Celebrating World Engineering Day, we hear from Dinesh, a seasoned engineer with a career spanning continents and landmark rail projects who shares invaluable advice to young engineers embarking on their careers.
Can you share your journey in engineering and the key experiences that have shaped your career in this industry?
I was born and educated in Delhi, India. I have dedicated my career to civil and rail projects, with a strong focus on the rail industry. What has truly shaped my journey is my passion for these projects.
Early on, I was fortunate to work on the groundbreaking Delhi Metro Rail project. I was involved in various roles, from undertaking feasibility studies and project estimation to working on the construction stage. That experience provided an invaluable foundation for my career.
I have been fortunate to contribute to some truly landmark projects, including the pioneering Dubai Metro Rail project in the UAE. Being part of these “firsts” has been incredibly rewarding.
Throughout my career, I have always been ready to take on different project areas within the rail industry and this proactive approach to seeking new challenges has been a key driver to my success.
My drive to pursue new opportunities led me to Australia, where I contributed to the significant Regional Rail Link Project in Victoria. It was the perfect project to begin my Australian chapter.
Beyond the technical aspects, one of the most enjoyable parts of my career has been the opportunity to interact with diverse and talented individuals across India, the UAE, and Australia. Every person brings a unique perspective and enriches the project experience. I truly believe that different people bring different dimensions to any project.
Passion makes all the difference.
Engineering is a field that’s constantly evolving. What emerging technologies or trends in the rail sector are you most excited about, and how do you see them shaping the future of transportation?
One area that truly excites me right now is Digital Engineering. I feel it’s shaping the rail sector in an absolutely amazing way. Just a few years ago, we couldn’t have imagined what this tool could do for our industry. Creating detailed digital models of rail infrastructure like tracks, tunnels, and stations is just the beginning. We can now use these models to assess design and engineering aspects, and even assist with efficient asset maintenance, among many other things.
For me, the impact is clear: Digital Engineering has led to improved efficiency, enhanced safety, and greater reliability across rail projects. It’s a ‘game-changer’, and I’m eager to continue exploring its potential and contributing to its implementation.
IRE is celebrating 20 years of operation this year, what project or contribution during your time here are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on the company or the wider community?
Being one of the first employees at IRE, I feel incredibly proud of how we’ve grown over the years. We have consistently made positive contributions to rail organisations across the country, and it’s been rewarding to be a part of that journey.
Personally, I feel my contribution to the Regional Rail Link (RRL) project through IRE was particularly valuable. I learned so much during that time, and I genuinely enjoyed working on such a significant undertaking. Seeing the positive impact RRL continues to have on passenger connectivity through the western suburbs, including Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo, truly gives a sense of achievement.
Be eager to explore.
Enjoy what you do.
What advice would you give to young engineers entering the field today, and how can they best prepare themselves for the evolving demands of the industry?
If I could offer any advice to young engineers, it would be this: do your research and gain a thorough understanding of the areas that truly interest you. In your early career, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Try to get involved in a variety of work areas and identify what you enjoy most.
When you’re tasked with something, make sure you seek out all the available knowledge. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek help when you need it. This is a fantastic industry filled with great people. You might face challenges at times, however, remember that support is always available. And most importantly, enjoy what you do. Passion makes all the difference.
Looking back at your own journey with IRE, what has been your most rewarding experience or accomplishment so far, and what are you most looking forward to achieving in the future?
Working on the Regional Rail Link Project has been the most rewarding experience of my career. I was involved from the design development stage all the way through to delivery, construction, and commissioning. Seeing the project make such a positive contribution to the Victorian community was incredibly rewarding.
I am also incredibly happy to see IRE grow and thrive, reaching its 20-year milestone. I am confident that IRE will continue to make positive contributions to the rail industry for many more years to come. I genuinely love being a part of this industry, I am proud to bring my experience and passion to IRE, and I’m excited for what the future holds.
