Mr. Kumar, could you talk about your journey and experience in the infrastructure industry that led you to the role of Managing Director at Vishwa Samudra Group?

I initially served as the Director and CEO of Krishnapatnam Port in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. During my tenure, I played a role in both the construction and management of the port. Under my leadership, Krishnapatnam Port evolved into India's second-largest private port, boasting a remarkable 42 berths. Navigating the challenges of developing a greenfield port, our responsibilities extended across all infrastructure phases, marking the beginning of a transformative journey in the infrastructure sector.

Our internal infrastructure team played a pivotal role in the complete construction of the port, displaying our expertise in developing intricate superstructures within the marine and civil domains.

With a cumulative experience of over 13 years in successfully navigating the challenges of constructing complex structures, this endeavour marked a significant milestone in our evolution. Today, we stand as a testament to our successful transition into a robust infrastructure company.

What are the present technologies being used in Indian urban transportation? Can you share specific examples of technological innovations that have had a significant impact on improving urban transportation within your projects?

India, with its expansive landscape, has historically witnessed the prevalence of conventional urban transportation systems.

Among these, metro rails emerged as the latest addition and have been successfully implemented in major cities across the country. This innovative mode of transportation represents a significant leap forward in addressing the diverse and growing mobility needs of urban populations.

Yet, in the temple towns of India, characterised by high population density and limited space for expanding existing roads or installing metro rail systems, a novel urban transport solution has emerged: ropeways. Recognising the constraints posed by the size of elevated pillars associated with traditional metro rail infrastructure, ropeways have become a viable alternative. While not a new concept in India, as they have long been operational in the hill stations of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, ropeways are now finding application in addressing the unique transportation challenges of densely populated temple towns.

Urban ropeways are breaking new ground in India. We are currently spearheading the construction of India's inaugural urban ropeway transport system in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, marking the world's third such installation. Commissioned by NHLML, a subsidiary of NHAI, this innovative urban ropeway is poised to revolutionise the landscape of urban transportation in the country, particularly in areas characterised by high population density. The project is set to be a game changer, ushering in a new era by redefining how we navigate and address transportation challenges in densely populated regions.

Is implementing green technology in road construction becoming a reality in India? What do you think are its setbacks, and how will this impact greenhouse gas emissions?

Road construction is inherently associated with environmental impacts, including habitat disruption and significant carbon emissions. We are committed to adopting green technologies as part of our endeavours. Our focus is on implementing sustainable practices that not only conserve natural resources but also actively contribute to reducing carbon emissions. We have incorporated technologies into our road construction endeavours, with a notable example being StabilRoad. Originating from Germany and employed in over 18 countries, we hold the exclusive licence for its use in India, the Maldives, Tanzania, Guyana, and Suriname. This innovative technology, based on a 100 per cent natural mineral additive, employs full-depth recycling and soil stabilisation techniques.

StabilRoad is designed to optimise the existing soil, significantly minimising the need for additional aggregates, resulting in a remarkable 80 per cent reduction in the consumption of natural resources. Beyond resource conservation, this technology also leads to a substantial reduction in fuel requirements for transportation during the construction process, thereby actively lowering carbon emissions.

These two key elements influence the use of this green technology more prominently across India, without compromising on the strength of the road. This approach to road construction certainly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. While there may be initial hesitancy from traditional road construction companies, the advantages of this green technology become increasingly apparent. As the industry evolves, there is a growing realisation of the significance of integrating environmentally friendly practices into construction methodologies.

What, according to you, are the upcoming projects that will change the face of Indian infrastructure in 2024?

I wholeheartedly advocate for the implementation of urban ropeway projects. I believe they are a necessity, particularly in religious pilgrimage towns in the country. The escalating population in these densely populated areas underscores the urgency for a swift, convenient, and eco-friendly mode of transportation. In my view, this initiative will be a game-changer, addressing the immediate needs of these regions. I commend NHAI and NHLML for their visionary approach and commitment to progressive concepts, paving the way for innovative solutions in urban mobility.

Are there upcoming projects or initiatives by the group that you are personally looking forward to?

We are also thrilled to venture into port development once again as we undertake the construction of a deep-water port in Mulapeta, Andhra Pradesh. This dual venture demonstrates our commitment to innovation and diverse contributions to transformative infrastructure projects.

In your vision, what is the potential of eco-friendly infrastructure in boosting development growth in India?

In today's times, the green index and green quotients of countries and companies play a big role in boosting their image and the way they project themselves globally.

This is synonymous with the green initiatives undertaken across industries in the country. The infrastructure and construction industry contribute to almost 18 per cent of the GDP, which is quite enormous.

So, you can imagine the effect green activities can have on the sector, which would then directly contribute to India's image of being an eco-friendly infrastructure-oriented country, which then brings in a lot of European and green-inclined investment and initiatives as they are the zones that are high on this index.

How do you think Indian infrastructure will take shape by 2030?

As we envision the year 2030, we anticipate a landscape adorned with an expanded network of roads connecting cities, enhanced airport infrastructure, and a plethora of innovative transportation solutions. The future holds the promise of greener buildings and the emergence of impressive superstructures such as dams, tunnels, and bridges, designed to simplify the lives of citizens. A robust rural road network will further strengthen connectivity.

The cumulative impact of these advancements will significantly reduce logistics costs, fostering seamless communication and travel. This, in turn, is poised to stimulate business growth, contributing to the overall prosperity of the economy.