2024 40 Under 40: Luv Sehgal, PE

His role in the Green Line Extension (GLX) Light Rail Transit Program in Boston, Mass., involved coordinating design submittal reviews across all rail systems disciplines and in Toronto, Ontario, he contributed to the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension Technical Advisor team, aligning requirements from all disciplines to develop essential elements of the reference concept design.

Is there a specific experience that led you to where you are today?

My journey into the field of railway engineering has been shaped by a combination of experiences and decisions over the years. Born into a family of railway engineers, I was profoundly influenced by my father, Mr. Vijay Sehgal, who worked for 37 years with Indian Railways and retired from one of its highest positions. His dedication and achievements have been a constant source of inspiration throughout my life.

Growing up in Indian Railways establishments, frequenting railway clubs and always traveling by train, I developed a deep passion for the field. As a kid, I often used to accompany my father on his site visits for, last-vehicle and trolley inspections. To pursue this passion, I graduated from National Institute of Technology Hamirpur with bachelor’s in civil engineering and then for specialization,

I applied to the railway engineering program for my master’s at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Under the guidance of my advisors, Conrad Ruppert and Dr. Chris Barkan, my enthusiasm for railway engineering was further strengthened. Receiving the Young Alumnus Achievement Award from the university seven years after graduation has further motivated me to serve, learn and excel in this field.

Since graduation, I have been privileged to work with the rail teams at some of America’s top consulting firms, including Arup and TY Lin. In these roles, I have dedicated myself to assisting clients in improving rail transportation systems, focusing on sustainable and resilient solutions across the country, driven by the same passion that has guided me throughout my life. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I find great fulfillment in knowing that my work contributes to improving and maintaining mobility in some of the busiest cities in the Americas, such as New York, N.Y., Boston and Toronto, in a sustainable, profitable, and equitable manner. Whether managing projects to enhance a transit system’s climate resiliency, service capacity building or improving accessibility, I take immense pride in knowing that the projects I work on help make commutes stronger, faster and more inclusive. Working closely with colleagues around the world allows me to form meaningful connections and foster a collaborative environment that fuels innovation.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

As a consultant, I am working on several projects in different countries simultaneously. The most challenging part of my job is undoubtedly managing time, priorities and expectations while balancing each project’s requirements, scope and resources to provide the best value for clients. This field operates in a highly dynamic and demanding environment, where various projects at different stages of design and construction compete for attention simultaneously. Balancing critical deadlines and resource constraints inherent in mass transit projects while ensuring the seamless integration of engineering and construction processes requires effective management skills.

Since I work on projects in different cities and with different transit agencies simultaneously, another challenge is quickly developing a deep understanding of each locale's transit design standards, project history, local ADA/AODA rules, previous work and issues and opportunities. This deep understanding of the places we work in is critical to building credibility and trust with local transit agencies.

Accomplishment you’re most proud of and why?

From a professional standpoint, one of the most rewarding experiences was the commissioning and opening of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority GLX in Boston. As the track engineer for this project, I witnessed its progression from design to construction. Being involved in such a significant project early in my career and seeing its impact has been incredibly fulfilling.

For this, I want to thank my then-mentor Anil Patel (Arup's project manager for the GLX) and Daniel Weiss for this excellent opportunity. Additionally, being part of the design of new light-rail transit systems in Toronto, with my current mentor, Neda Hohlacov and Peter Guest, continues to be a rewarding experience.

From a research perspective, my work on industrial case studies, which I have presented at conferences such as Transportation Research Board, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), Wheel Rail Interaction conference and Institution of Permanent Way Engineers (India), has provided a deep sense of fulfillment and the opportunity to explore these topics further. One of my most memorable and accomplishing experiences was being invited as one of the keynote speakers at the AREMA conference 2023, which is the largest gathering of rail industry professionals, for an Emerging Technologies Panel Discussion. It was undoubtedly a rare privilege.

What is an accomplishment you would like to work towards in your career?

One significant accomplishment I would like to work towards is leading the design and implementation of a comprehensive and innovative urban transit project that significantly enhances the sustainability, accessibility and efficiency of the transportation system in a major city in the Americas and some developing countries. This could involve incorporating cutting-edge technologies, such as autonomous rail systems or alternative energy sources like hydrogen trains, to create a model of modern, eco-friendly urban mobility. Successfully executing such a project would not only demonstrate my ability to manage large-scale, complex projects but also contribute meaningfully to the advancement of sustainable and equitable transit solutions in the industry.

Best advice/tip/best practice to share from your area of expertise?

I have three pieces of advice:

1. Embrace opportunities outside your comfort zone: Say yes to opportunities, especially when you have resources and supportive colleagues to rely on. Some of my greatest accomplishments have arisen from moments when I pushed myself to take on something I felt unsure I could do. It is in these moments that true growth occurs. 
2. Cultivate a positive and collaborative attitude: Be confident in your work, maintain a positive attitude and be pleasant to work with. I have found that collaboration and teamwork are incredibly effective skills in the workplace. It is immensely valuable to have an outgoing personality, be approachable and always treat your colleagues as friends. Engaging in social events, such as Friday after-work drinks, games, office picnics or equity, diversity and inclusion events, can significantly strengthen these bonds.
3. Prioritize your health: Health is wealth. Strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance. No matter how busy your workload gets, keep up with an exercise routine. This will not only boost your mood but also enhance your efficiency at work.