iDAC Expo 2026 Opens with Visionary Address on Mumbai’s Infrastructure

POSTED BY:- Poonam S. Juthani
DT:-13/03/2026
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On 12th March 2026, the Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, became the hub of India’s architecture, design, and construction community as iDAC Expo 2026 commenced with its inaugural session. The event brought together government leadership, industry experts, and renowned professionals to discuss the future of Mumbai’s infrastructure and sustainable development.

The highlight of the morning was the inaugural address by Shri Eknath Shinde, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Speaking on the theme “Shaping a people-first roadmap for Mumbai’s infrastructure and sustainable growth,” Shinde emphasized the importance of placing citizens at the center of urban planning. He outlined how infrastructure projects must not only meet technical and economic benchmarks but also enhance the quality of life for residents. His remarks underscored the government’s commitment to balancing rapid urbanization with sustainability and inclusivity.

The session also featured the presence of Shri Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Housing, Mining, Cooperation, and School Education. He highlighted the role of housing policies in shaping equitable urban growth and stressed the need for collaborative efforts between government bodies and private developers to address the challenges of affordability and accessibility.

Smt. Ashwini Bhide (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary to the Hon. Chief Minister and Managing Director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, shared insights into the city’s transit-oriented development. She spoke about the transformative impact of metro projects on reducing congestion, improving connectivity, and fostering sustainable mobility. Her perspective reinforced the idea that infrastructure must be integrated with long-term urban planning to create resilient cities.

Shri Sanjeev Jaiswal (IAS), Vice President and CEO of MHADA, discussed housing development initiatives and the importance of aligning them with broader infrastructure goals. He emphasized that housing solutions must be scalable, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities across Mumbai.

Industry voices added further depth to the dialogue. Satish Kumar Sinha, CEO of Mumbai First, spoke about the role of civic organizations in bridging the gap between policy and citizen engagement. Amit Contractor, CEO of Mahindra Lifespaces, highlighted the private sector’s responsibility in driving sustainable real estate development. Noted architect Hafeez Contractor shared his vision for design-led urban transformation, stressing that architecture must evolve to meet the demands of modern cities while retaining cultural identity. Deben Moza, Senior Executive Director at Knight Frank, provided a global perspective on real estate trends and their relevance to Mumbai’s growth trajectory.

The discussions collectively painted a comprehensive picture of Mumbai’s future—one where infrastructure is not merely about physical structures but about creating environments that foster community, sustainability, and economic vitality. The emphasis on a people-first approach resonated throughout the session, with speakers reiterating that development must be inclusive and forward-looking.

The atmosphere at the Jio World Convention Centre was charged with anticipation and optimism. Attendees witnessed a rare convergence of government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and design professionals, all united by a shared vision of shaping Mumbai’s next chapter. The event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on pressing issues such as housing, transit, sustainability, and urban design.

As the inaugural session concluded, it was clear that iDAC Expo 2026 had set the tone for the days ahead. The combination of policy insights, industry expertise, and architectural innovation created a roadmap that is both ambitious and grounded in reality. The discussions reinforced the idea that Mumbai’s growth must be guided by principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term vision.

In summary, the opening of iDAC Expo 2026 was not just an industry gathering but a significant milestone in charting Mumbai’s future. With leaders like Eknath Shinde and other distinguished dignitaries articulating a people-first approach, the event underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors. The session left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism about the possibilities of building a sustainable and citizen-centric Mumbai.