News Archive
A first passage to India
- Monday June 22, 2026
The Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) has successfully completed its first official visit to India, marking a significant step in strengthening its international engagement.
Heather Suarez, IHE membership and professional registrations manager, and immediate past president Martin Polland visited Bengaluru in early May, where they met with a rapidly expanding community of IHE members. During the visit, meetings were held with engineers and technicians from leading global consultancies, including WSP, AECOM, Jacobs, Atkins Réalis and Arcadis.
These discussions provided valuable insights into the breadth of highways specialisms represented in India and the increasing importance of professional registration.
The delegation also engaged with students and academic staff at BMS College of Architecture, Design and Planning, highlighting the benefits of IHE membership and routes to professional registration. The visit was characterised by a warm welcome and exceptional enthusiasm from all participants. A clear message emerged throughout the week: demand for professionally registered engineers continues to grow, and the IHE is increasingly recognised as the professional institution of choice for highway and traffic practitioners.
Plans are already underway to support ongoing professional development with IHE members in India and to explore the establishment of a local branch to further enhance engagement in the region.
The IHE extends its sincere thanks to Vinay Kushalappa, its India champion, whose dedication and support were instrumental in organising the visit and ensuring its success. Immediate past IHE president Mr Polland said: ‘This visit to Bengaluru has been a genuinely rewarding experience for me. It was fantastic to meet so many engaged and enthusiastic professionals, and to see the strength and diversity of the highways sector in India first-hand.
‘What really stood out was the passion for learning and progression, particularly among students who are keen to achieve professional recognition. It’s clear there is a real opportunity for the IHE to support and connect with this community, and I’m personally excited about the relationships we’ve started to build and where this could lead in the future.’