Public infrastructure hailed as the backbone of societal progress, must align with economic growth, inclusivity, and climate resilience, concluded global leaders and experts during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos.
The panel featured distinguished speakers including H.M. King Letsie III of Lesotho; Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Greater Toronto Airports Authority; Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia; Arjun Dhawan, Vice-Chairman of Hindustan Construction Company; and Aja Whitaker Moore, Editor-in-Chief of Axios.
Arjun Dhawan provided a detailed overview of India’s ambitious infrastructure program, highlighting the transformative National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP). This government-backed initiative aims to channel USD 1.5 trillion into infrastructure development over the next five to seven years.
“India has finally reached an infrastructure program it deserves, and the scale of investment is historic,” Dhawan remarked. He underscored the critical role of public planning, stating, “Execution excellence is critical for private sector viability. Rigorous public planning and strong institutions are necessary to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.”
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Dhawan also noted a significant increase in private sector participation in India’s infrastructure development. “Private investment in infrastructure has grown from 10 per cent to 22 per cent, with a target of reaching 33 per cent,” he said, reflecting rising confidence among private players in the government’s vision and ongoing reforms.
He emphasised the importance of creating a favourable environment for private investments through clear policies, robust contract management, and transparent governance. On project execution, Dhawan stressed the necessity of multimodal infrastructure to enhance connectivity and efficiency. “Optionality and multimodal infrastructure are key for long-term success, ensuring seamless integration across transportation modes,” he explained.
Citing examples of world-class highways, metro systems, and renewable energy initiatives, Dhawan lauded India’s growing expertise in managing large-scale projects. “The success of these projects reflects India’s ability to blend ambition with operational precision,” he concluded.