New Delhi, Delhi, India – Business Wire India

The Annual Conference 2025, organized by Hilti India through its Seismic Academy, took place at the India Habitat Centre, focusing on the theme “Building Retrofits – Breathing Life into Existing Structures.” The event highlighted the critical need for retrofitting India’s aging infrastructure to improve earthquake resilience, fostering collaboration among engineers, policymakers, academicians, and industry leaders.

Since its establishment in 2019, the Seismic Academy has engaged over 2,500 stakeholders through workshops, training, and publications. This initiative has influenced updates to seismic codes, advanced retrofit techniques, and strengthened India’s earthquake resilience ecosystem.

The conference featured keynote sessions, technical talks, case studies, student competitions, and an expert-led panel discussion. Participants had the opportunity to learn from global and national experts, gain insights on codal perspectives, and explore real-world retrofit case studies. The sessions provided actionable frameworks and fresh perspectives for engineers, policymakers, researchers, and students.

Dr. Shailesh Agrawal, Executive Director of BMTPC, MoHUA, Government of India, delivered the keynote address, stressing the importance of building earthquake resilience. The conference included a technical session on the Framework of Seismic Standards in India by Prof. Pradeep Kumar Ramancharla, Director of CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, and a talk on Risk Assessment & Retrofit of Towns by Dr. Ajay Chourasia of CSIR-CBRI. Practical case studies were presented by Mr. Arunabho Bhattacharya and Dr. Rohit Yadav, while a student competition showcased innovative ideas from young engineers.

A high-powered panel discussion with leaders from CPWD, IIT Delhi, AECOM, and CCEPL explored strategies for scaling retrofits across the nation. Hilti India’s leadership concluded the conference with remarks emphasizing the construction industry’s collective responsibility in enhancing resilience and safety.

Mr. Jayant Kumar, General Manager & Managing Director of Hilti India, stated, “Our commitment through the Seismic Academy has always been to make seismic safety a national priority. This year’s focus on retrofits reflects our belief that innovation must address the vulnerabilities of our existing infrastructure. By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, we equip stakeholders with the knowledge and strategies to turn seismic resilience into measurable impact.”

Dr. Shailesh Agrawal highlighted the importance of platforms like the Seismic Academy in strengthening earthquake resilience through awareness and technical capacity building. He commended Hilti India for supporting initiatives that prioritize safety and preparedness nationwide.

Professor Vasant Matsagar from IIT Delhi noted the conference’s role in bridging the gap between academic research and practical application in the field of seismic engineering. He emphasized the need for advanced techniques to be translated into real-life projects.

Mr. Alok Bhowmick, Advisory Board Member of the Seismic Academy, stressed that retrofitting is a social imperative, especially for critical buildings in seismic zones. He advocated for the urgent need to embed retrofitting guidelines into national housing and urban renewal programs.

Mr. Vinay Gupta, Advisory Board Member of the Seismic Academy, discussed the challenges faced by agencies like CPWD in implementing seismic resilience across government assets. He highlighted the importance of integrating resilience into infrastructure lifecycle responsibilities.

The Academy’s impact is evident in its research and successful demonstrations of technologies such as base isolation and damping systems. Landmark projects like the Mumbai Coastal Road and post-Bhuj hospital retrofits exemplify the tangible outcomes of the Academy’s efforts.

As India confronts increasing seismic risks, Hilti’s Seismic Academy remains a leading platform for knowledge dissemination and policy dialogue on earthquake safety. The 2025 conference reinforced the commitment of stakeholders to address gaps in code enforcement, technical competency, and public awareness.

About Hilti Group: Hilti is a global leader in providing high-quality, innovative tools, fastening systems, and software solutions for professional users. With approximately 33,000 team members in over 120 countries, Hilti generated annual sales exceeding CHF 6.4 billion in 2024. The company, founded in 1941 and headquartered in Schaan, Liechtenstein, is privately owned by the Martin Hilti Family Trust, ensuring its long-term continuity. Hilti’s mission is to make construction better through a passionate and inclusive global team.

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