Towards a Viksit Bharat @ 2047
Viksit Bharat @2047 represents the government of India’s ambitious roadmap to transform India into a developed nation by the centenary of its independence from colonial rule in 2047. The vision encompasses diverse facets of development such as economic prosperity, social advancement, environmental sustainability, and effective governance. INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY organised the conclave, ‘Towards a Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ to determine the best pathways to follow by the infrastructure sector to make India a $30 trillion economy. Held in New Delhi on July 18-19, critical aspects of the country’s infrastructure such as roads & highways development, railway modernisation and infrastructure financing were deliberated by stakeholders drawn from the government and the industry.

Plenary Session: Urban Development & Metro Rail
  • Municipal accounting modules are underutilised, hindering transparency and resource mobilisation.
  • Financial sustainability is crucial for cities, achievable through digital infrastructure and financing initiatives.
  • India's unique challenges require tailored solutions for sustainable urban development.
  • Last-mile connectivity is a significant challenge, solvable through EVs, online platforms, and government support.
  • Integrated public transportation systems and awareness campaigns can encourage public transport adoption.
Plenary Session: Roads & Highways - Challenges in Momentum
  • ?2 trillion in foreign capitals are invested in Indian roads.
  • Aggressive bidding raises concerns about execution quality.
  • A collaborative approach is needed for high-quality feasibility reports.
  • Latest technologies should be incorporated into DPRs.
  • Attention to detail and effective leadership ensure durable roads.
Breakout Session: Airports
  • Digital frameworks like BIM are crucial for airport projects.
  • Collaboration and stakeholder management are essential for success.
  • Delays and cost overruns impact project viability, needing swift attention.
  • RCS viability gap funding needs revisiting to improve effectiveness.
  • Airports are ready for new technologies, but process improvements are necessary.

Plenary Session: Infrastructure Finance
  • Infrastructure finance has shifted from government-led to private sector-led.
  • The private sector can’t make unviable projects viable; proper planning is essential.
  • The government excels at land acquisition and permissions, while the private sector operates assets efficiently.
  • New financing models like TOT and InvITs offer investment opportunities.
  • Managing risk and maturity is crucial for financial institutions and companies.

Plenary Session: Transformative Interventions
  • Indian Railways is transforming into a multimodal logistics provider.
  • Vande Bharat trains introduce modern technology for faster, comfortable travel.
  • Safety measures like Kavach aim to eliminate train collisions and accidents.
  • Indian Railways targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 through electrification.
  • Technology and modernisation efforts enhance safety, speed, and efficiency.
Plenary Session: Bullet Train - High Speed Rail

  • Bullet Train project progressing well, overcoming initial challenges.
  • Collaboration and adaptability are crucial for success in urban areas.
  • Project driving capacity building and knowledge transfer in India.
  • Innovative technologies and practices adopted to improve efficiency.
  • Safety, quality, and sustainability are paramount, with a net-zero carbon goal.