By all accounts, India is expected to grow rapidly in the coming decades. The Author examines in depth the growth areas, not only for the country, but also the opportunities for RITES. RITES-the infrastructure people has contributed significantly in diverse sectors such as roads, ports and rail transportation, power etc.

The author, who heads one of the oldest and premier institute/university of India, has given a very detailed round-up of the energy and environment issues. The impacts of various forms of energy on growth, pollution and global warming have been brought out. The measures that need to be taken and the urgency for use of new and cleaner technologies for infrastructure and industrial activities have been highlighted.

The author brings out in his paper how the Indian economy, post liberalization, has become one of the fastest growing economies in the world. He emphasises that for this, availability of a strong infrastructure, including logistic systems, is of paramount importance.

Dr. Sriraman, who writes extensively on Logistics and Economic issues, brings out in his paper the inter-relationship between economics and growth and the disparities in Bharat and India. The need for infrastructure development and rapid inclusive growth has been highlighted.

The author, who has been at the helm of the transportation affairs of the Railway Board, has brought out how the transport system in our cities impacts the quality of life of our  population. Issues concerning noise and air pollution, congestion and accidents, which pose a serious threat to public life and safety, need to be addressed.

Sanjay Chadha has, in his paper, brought out a unique approach to Public Private Partnerships in the Railways. The nuances of PPP have been examined and pitfalls highlighted. Another concept has also been introduced, giving RITES-SAIL joint effort at wagon manufacture as an innovative initiative.

The author highlights the eternal dilemma between energy and coal-powered growth and environment. In view of the continued dependence of the Indian economy on coal-based energy in the years to come, it has serious implications for the environment. The importance of using Clean Coal Technologies including reneawables, amongst other measures, has been brought out.

Energy is of paramount importance in the context of environment & sustainable development. Petroleum and natural gas play a major role in energy security in India. Around 80% of oil has to be imported and thereby underlines its importance.

The Author in her article has given a round up of inter-relationships between Environment, Climate Change and Growth vis-a-vis development. Sustainable development issues, including the Millennium Development Goals set by the UN for the developing countries have been highlighted.

Gandhiji, Father of our Nation, is universally accepted as an exemplary model of ethical/moral life. Though he was not necessarily a theoretician of economics, he had given valuable concepts and an underlying philosophy for a humane, sustainable and ethical socio-economic order.