GUWAHATI: At the plenary session of CII EXCON 2019 on ‘Urban Infra Dialogue’ held on October 17, the emphasis on technology as a key driver of growth of infrastructure was highlighted.
“Fund is not a constraint, but synergetic views and plans are very much required said Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Minister of Guwahati Development Department inaugurating the Urban Infra Dialogue and Roadshow on EXCON here in Guwahati.
The minister mentioned the various initiatives taken by the government for the development of urban infrastructure especially in Guwahati.
The session was attended by senior officials from the government, industry leaders and stakeholders from the infrastructure and construction equipment sectors.
CII EXCON 2019 is South Asia’s largest construction equipment trade fair will demonstrate the role of smart technologies and nextgen construction equipment in accelerating the growth of infrastructure in the country.
EXCON 2019, scheduled to be held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Bengaluru from December 10-14, 2019 is spread over 3,00,000 square metres and will have the participation of over 1250 exhibitors including 350+ overseas companies from 25 countries including China, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Turkey, UK & USA among others. The 5-day exhibition would attract over 70,000 business visitors from India and abroad.
Sandeep Ghosh, Member, EXCON 2019 Steering Committee & Head- Corporate Strategy & Planning , SREI Equipment Finance Ltd. said, “This is the tenth edition of the EXCON and our theme this year is on “Smart i-tech- Next Gen India@75”. Excon 2019 will demonstrate the role of smart technologies and innovation in design in the manufacture of nextgen construction equipment and machinery to support the rapid pace of infrastructure development in the country. India is expected to become the third largest construction market globally by 2022 and there has been rapid investments in infrastructure by the government which is driving growth opportunities.”
Speaking on the occasion, Abhijit Barooah, Co-Chairman, CII North East Council & Managing Director, Premier Cryogenics Pvt. Ltd. said, “Every sector requires a technological advancement and in India, there exists a huge demand for houses, thanks to country’s fast urbanisation. Using advanced technology in the construction sector, we believe this demand could be met along with the other government initiatives for both home buyers and well as developers.”
Excon 2019 endeavors to build India’s infrastructure in an ecologically sustainable manner, enabling projects on Smart Cities, supporting Swachh Bharat programs, promoting Skill Development and position “Make In India” – as the National Agenda for achieving holistic growth in the infrastructure and related sectors.
In order to give a boost to the infrastructure sector, Government of India had announced its intention to invest Rs.100 lakh crore in infrastructure over the next 5 years. The Government of India has also proposed for expanding 1,25,000 KM of rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and creating a national highway grid. Through the PMGSY programme, the government has planned to bring in connectivity between all villages through road network by 2019 and 2,000 kms of coastal connectivity roads have been recognized for construction and development. All these initiatives of the Government would further provide impetus to the growth of infrastructure and related sectors.
As part of the 10th year celebrations of EXCON, CII would organise special activities like celebrating Women in Infrastructure, exclusive Pavilions on AI, IoT, Robotics, Startups, Components & Parts; Job Fairs, Contest for School Children, Tree Plantation Day besides Green Rating of CE Industry.
Excon addresses both marketing and educational platform for all stakeholders. Government and Senior Bureaucrats capitalised it as a knowledge platform for various departments (PWD’s and Civil Engineering Departments), Private contractors, Builders, Road/ Infrastructure developers, Smart City/ Urban Planning, Army, Border Roads Organisation, etc. to witness the latest Technology, Equipment’s and Machinery display which will enable accelerated Infrastructure development needs of the nation.
Indian Construction Equipment Manufactures' Association is the Sector Partner for Excon 2019.
Speaking on the occasion Rajesh Kemprai, Commissioner & Special Secretary, PWD (Roads), Govt. of Assam highlighted the various projectsbeing executed by Government of Assam. Assam State Highway Program, Assam Rural Highway Program, Assam Road Network Investment program with JICA, Guwahati Sustainability Urban Transport project are some of them.
“Assam has been declared open defecation free” is one of the great achievements for the state, said Neeraj Verma, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of Assam. He apprised the participants about the initiatives taken by Urban Development Department in the state which includes water supply, solid waste management, strong water drainage etc.
A lively panel discussion on Smart Urban Planning & Initiatives was organized on the occasion which dealt with many pertinent problems and probable solutions of urban infrastructure in the state with special emphasis to Guwahati. Panelists from GMDA, eminent engineers and architects participated in the panel discussion which was followed by lively interaction with the participants.