Inaugurating the Three-day International Conference on “Innovations in Structural Engineering” organised by Osmania University, Hyderabad Metro Rail Managing Director NVS Reddy appealed to structural engineers, engineering professors and students to find low-cost, safe and sustainable technological solutions for a variety of problems faced by mankind. Recollecting the contributions made by structural engineering discipline for human development and comfort, he exhorted the structural engineers to be more innovative and socially conscious to face new challenges in a globalized era.
Explaining the problems posed by global population explosion, unsustainable modern life styles, over exploitation of natural resources, global warming and so on, Reddy indicated that structural engineers have to come up with more innovative engineering designs and cheaper but stronger materials to cater to the needs of ordinary and poor people, who are aspiring for better amenities and comforts. He also stressed on the importance of cross disciplinary approach and involvement of other stakeholders like builders, contractors and non-engineers to align their research efforts to the needs of their clients and the society at large.
On the challenges faced by the HMR project, Reddy said only 35% of the challenges are engineering-related and 65% are non-engineering challenges. He also explained that with innovative technical solutions, conversion of 85% of the project works into pre-cast mode, constant engagement with different stakeholders and better communication strategies, the project is being executed on a fast track with minimum inconvenience to road users in the highly congested roads of Hyderabad.
He also stated that the Metro Rail project is being used as an opportunity to redesign Hyderabad as an eco-friendly and people-friendly green city with emphasis on women, children, old people and differently abled persons. The Hyderabad Metro project, which was earlier written off by several people, was being executed against many odds with sheer grit and determination and it is now winning several national and international awards and setting new standards with innovative structural solutions and latest technologies, he added. He also observed that HMR project would substantially contribute to Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s vision of making Hyderabad a global city. Reddy also released a volume of about 170 research papers contributed by eminent structural engineers and researchers on the occasion.
Head, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Hyderabad Prof.KVL Subramaniam; Principal, University College of Engineering, Osmania University Prof. S. Ramachandram; Organising Secretary Prof. Bhikshma; Head, CED, Osmania University Prof. M. Kumar; several engineering professors, experts and students from different parts of the country and abroad participated in the Conference. (NSS)