The purpose and objective of this experience centre were to showcase live what is available and to make people understand what we talk about. Because, normally, if you look at a product, say healthcare, you can easily understand what is an X-ray or a CT scan machine.

Utilities will have to take intelligent decisions in terms of providing, managing and sustaining themselves in the wake of copious amounts of data that get generated by smart grids of the future. Analytics will play a fundamental role in grid asset maintenance and optimisation.

Project delays, time and cost overrun in infrastructure projects, delays in regulatory approvals and contractual disputes are some of the challenges faced in implementing a project in India.

On the global front, Covestro has made breakthroughs with initiatives such as Solar Impulse and CO2 plant. According to Ajay Durrani, MD, Covestro India, Covestro has identified focus areas in India pertaining to issues that are highly relevant in the local context.

In an exclusive interview, Nadir Patel, High Commissioner, Government of Canada, expressed his views on how experienced Indian companies can pitch in and formulate joint ventures with Canadian companies to take advantage of Canada's billion dollar infrastructure programme.

We are working on many proposals which are unique in nature. Our main intention through smart city proposals is to encourage community gatherings similar to that of European nations.

We have designed this port for the future, keeping in mind the volumes of inbound and outbound trade (that) is likely to happen. Our plan is to bring a Valemax-size vessel which can carry 400 thousand tonnes of iron.

There has been little clarity on the subject. The rates of commercial realty are coming down as a direct consequence. However, while the direct buying/selling market has witnessed sharp corrections, the rental office space business has witnessed no change.

Western economies like Europe and the USA are already quite advanced when it comes to infrastructure development compared to the developing countries. In comparison, economies like China, India and rest of Asia are still showing high growth which would require a lot of infrastructure support to back up this growth.