The expected influx of hundreds of millions of people into major urban centers around the world will create unprecedented new demands for government to add or update infrastructure that support opportunity, stimulate economies and improve quality of life.
In countries where infrastructure gaps already exist, like India —where more than 600 million people are expected to live in urban areas in the next two decades — rapid urbanization and population growth pose complex challenges.
With India’s diverse and growing economy Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has launched ambitious efforts to reduce the social and physical infrastructure deficiencies facing a nation of more than 1 billion people, including 100 Smart Cities and other initiatives for job creation, housing and urban renewal of 500 cities. These efforts can be advanced through the support and investment of the global business community. As the issues posed by urbanization cross borders and require long-range planning, there’s plenty of opportunity for collaboration to ensure that cities and governments need not go it alone.
Here in the United States, we’re experiencing a similar rural-to-urban population shift alongside crumbling roads and bridges. The American Society of Civil Engineers recently gave the country a “D+” grade for our nation’s infrastructure performance.
Forward-looking governments are working hard to find the necessary funding to get the job done. They are rightly pursuing strategies to ensure that the infrastructure created is sustainable and resilient to better extract long-term value, enhance the quality of life and safety of citizens, and weather the changes that are certain to come.
At AECOM, we’re fusing science, engineering, construction and design to help support infrastructure demands, transform and connect communities and positively impact lives in India. With more than 2,500 people across eight regional offices in the country executing mega projects across the country with a total construction cost of more than $22.5 billion, we’re already demonstrating our commitment to India’s growth. Our work includes design, infrastructure planning and delivery of five new greenfield cities for the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, the sewage master plan for Delhi 2030 and metro rail projects in six cities.
Further, we’re answering the call to help India modernize and build sustainable cities. AECOM is leading a consortium, which includes KPMG and IBM, to prepare the smart city masterplan and infrastructure project plans for the port city of Vishakhapatnam to support its economic and growth ambitions. Every day, we’re working hard on projects that will build smarter, greener and resilient cities. We’re investing in India’s workforce through expansion of operations and ensuring the critical infrastructure is in place so we can improve the quality of life.
Not only do these efforts create better cities with improved services, they fortify the competiveness of American businesses around the world. A strong trade market abroad means a dynamic job market at home.
Advancing business community partnerships and collaboration can lead to improved infrastructure outcomes in both the U.S. and India.
Working groups between our two great nations, such as the US-India CEO Forum, only strengthen our collective ability to build a better world. I am proud to be a member of this year’s CEO Forum and look forward to collaborating with both public and private partners to improve commercial relations between the U.S. and India.
Department of Commerce Guest blog post by Michael S. Burke, Chairman and CEO, AECOM
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