India’s Transport System Needs Urgent Modernisation: Babubhai Bhawanji
By | Arvind Jadhav
Singapore Experts Present AI-Based Solutions at Maharashtra Sadan
New Delhi, December 18, 2025:
In a significant step towards addressing India’s growing traffic and transport challenges, a high-level seminar showcasing advanced global technologies was held at Maharashtra Sadan, New Delhi. The event focused on modernising India’s transport ecosystem through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart mobility solutions, with special emphasis on improving urban traffic flow, highway safety, and tourism-linked transport infrastructure.
Seminar Organised by Phulora Foundation
The seminar was organised by the Phoolora Foundation and witnessed the participation of a distinguished delegation from ST Engineering, Singapore. The Singaporean experts presented innovative, AI-driven solutions aimed at streamlining traffic management, reducing congestion, and enhancing public transport efficiency across metropolitan cities and national highways.
Inauguration by Ramdas Athawale
The seminar was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister of State, Government of India, Ramdas Athawale. Welcoming the international delegation, he praised the initiative for bringing global expertise to India and acknowledged the social and national contributions of Phoolora Foundation’s Managing Trustee and former Deputy Mayor Babubhai Bhawanji, along with Chairman Arun Sabnis. The Minister also interacted with the delegates and extended warm hospitality during the visit.
Babubhai Bhawanji Flags India’s Traffic Crisis
Addressing the gathering, Babubhai Bhawanji expressed serious concern over the deteriorating traffic conditions across the country. He stressed that unplanned growth, outdated systems, and lack of technology integration have turned traffic congestion into a major economic and social challenge. He underlined the need for immediate adoption of smart, technology-based solutions to ensure safer roads and smoother mobility for citizens.
Centre’s Tourism Department Sees Strong Link with Transport
Highlighting the role of the Central Government, leaders at the event emphasised that efficient transport systems are crucial for boosting tourism in India. Poor traffic management around tourist destinations, highways, and airports often impacts visitor experience and economic potential. Strengthening transport infrastructure through smart traffic systems, intelligent highways, and integrated urban mobility is now a priority area for the Centre’s tourism development strategy.
Maharashtra Minister Shri Rawal invited the Singapore delegation to Mumbai and proposed a joint interaction involving Union and State Ministers, officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and key stakeholders. The objective is to explore pilot projects where advanced traffic and transport technologies can be implemented at major tourist corridors, heritage cities, and high-footfall destinations.
Singapore Delegation Presents AI-Based Innovations
The Singapore delegation, comprising Dev Lee, Ang Kam Sia, Dr. Chong Chi, and Hong Yu Ling, presented cutting-edge AI-based systems for real-time traffic monitoring, predictive congestion management, smart signaling, and accident prevention. These technologies, successfully deployed in global cities, were showcased as scalable solutions suitable for India’s diverse transport landscape.
Symbolic Honour and Cultural Exchange
Concluding the event on a cultural note, both Union Ministers honoured the foreign delegates with thread-art portraits of Lord Gautam Buddha—symbolising peace, harmony, and global cooperation—created by Indian artists. The gesture highlighted India’s blend of technological ambition and cultural values.
Way Forward
The seminar marked an important step towards collaboration between India and Singapore in the transport and mobility sector. With strong backing from the Centre, including the Tourism Department, such initiatives are expected to play a key role in improving traffic systems, supporting tourism growth, and building smarter, safer cities across India.
