The fourth edition of the National Convention of Civil Engineers (NATCON) was inaugurated in Coimbatore on Thursday. The two-day event is organized by the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers, India (ACCE) on July 23 and 24, 2026.

Chairman of NATCON Mr C.J.Ragunathan said that some of the brightest minds in the civil engineering sector, both from within the country and abroad are participating in this massive event. Every era is recognized by its infrastructure and the buildings it leaves behind. This stresses the important role being played by Civil Engineers in our society. Increasing urbanization and growing infrastructure are posing new challenges. Smart, sustainable and resilient structures can protect environment and promote responsible resource culture. NATCON would enable sharing of knowledge and exchange of ideas to face the emerging challenges and provide transformational solutions, he added.

Mr Rajendra Kalbavi Rao, President, ACCE in his presidential address said that after Covid-19 the everything has got digitized. Artificial intelligence and 3D Printing have started playing a major role in the construction sector. At one time, the demand for civil engineering courses had started coming drastically come down. It is thought that seedless fruits would bring fruit cultivation to an end. But it has not happened because fruits could be produced by means of propagating through grafting, cloning and tissue culture. Similarly, by adapting technology civil engineers could stay relevant more than ever before.

Mr. P. Parameswaran, Chairman ACCE(I) Coimbatore said that the Coimbatore Chapter of ACCI is proud to organize a massive Civil Engineering Convention with several international speakers in the tier city of Coimbatore.

The Chief Guest Justice R.Suresh Kumar, Former Judge, Madras High Court in his address said that the origin of civil engineers goes back to yugas or eons. In mythology Viswakarma or the Divine architect created the celestial structures. Mythological creations like Lankapuri, Dwaraka and Indraprastha, still kindle the imagination of Civil Engineers and Architects and inspires them. Engineering marvels in Tamil Nadu like the Grand Anicut, built across the Cauvery river by Karikal Chola, and the Bragatheeswarar Temple, popularly known as the Big Temple built by Raja Raja Chola by using interlocking technology in granite, without the use of mortar stand testimony to the civil engineering feat of our ancestors. He said that by creating sustainable buildings we can create a better future for ourselves. He then, released a souvenir of NATCON and the first copy was received by Mr. A. Kashiram, Secretary General, ACCE (I)

Mr T.Sripathy, Managing Director, MAPAL India Private Ltd, Coimbatore, the Guest of Honour, said that the theme of the convention “Smart, Sustainable, Resilient” is very relevant today. He spoke of the green initiative taken by his company in getting the highest platinum rating. He said the company has developed a functional workplace which is employee friendly, eco-friendly, resource efficient and equipped with recycling facility. “We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us,” he said.

Dr Madhavi Latha Gali, Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, who has designed the 272 km long Udhampur—Srinagar—Baramulla rail link spoke about the technical challenges in the world’s highest railway arch bridge across the Chenab. Today, the long standing national dream of linking Kashmir with Kanyakumari by rail has become a reality, she said.

Several eminent keynote speakers from Canada, USA, UK, and several Asian countries will be addressing the gathering at the convention.