National Conference on Technological advances in concrete pavements & bridges organised by ICI

Keeping our country infrastructure requirements and civil engineers needs ICI – (Hyderabad) Telangana Centre had organized a one-day National Conference on “Technological Advances in Concrete Pavements & Bridges” on Saturday 6th July 2019 at Hotel Best Western Ashoka, Hyderabad. All the dignitaries were invited on to the dais and inaugural ceremony commenced with lighting of lamp by Hon’ble Union Minister Sri G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Home Affairs in Government of India and Guest of Honours Dr. Mohan Kanda, former Chief Secretary and Sri N. V. S. REDDY, Managing Director of Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited and other followed by a prayer song. In welcome address delivered by Ad & Er. P. Srinivas Reddy, B.Tech, M.B.A, L.L.M Civil Engineer & Advocate, Chairman of Indian Concrete Institute (Hyderabad) Telangana Center, explained the role of ICI in bringing innovations in construction, design, maintenance and rehabilitation of concrete pavements and bridges, which are part of national infrastructure. Indeed, he had given a call from this conference, as concrete professionals “together we can create DURABLE INFRSTRUCTURE” by adopting appropriate advanced products, technologies and services in service of nation. Hon’ble Union Minister Sri G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Home Affairs in Government of India, addressed the gathering consisting of about 200 connected with construction of infrastructure sectors like planners, policy makers, designers contractors architects, project contract management, legal & financial industry stalwarts from across India. Chief Guest, Hon’ble Central Minister, emphasized that Speed and Quality are essential for project authorities and service providers. Highlighted that MODI 2.0 commitment to move economy and create jobs by creating $ 5 trillion domestic market, where, both Rural and Urban Infrastructure creation plays vital role. From this conference, Hon’ble Minister called upon engineers, particularly civil engineers to be proactive in adopting creative ideas and alternative solutions, there by professionals can be part of Nation Building i.e NEW INDIA. Dr. Mohan Kanda, Indian Administrative Service officer of the 1968 batch, former Chief Secretary, Govt of A.P, shared his experience and expertise in policy making for critical infrastructure projects, encouraging latest technology by government and working relationship between bureaucrats and technocrats to accomplish the projects in public interest on time avoiding cost over runs. Sri N. V. S. REDDY, Managing Director of Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited, narrated in making Hyderabad Metro Rail consisting of 72 KM elevated corridor a reality, where many ruled out that this project is impossible, at planning stage. With engineers commitment and usage of latest technologies, wonders were created in Hyderabad Metro construction. He summarized, civil engineers should convert challenges into opportunities. Dr Manamohan Kalgal, Imm. Past President at ICI, Prof K. Ganesh Babu, IITM, Conference Convener also addressed the gathering. CONCRETE DAY and ICI ULTRATECH CONCRETE EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2019 Brochure released by Hon’ble Union Minister Sri G. Kishan Reddy garu.  Er. N. Mavul Rao, Secretary, proposed Vote of thanks. Inauguration of Stalls is done. After Inauguration of Exhibition stalls and Tea break, Technical Sessions I & II were conducted in pre-lunch. Key note address delivered by Er. Binod Kumar, Principal Scientist, Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi on “Concrete Pavements – Innovations for meeting industry challenges” and also shared his expertise on White topping for city roads. Er. P.L. Bongirwar, Secretary (Retd), Govt of Maharastra, worked with MSRDC, Mumbai – Pune Expressway and Advisor to L&T ECC, enlightened on White Topping importance and Success in Pune City as case study. Er. K. Padmakar, BuildValue Plus, Mumbai spoke on “Recent Advance in Materials & Systems for Durable Infrastructure”, by stating functional utility and durability are essential components to be taken care.   Er. Visheh Lal, Manager – Projects& Specifications, Cera- Chem Pvt Ltd, Chennai, presented interesting innovations in “Admixtures for Concrete Pavements”. In post-lunch, technical sessions, Prof. K. Ganesh Babu, IITM & Former Directro, CBRI, discussed on important subject of “Long Span Bridges – Advances in NDT & Rehabilitation” as part of maintenance and rehabilitation to bridges in India. Er. Manikanta Vangari, Transportation Engineer, Satyavani Porjects Pvt Ltd, shared about a case study on “Grade separated rotary for mixed traffic highways intersection”. Er. Diptish Satpathy, Regional Head, Sika India Pvt Ltd, shared experience on “Deck slab waterproofing & structural repairs in bridges” thus awareness in maintaining bridges is discussed.  Er. K P Abraha, Vice _ President (North) ICI has discussed with practical  solutions about “crack control in concrete pavements”.  Er. V. Venkata Ramana the Vice President, Puzzolana, elaborated the need to move from natural sand to manufactured sand and manufacturing solutions available based on site requirements. In valedictory session, Chief Guest Er. Vinay Guptha, President (Elect), ICI and CEO & Director, tendon Consultants Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, delivered key note address on “Challenges involved in Design & Construction of Elevated & underground Metro”. Guests of Honour, Dr. M.U. Aswath, Vice President (South), ICI and Er. Ashwin Moghe, Vice President, Ultratech Cement Ltd addressed gathering. Chief Guest Er. Vinay Guptha released National Conference proceedings and also distributed certificates to participants. Sponsors and Exhibitors were handed over mementos. Vote of thanks proposed by Er. N Mavul Rao, Hon Secretary of ICI – Hyderabad Center. National Conference concluded by singing National Anthem.