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The conference was inaugurated by Maj Genl US Dadu, Additional Director General, Border Roads Organization. In his inaugural address, Maj Gen Dadu highlighted on road development projects in North-East region undertaken by the Border Roads Organization and mentioned that the region needs special focus on creating infrastructure, especially construction of roads and highways in the border areas. Connectivity between all the North-East region would create a sound industrial atmosphere in the region. The border line of North-East region with the other countries should get top priority in terms of infrastructure development and better connectivity to the people residing in the border areas. He also mentioned that huge amount of work is to be done in the North-East which is possible only by large scale mechanization and infusion of technology. This would require adequate skilled manpower in the region and appropriate technology. ICEMA could play an important role in skill development and supply of appropriate equipment suitable for North-East projects.

Naveen Kumar, Director, Border Roads Organisation, made a detailed presentation on the various road projects in North-East which cover approximately 13,000 km of road. Amit Gossain, President, ICEMA, in his welcome address, highlighted ICEMA?s initiatives for providing equipment and technology which are suitable for North-East projects. He mentioned that the conference was specially organised to provide substantial focus on infrastructure development in the region.

A detailed presentation on Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in North-East (SARDP-NE) was made by Sudip Chaudhury, Superintending Engineer, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. The scope of the programme has been enlarged from time to time and government has given approval of 2/4 laning of 6,418 km of various categories of roads under Phase A. Government has also given approval for preparation of detailed project report for 3,723 km of roads under Phase B. The total project cost would be about Rs 40,000 crore under SARDP-NE and NHDP-II.

G Baishya, General Manager, Assam Industrial Development Corporation, highlighted Assam Government?s initiatives towards high standard industrial infrastructure development at various locations in the state. The vision of the government is to enrich the state of Assam through a vibrant and sustained industrial growth and to facilitate speedy industrial growth through optimal utilization of available resources.

Glenville da Silva, Chairman, Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council (IESC), spoke about skill development initiatives undertaken by the Council. The Council is expected to train over two million operators in the next 8-10 years. Debnil Chakravarty, Business Head, SREI BNP Paribas, made a presentation on equipment financing and leasing.

The conference was attended by over 180 participants including state government officials, project authorities, equipment manufacturers and banks/financial institutions.