Steve Edwards - Chairman and CEO, Black & Veatch, shares his perspective on the Indian infrastructure market, his company´s offerings, and the shortcomings in the current EPC contract mechanism in the country.

The roads sector had witnessed an aggressive bidding during the financial year 2011 and 2012. Projects of over 11,000 km were awarded during these years. But the lack of proper governance affected the execution of most of these projects.

We would like to contribute to the growth and development of rail transportation in India through our experience and capabilities acquired by delivering projects globally.

India, being one of the major developing economies, has seen significant growth in the infrastructure sector in the last few years. Such infrastructure projects usually require expertise and specialised resources in specific arenas within the project, mooting for the parties to enter into Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts.

The recommendation by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Maharashtra state government to add two more lanes to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link project is not only a simple and logical recommendation but also a necessary one.

There has been a significant mindset change in the approach of NHAI and its officers. This is the most significant improvement in the working situation that we have ushered in.

India is already among the world´s largest energy consumers. Urbanisation, industrialisation, and the government´s commitment to 24 x7 energy access for all imply that our need for power will continue to grow.

The road sector has gathered steam with the government´s focus on the revival of the investment cycle. Over the next six months, the government plans to award road projects worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore.

The population surge, rapid urbanisation, and the consequent congestion have time and again fuelled the ´need for speed´. Mass rapid transit system like the metro rail has dawned as a panacea in this regard.