The International Road Federation (IRF) India Chapter has named Akhilesh Srivastava, a globally recognized technocrat and road safety advocate, as its new President. This strategic appointment underscores IRF’s commitment to advancing India’s transportation and road infrastructure through innovation, sustainability, and enhanced safety measures.
A Leader with a Proven Track Record
Mr. Srivastava brings decades of transformative leadership in road infrastructure and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Currently serving as President of ITS India Forum, he has been instrumental in integrating cutting-edge technologies to modernize India’s mobility landscape. His prior roles include:
- Head of IT & Highway Operations at NHAI
- COO of Indian Highway Management Company Limited (IHMCL)
- Founding CEO of NHAI InvIT, pioneering highway asset monetization
He is widely acclaimed for spearheading key initiatives such as:
- FASTag-based Electronic Toll Collection
- AI-powered Road Asset Management Systems
- NHAI Data Lake for real-time highway monitoring
- Conceptualizing Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling using Satellite & ANPR technologies
IRF: A Global Force in Road Infrastructure Development
The International Road Federation (IRF), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, operates in 149+ countries, collaborating with the UN, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank to shape global transport policies. The IRF India Chapter plays a pivotal role in aligning India’s road infrastructure with international best practices in safety, sustainability, and smart mobility.
Strategic Priorities Under Srivastava’s Leadership
As President, Mr. Srivastava has outlined three key focus areas:
1. Tackling India’s Road Safety Crisis
- India accounts for 11% of global road fatalities despite having only 1.8% of the world’s vehicles.
- A multi-dimensional approach (engineering, enforcement, emergency care, education, and policy) will be adopted.
- AI-based crash prediction, blackspot management, and real-time enforcement systems will be prioritized.
- Alignment with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030).
2. Advancing Sustainable & Net-Zero Road Infrastructure
- Promoting low-carbon materials, EV infrastructure, and multi-modal transport integration.
- Advocating for digitized planning, carbon budgeting, and lifecycle assessments.
- Attracting global climate finance and green technology investments for India’s transport sector.
3. Digital Transformation Across the Road Lifecycle
- Adoption of AI, IoT, ML, and satellite tech in planning, construction, and maintenance.
- Accelerating Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) and Satellite-Based Tolling.
- Implementing High-Speed Weigh-in-Motion (HSWIM), Digital Twins, and Predictive Maintenance.
Strengthening Collaborations & Capacity Building
Under Mr. Srivastava’s leadership, IRF India will:
- Partner with MoRTH, NHAI, state PWDs, and urban mobility authorities.
- Establish Centers of Excellence in collaboration with ITS India to foster innovation.
- Conduct technical training programs and drive policy recommendations for smarter infrastructure.
A New Era for India’s Road Infrastructure
Mr. Srivastava’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as India expands its highway network while addressing challenges in safety, congestion, and emissions. His data-driven, tech-enabled approach is expected to position India as a global leader in smart, sustainable, and safe road infrastructure.
For media inquiries, please contact:
International Road Federation (IRF) India Chapter
Email: info@indiairf.org | Website: www.indiairf.org
