Dr. Aurobindo Ogra

Role: Advisory Board Member

Profile Summary:

Dr. Aurobindo Ogra is an accomplished urban and regional planning expert with over two decades of experience in infrastructure development, spatial planning, and sustainable urbanization. He has played a critical role in shaping urban policy, economic zoning, and regional planning across Africa and Asia. His expertise spans smart cities, industrial parks, special economic zones (SEZs), and geospatial technologies. Dr. Ogra has worked extensively in research, policy advisory, and technical consulting, bringing a multidisciplinary approach to urban and regional development.

As a professor and researcher, he has contributed significantly to the academic and professional discourse on urban resilience, governance, and sustainable infrastructure. His experience includes strategic planning, financial modeling, smart mobility, and the integration of digital solutions into urban ecosystems. Dr. Ogra’s advisory role at CRA Global Development will enhance our capabilities in planning sustainable, data-driven economic zones and industrial hubs across emerging markets.

Professional Experience:

University of Johannesburg (2009–Present)

• Senior Lecturer, Department of Urban and Regional Planning
  • Leads research and instruction in urban infrastructure, planning technologies, and smart cities.
  • Guides students and professionals on sustainable economic zones and regional development.

Independent Consultant (2012–Present)

• Urban and Regional Planning Advisor
  • Provides strategic planning, feasibility analysis, and advisory services for industrial parks, economic corridors, and infrastructure projects.
  • Worked with governments, multilateral agencies, and private sector stakeholders on sustainable urbanization and SEZ development.

KPMG India (2009)

• Consultant / Manager – Urban Reforms & Business Process Reengineering
  • Led policy analysis and urban transformation strategies, focusing on governance reforms and digital integration in city management.

Infrastructure Development Leadership (2005–2009)

• Manager, IL&FS Infrastructure Development Corporation
  • Oversaw urban infrastructure and public-private partnership (PPP) projects across India.
• Assistant Project Manager, Uttaranchal Infrastructure Development Company
  • Worked on master planning, urban policy development, and economic zoning strategies.
• Consultant, International City/County Management Association (ICMA), India
  • Provided research-driven policy solutions for municipal and regional governments.

Educational Background:

• DPhil in Engineering Management – University of Johannesburg, South Africa (2024)
• M.A. in Business Economics – Annamalai University, India (2009)
• Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning – CEPT University, India (2002)
• Bachelor of Technology (Construction Technology) – CEPT University, India (2000)
• Diploma in Rail Transport Management – Institute of Rail Transport Management, India (1997)

Key Skills and Expertise:

• Urban and Regional Planning – Designing master plans for smart cities, SEZs, and industrial parks.
• Infrastructure Development – Strategic planning for economic corridors, transportation systems, and smart mobility.
• Geospatial Technologies – Expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and digital mapping for urban analytics.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Structuring investment strategies and stakeholder collaborations for large-scale projects.
• Smart Cities & Digital Innovation – Integrating AI, IoT, and data-driven models into urban governance and development.
• Sustainable Development – Policy advisory on environmental planning, climate resilience, and circular economy principles.

Achievements:

• Developed frameworks for industrial park and SEZ planning in South Africa and India, optimizing spatial development and investment strategies.
• Led research on smart city infrastructure and digital governance, influencing policy recommendations for emerging markets.
• Published extensively in urban sustainability, economic development, and geospatial analytics, contributing to international academic and policy discussions.
• Provided advisory support to multilateral organizations on urban financing, economic diversification, and inclusive growth strategies.
• Trained professionals and government officials on financial modeling, strategic planning, and urban policy reforms.