With engines of innovation roaring and ideas paving the way forward, the International Road Federation India-Chapter National Conference took centre stage on 29 February – 1 March in New Delhi.

Under the theme of “Revolutionising Road Infrastructure with Modern Equipment, Technologies, Sustainable Materials, and Policy Guidelines,” the conference featured insightful presentations by industry experts alongside an engaging exhibition showcasing the latest technologies, offering a platform for industry pioneers to navigate the complexities and chart a course towards a more resilient and efficient road network.

At the Inaugural Session of the Conference, IRF President, Anouar Benazzouz, joined the dignitaries on stage to share insights on the challenges the sector is facing, stressing the importance of embracing technology to overcome them. “The introduction of digital tools and artificial intelligence into a sector like the road infrastructure sector has been a complete game changer for our industry, allowing us to instill efficiency and generate savings in terms of costs, emissions, natural resources and to a point where we can reinvest savings to support other fundamental work like repurposing infrastructure to serve other modes of transport or increase the resilience of our transport networks.”

“Hence, we welcome the efforts from authorities at all levels to create the policy and regulatory frameworks that are much needed to truly support the adoption of new technologies and innovations, including Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and digital solutions” he added.

The extensive agenda of this two-day conference encompassed a wide array of topics crucial to road infrastructure, including innovative technologies, sustainable and cost-effective construction materials, road safety, and a dedicated session for start-ups to showcase their innovative ideas.

In summing up the closing technical session of the event,  IRF Director General, Susanna Zammataro, quoted some of the key points raised by stating: “Every road authority should know what is the state of the network they are responsible for”. “Data-led asset management is key in delivering the level of service that users today require and expect” she added. “These tools help us manage the complexity of the issues we are called to solve” she said “but they can only deliver their value so far as we are able to put in place adequate processes and trained professionals” she concluded.

The event garnered participation from a diverse array of stakeholders, including policymakers, engineers, researchers, industry professionals, and start-up entrepreneurs, facilitating valuable discussions, collaborations, and networking opportunities vital for propelling the sector forward.

More information about the conference can be found here.