Exclusive Interview with Mukta Mitra, Joint General Manager, RITES Ltd

Ms. Mukta Mitra brings a wealth of expertise in Civil Engineering, backed by a remarkable 17-year career dedicated to track Alignment design. Her profound knowledge encompasses pivotal aspects such as design review, integration of turnouts and crossovers in Track layout, depot layout planning, and the meticulous formulation of track tender documents. Specializing in metro-railway Alignment design, Ms. Mitra has been a driving force behind the approval processes for track structures, managing crucial correspondence with RDSO/CMRS and overseeing meticulous documentation for CMRS inspections in the pre-commissioning phase of various metro projects.

At the core of Ms. Mitra's specialization is her keen eye for detail in reviewing track designs, spanning rails, turnouts, concrete sleepers, and expansion joints, particularly for ballastless tracks on the main line and ballasted tracks within depot areas. Her proficiency extends to the intricate design of Metro track Alignment, development of technical specifications, and rigorous adherence to RDSO guidelines. Notably, her expertise includes implementing vibration mitigation measures across a vast expanse of metro projects, covering elevated, at-grade, and underground installations, along with 10 depots associated with diverse metro projects, totaling more than 150 kilometers.

Ms. Mukta Mitra's impact extends beyond the design phase as she provides invaluable support to on-site execution teams, swiftly addressing site-specific challenges and managing technical correspondence related to contracts. Her unwavering commitment to excellence has played a pivotal role in the successful execution of numerous metro projects, establishing her as a reliable and accomplished professional in the field of track Alignment design. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Ms. Mitra was honored as the "Emerging Metro Women of the Year" at the esteemed 3rd Urban Infra Business Summit & Awards 2023 held on December 7, 2023, at the India International Centre, New Delhi.

How do you feel about receiving the Urban Infra Business Leadership Award, and what does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

Receiving the Urban Infra Business Leadership Award was an immense honour for me both personally and professionally. It reaffirms the significance of our collective efforts toward sustainable urban development. Personally, it serves as a validation of the commitment and dedication invested in advancing urban infrastructure solutions. Professionally, it highlights the importance of collaborative endeavours in shaping the future of our cities.

In your opinion, how significant are events like the Urban Infra Business Summit & Awards in fostering collaboration and innovation within the Urban Infrastructure sector?

Events like the Urban Infra Business Summit & Awards are instrumental in fostering collaboration and innovation within the Urban Infrastructure sector. They provide a platform for stakeholders to converge, exchange ideas, and explore synergies. These gatherings serve as catalysts for meaningful partnerships, knowledge sharing, and the incubation of transformative ideas vital for the sector's growth.

What aspects of the summit and the awards ceremony did you find most impactful or memorable?

Among the many impactful aspects of the summit and the awards ceremony, the diversity of perspectives shared by industry leaders stood out. The engaging panel discussions and case studies illustrating successful urban development projects were particularly memorable. Additionally, the networking opportunities facilitated valuable connections that often spark innovative collaborations.

As an industry leader, what role do you believe the recognition of excellence plays in driving positive change and inspiring others in the field?

Recognition of excellence plays a pivotal role in driving positive change and inspiring others in the field. It sets benchmarks, motivates aspiring professionals, and encourages the adoption of best practices. When leaders are acknowledged for their contributions, it creates a ripple effect, motivating others to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to the industry's growth.

Are there any specific suggestions you have for improving future editions of the Urban Infra Business Summit & Awards, or aspects you would like to see emphasized in upcoming events?

To enhance future editions of the Urban Infra Business Summit & Awards, I suggest incorporating more interactive workshops or breakout sessions. These would allow participants to delve deeper into specific challenges faced by the sector, encouraging actionable discussions and problem-solving. Additionally, dedicating a segment to emerging technologies and their role in urban infrastructure could further enrich the event.

Once again, I extend my gratitude for this recognition and commend you for organizing such a remarkable event. I am eagerly looking forward to witnessing the continued success and impact of the Urban Infra Business Summit & Awards in the years to come.