Mysore/Mysuru: Marking a progressive step towards future-ready education, Vidya Vikas Institute of Engineering and Technology (VVIET), Mysuru, hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion on the transition from traditional Civil Engineering to the emerging domain of Civil & Infrastructure Engineering here on Monday.

The programme gains added significance as the institution gears up to introduce the new course from the upcoming academic year with an intake of 60 students.

The session brought together a blend of industry experts and academicians, fostering meaningful dialogue on aligning engineering education with dynamic global trends.

Discussions highlighted the rapid pace of urbanisation and the growing prominence of smart cities, underlining the need for integrated infrastructure systems that seamlessly connect transportation, utilities, and digital frameworks to ensure sustainable urban growth.

 A major focus of the deliberation was sustainability and climate resilience. Panellists emphasised eco-conscious construction practices, green building technologies and efficient resource utilisation, while also stressing the importance of designing infrastructure resilient to environmental challenges such as floods and climate change.

The panel further explored the transformative impact of modern technologies, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), in reshaping infrastructure planning and execution.

 Panellists Shashank from the Department of Town and Country Planning, Prem Sagar of Prem Constructions, Sneha J. Nayak of Prestige Group and academician H.N. Rajendra Prasad provided insights into career opportunities and industry expectations.

The session concluded with a consensus on the need for a balanced, industry-oriented curriculum that equips students with technical expertise and practical exposure, preparing them to lead the next generation of infrastructure development.