Cape Town, South Africa | September 2025 – The International Road Federation (IRF) proudly celebrates the recognition of its President Emeritus, Kiren Kapila, who was recently awarded the Louis Prangey Award at the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) Global Infrastructure Award. 

President Kapila is the first-ever Asian recipient, a milestone that highlights his personal achievements and the growing global impact of Indian engineering and Infrastructure leadership. 

The Louis Prangey Award is FIDIC’s highest honor and is presented to individuals for their exceptional service to FIDIC and the consulting engineering profession. The award recognises those who act as role models and contribute significantly to the organisation and to its objectives.  

In its 113-year history, the Louis Prangey Award has only been presented 20 times.  

Dedication to Infrastructure and Road Safety  

Apart from being the President Emeritus of the IRF, President Kapila also serves as Chairman of the Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats Pvt. Lrf. (ICT).  

He was a founding member of the Corporate and Institutional Integrity Africa Committee and served as co-chair of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, which focuses on urban development to enhance the socio-economic growth of India, for almost eight years. He was also the first non-European chairman of the International Road Federation and served for nine years from 2010 to 2019. 

President Kapila holds an Advisory status with UNESCOS, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and serves on road safety initiatives with the UN. 

He has dedicated his career to advancing infrastructure development, road safety and sustainable transport solutions worldwide. He has consistently emphasised the critical role of infrastructure in driving economic growth, social inclusion and sustainable mobility.  

President Kapila champions road safety initiatives, high-quality infrastructure and innovative solutions that reduce traffic fatalities and improve transport efficiency. The recognition and FIDIC’s global stage underscore his role in aligning engineering excellence with the urgent need for inclusive, safe, green and efficient mobility systems.  

A Reflection of IRF’s Global Mission  

The honor of the Louis Prangey Award reflects the IRF’s mission to promote safer roads, smarter infrastructure and sustainable mobility worldwide. It is a historic moment, reaffirming the power of purpose-driven leadership in infrastructure and mobility.  

Under President Kapala’s leadership, IRF continues to build capacity, foster innovation and advocate for stronger international standards in transport safety and infrastructure development.  

Presenting the award, FIDIC president Catherine Karakatsanis said: “Our winner has an impressive track record of volunteer activities for FIDIC and other organisations and he has made a significant difference to the industry, to his profession and to the world in which we all work. A role model, inspiration and true friend to FIDIC across many decades, Kiran’s work has been instrumental, enhancing the reputation of the FIDIC across the global construction and infrastructure sector.”