We hosted an Artha Global Conversation with Shashi Verma, CTO, Transport for London (TfL) on the topic Propelling Change: Preparing Indian Cities for Economic Growth & Climate Resilience on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 6:30-8:00 pm IST. Shashi was in conversation with Pritika Hingorani, CEO (India), Artha Global. This was an in-person event hosted at the Artha Global office in Khar West, Mumbai.
Shashi provided insights on how Indian cities can strategically plan for future economic growth while addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Drawing on his experience at TFL, he highlighted some key lessons that can be used by cities in sectors spanning integrated land use, to clean energy strategies, municipal finance, and multimodal transport networks.
He contended that in India, a fundamental challenge is the lack of a clear urban development philosophy. Accommodating a rapidly growing population requires a unified strategic vision. A question Shashi posed was how will Indian cities adapt to change when the population doubles.
About Shashi Verma
Shashi, as Chief Technology Officer at TfL, leads all technology, data, and strategy initiatives. Shashi’s extensive career has encompassed roles in corporate finance, fare collection, and technology. Shashi spearheaded the development of the Elizabeth Line, and played a key role in the development of contactless payments, which are recognised as a global FinTech success. He currently advises the Mayor of London on fares and ticketing policy.