SYSTRA CEO Jean Charles Vollery reflects on groundbreaking India Visit and future growth

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): Jean Charles Vollery, the newly appointed Group CEO of SYSTRA, recently completed a momentous three-day visit to India, marking his first official trip to the country since taking the helm of the global engineering consultancy. The visit not only brought back fond memories of SYSTRA’s beginnings in India but also showcased the company’s significant role in the country’s rapidly evolving transport infrastructure.

Vollery’s trip was a reflective one, recalling the early days of SYSTRA India, which began operations 18 years ago. Today, the subsidiary has grown to become the largest team within the SYSTRA Group, a testament to the company’s commitment to the Indian market. Vollery expressed particular pride in the long-standing careers of two of the company’s first engineers, who, having joined as fresh graduates, continue to contribute to SYSTRA's mission with the same dedication they had when they first started.

During his visit, Vollery met with key clients, government officials, and SYSTRA India teams, gaining first-hand insight into India’s transformative transportation landscape. He highlighted the country's impressive progress in metro systems, with 17 cities already boasting operational networks and plans to expand to at least 50 in the near future, guided by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Furthermore, the Ministry of Railways and NHSRC are planning new high-speed rail corridors that aim to connect major cities and hubs across the country.

“SYSTRA is at the heart of India’s transportation revolution,” said Vollery. The company plays a pivotal role in major infrastructure projects, including its work as Project Management Consultant (PMC) on the redevelopment of key transportation hubs such as Delhi's NDSL, Mumbai’s CSMT, and Ahmedabad’s major stations.

Reflecting on SYSTRA’s rich history in India, Vollery noted the company’s enduring legacy, which dates back to 1957 when it supported Indian Railways’ electrification. Over the decades, SYSTRA has maintained its leadership in the Indian market by focusing on innovation, digitalization of engineering processes, and optimizing project efficiency while improving safety and environmental sustainability.

A key highlight of Vollery’s visit was his tour of Pune Metro Phase 1, where SYSTRA served as General Consultant. Vollery was particularly impressed by the Aqua Line, which, just months after becoming fully operational, was already seeing heavy passenger traffic, underscoring the success and positive impact of metro systems on urban populations. He extended his congratulations to Maha Metro and the SYSTRA team for their significant contribution to the project.

Vollery also shared his appreciation for India’s vibrant culture and diversity, emphasizing that his trip was more than just about groundbreaking projects and technical excellence. "India is a blend of culture, diversity, enduring friendships, and unforgettable moments," he said, referencing the company’s annual event in Delhi, themed “Mélange,” which celebrated the multicultural spirit of SYSTRA’s organization.

As Vollery closed his visit, he expressed gratitude towards Hari Somalraju and the Indian Management Team for their instrumental role in positioning SYSTRA India as a market leader. With unwavering support from shareholders Latour Capital, Fimalac, SNCF, and RATP, Vollery is confident that SYSTRA is well-positioned to double its size in the coming years while remaining true to its core values of innovation, sustainability, and excellence in engineering.

India continues to be a cornerstone for SYSTRA’s growth, with the company firmly embedded in the country's ambitious plans for future transport infrastructure.