MIT-WPU Hosts Industry-Academia Interaction 2026 on Underground Construction and Trenchless Technology

Aug 24, 2026

MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, hosted the Industry-Academia Interaction 2026 on Underground Construction and Trenchless Technology at the Vivekanand Auditorium. Organised by the Indian Society for Trenchless Technology (IndSTT) and the International Council of Consultants (ICC) – Maharashtra Centre, in association with MIT-WPU, the event brought together industry leaders, consultants, government officials, researchers, academicians and students to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging innovations and explore opportunities for collaboration in the field.

Underground infrastructure plays a vital role in the development of modern cities. As India moves towards Smart Cities, sustainable development and resilient infrastructure, trenchless technologies are increasingly enabling future-ready solutions while minimising surface disruption. Against this backdrop, the interaction focused on the latest developments, challenges and opportunities in underground construction and trenchless technology. The event aimed to promote stronger collaboration between industry and academia, share the latest advancements in trenchless technology, encourage research, innovation and skill development, and support sustainable and cost-effective underground infrastructure.

The expert sessions offered participants insights into diverse aspects of underground infrastructure and trenchless technology. Dr. Sanjay Rana, Founder and Managing Director, Parsan Overseas (P) Limited, spoke on the basics of geotechnical investigations for large-scale infrastructure projects. Mr. Atul Gadgil, Director (Works), Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited, also addressed the participants, sharing his industry perspective.

The programme further featured Mr. Ehteshamul Haque, Managing Director – Indian Subcontinent, Digital Control Incorporated, who discussed recent technologies, advantages and limitations in HDD tracking. Mr. Faiz Ahmad, Business Development Manager, Sekisui Singapore Pte Ltd, presented insights into transforming ageing pipelines through Sekisui's Trenchless Spiral Pipe Method.

Mr. Sunir Garg, Director-Technical, Gypsum Structural India Pvt Ltd, spoke on microtunnelling for urban underground infrastructure, while Mr. Sriram Ganesan, Managing Director, Perma-Liner Industries (Singapore) Pte Ltd, highlighted emerging technologies for pipeline condition assessment and their role in NRW reduction.

The interaction created a platform for meaningful dialogue between academia and industry, enabling students and researchers to engage with current technologies, practical challenges and emerging opportunities in the sector. The event was supported by the Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC), Indian Geotechnical Society (IGS) Pune Chapter and HIDC.

Through such industry-academia engagements, MIT-WPU continues to create opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaborative learning and innovation, contributing to the development of future-ready skills and sustainable infrastructure solutions.