PARALLEL SESSION
Rapid urbanization across Asia has placed immense pressure on city infrastructure, leading to congestion, environmental stress, and reduced quality of life. Rail-based transport systems ranging from regional rapid transit, metro networks to suburban rail have emerged as critical enablers of sustainable urban and regional development.
This panel discussion will explore how strategic investments in railways are helping decongest major cities, improve regional connectivity with sub-urban cities, and support balanced urban growth across Asia. Bringing together senior representatives from implementing agencies in Philippines and India, the session will showcase experiences, lessons learned, and policy perspectives. The panel will also highlight the ADB’s role in supporting rail-based urban and regional transport through financing, technical assistance, and knowledge partnerships.
By the end of the session, participants will:
- Recognize growing needs and trends that are driving the transition towards rail in Asian cities.
- Understand key imperatives required for replicating the concept of urban and regional rail to other regions.
- Discover innovative measures undertaken by agencies to address issues related to safeguards and social inclusion.
Moderator:
Satomi Sakaguchi, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Satomi Sakaguchi, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Speakers:
Timothy John Batan, Department of Transportation (Philippines)
Shalabh Goel, National Capital Region Transport Corporation (India)
Anneli Lontoc, Department of Transport (Philippines)
Markus Roesner, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Shaun Tan, UITP
Shaun Tan, UITP