAI.

The conference shall address all pertinent issues concerning the road sector which include: policy restructuring, network planning, construction and maintenance, financing and funding, latest equipments and machineries, material, tolling policy and mechanism, latest technology innovations, safety, rural road development, BOT/annuity projects, bidding process and model documents, updates on NHDP / NHAI / PPPs etc, besides reviewing new model concession agreement and showcasing latest projects like the Golden Quadrilateral.

Organised 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 and service providers, policy makers at all state transport and development boards, financial institutions, infrastructure development and consulting organisations, construction companies and contractors, risk and safety managers, tunnel and 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, said a press release.