Hafeez Contractor, Founder, Architect Hafeez Contractor (AHC)

Mr. Hafeez Contractor is a renowned architect and the Principal Architect and Sole Proprietor of Architect Hafeez Contractor, based in Fort, Mumbai. Widely recognized for shaping India’s contemporary urban landscape, his work reflects a strong commitment to design innovation, efficient execution, and advanced construction technologies.

With a diverse and expansive portfolio, he has designed projects across multiple sectors, including residential developments, hospitals, hotels, corporate offices, banking institutions, commercial complexes, shopping malls, educational institutions, sports and recreational facilities, townships, airports, railway stations, and civic redevelopment initiatives. Notable projects include the modernization of New Delhi and Mumbai airports, Imperial Towers in Mumbai, and Marina Tower in Dubai

Over the years, he has received numerous prestigious awards for his contribution to architecture, including Architect of the Year and Icon of the Year. He is also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours.

D.K. Sen, Advisor to CMD, Development Projects & Minerals & Metals, Larsen & Toubro and Former Whole-Time Director & Sr. Executive Vice President (Development Projects), Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

Mr. D.K. Sen is Advisor to the Chairman & Managing Director for Development Projects and Minerals & Metals at Larsen & Toubro, and a former Whole-Time Director and Senior Executive Vice President. With over three decades of experience, he has played a pivotal role in delivering complex infrastructure projects across India and international markets.

A Civil Engineering graduate from IIT Kharagpur and a postgraduate in Business Management from XLRI Jamshedpur, he began his career with leading organizations such as Tata Steel and Development Consultants before joining L&T in 1989. Over the years, he has led diverse functions spanning design, engineering, project execution, and business development.

He was instrumental in the successful execution of landmark projects, including the Mumbai International Airport, and significantly expanded L&T’s transportation infrastructure portfolio across roads, railways, and airports. He has also contributed to major international projects in the Middle East and South Asia, while actively engaging with leading industry bodies and academic institutions.

Pradeep Singh, Former Vice Chairman & Managing Director, IDFC Projects

Mr. Pradeep Singh, Former Vice Chairman & Managing Director of IDFC Projects Ltd, brings over four decades of distinguished experience across government, private sector, and academia. A former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, he served for 17 years with the Government of Assam, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence.

Transitioning to the infrastructure sector, he held leadership roles as CEO of IL&FS Infrastructure Development Corporation and Vice Chairman & MD of IDFC Projects, where he spearheaded project development and financing across multiple sectors in partnership with central and state governments. He later joined the Indian School of Business as CEO of its Mohali campus and Deputy Dean, contributing to the launch of specialized programmes in infrastructure and public policy.

He has also served as Advisor (Infrastructure) to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and continues to mentor, consult, and serve on corporate boards globally.

Sumit Banerjee, Former CEO-Infrastructure Business, Reliance Infrastructure & Former Vice Chairman, Reliance Cement

Mr. Sumit Banerjee is a seasoned industry leader with extensive experience across infrastructure, cement, metals, and engineering sectors. He currently serves as Chairman of ASAPP Info Global Services Private Limited and is an Independent Director on the boards of several listed and unlisted companies. He has previously held key leadership roles, including Vice Chairman of Reliance Cement and CEO – Infrastructure Business at Reliance Infrastructure. As Managing Director and CEO of ACC Limited, he led the organisation to outstanding growth and performance.

A Mechanical Engineer from IIT Kharagpur, he is widely recognized for his leadership and business acumen, receiving accolades such as Corporate Citizen of the Year by CNBC-TV18. He has also contributed significantly to education and skill development, serving on the Board of Governors of IIM Lucknow and engaging with leading industry institutions.

Sandeep Singh, Managing Director, Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Company

Mr. Sandeep Singh is the Managing Director of Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Company and a seasoned leader with over three decades of experience across automobiles, tractors, and construction equipment industries in India and overseas. Known for his strategic vision and leadership, he has successfully driven business growth, built strong market strategies, and led cross-functional teams across geographies.

An engineering graduate from National Institute of Technology Surat, he began his career with the Mahindra Group before moving to JCB India, where he served as Executive Vice President – Sales & Marketing. He later spent over two decades with Toyota in multiple leadership roles, including Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer in India, followed by a strategic role at Toyota Motor Asia Pacific headquarters in Bangkok.

Since joining Tata Hitachi in 2015, he has been instrumental in strengthening its market position. He also serves as Executive Officer at Hitachi Construction Machinery, Japan, and holds key industry leadership roles.

Sanjay Seth, Vice President & CEO, GRIHA Council and Senior Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Programme, TERI

Mr. Sanjay Seth is Vice President & CEO of the GRIHA Council and Senior Director of the Sustainable Infrastructure Programme at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). With nearly three decades of experience in the power and sustainable infrastructure sectors, he has played a key role in advancing energy efficiency and green building initiatives in India.

Prior to joining TERI, he served with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power, where he led the Building Energy Efficiency vertical. He also held the position of Interim Secretary, overseeing administration, financial management, and implementation of national programmes, including the National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE), as well as international collaborations.

A civil engineer by training, he has extensive experience across both supply and demand sides of the power sector and continues to contribute to policy, sustainability, and capacity-building initiatives.

Subodh Chandra Dixit, Former Executive Director - Engineering & Construction, Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Private Limited (SPCPL)

Mr. Subodh Chandra Dixit is the former Executive Director – Engineering & Construction at Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Private Limited, with over three decades of extensive experience in the construction industry. A Civil Engineering graduate from BITS Pilani and a postgraduate from IIT Bombay, he brings deep technical and managerial expertise.

He joined Shapoorji Pallonji in 1996 and held several leadership roles, including Executive Vice President, Director – Operations, and President (Construction Group). He led the company’s Engineering & Construction business in India, overseeing operations, business development, and strategic planning. Under his leadership, the organisation achieved sustained growth and executed a diverse portfolio spanning commercial, residential, institutional, airport, healthcare, and sports infrastructure projects. He also championed the adoption of advanced construction technologies, including BIM and innovative methodologies.

Vinayak Pai, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Tata Projects Ltd.

Mr. Vinayak Pai is the Managing Director & CEO of Tata Projects Limited, a leading technology-driven EPC company delivering sustainable solutions across infrastructure, buildings, energy, and industrial sectors. Under his leadership, the company has executed several landmark projects, including the New Parliament Building, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, and Noida International Airport.

Prior to joining Tata Projects, he held global leadership roles with Jacobs and Worley, managing businesses across more than 50 countries in the US and Europe. He is an influential industry leader, serving as Vice Chairman of Confederation of Indian Industry Maharashtra and Chairman of its National Committee on Roads & Highways, while also contributing to multiple industry bodies.

An alumnus of the College of Engineering, Pune, with advanced management qualifications from Symbiosis and IIT Bombay, he has received several prestigious awards recognising his contributions to the infrastructure sector.

Lt. Gen. Rajeev Chaudhry, Former Director General, Border Roads Organisation

Lt. Gen. Rajeev Chaudhry is the former Director General of the Border Roads Organisation, with over four decades of distinguished service in the Indian Army. He brings extensive expertise in engineering and infrastructure development, project and defence management, strategic planning, and training.

During his tenure, he led the execution of critical infrastructure projects in some of the most challenging terrains and climatic conditions, including strategic roads, tunnels, bridges, and airfields. He is recognised for driving operational efficiency, fostering high-performing teams, and introducing modern construction technologies and digital systems in project delivery.

A thought leader in his field, he has authored several papers on military leadership and the strategic importance of border infrastructure in national security. His contributions have been widely acknowledged through prestigious honours, including the CIDC Vishwakarma Achievement Award and the Infra Focus Award, recognising his outstanding impact on infrastructure development at the national level.

Pratap Padode, Founder & President, FIRST Construction Council

Mr. Pratap Padode is the Founder & President of the FIRST Construction Council and a pioneer in infrastructure-focused media and policy advocacy. With a background in chartered accountancy, he began his career in financial journalism before establishing the ASAPP Info Global Group in 1999 to serve the construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors.

He has been instrumental in promoting India’s Smart Cities movement through the Smart Cities Council India, launched in 2014, and continues to drive policy dialogue and industry reform through the FIRST Construction Council. Over the years, he has actively advocated for critical issues such as steel quality standards, emission norms for construction equipment, and reforms in municipal and land acquisition policies.

A recipient of the Asian Multimedia Publishing Awards and the CIDC Vishwakarma Award for Best Journalist, he remains committed to advancing sustainable infrastructure and nation-building initiatives.