The very intelligent people at the Asian Transport Observatory (ATO) project that annual transport infrastructure investment in the Asia-Pacific will triple between 2020 and 2035.
Yay! That is significant and the environmental and economic benefits will be amazing!
Key areas of spending include:
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New construction: Expanding transport networks to meet growing urban and regional demand.
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Upgrades and maintenance: Modernizing aging infrastructure for safety and efficiency.
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Climate-proofing: Enhancing resilience against climate change impacts like flooding and extreme heat.
The report aligns with global frameworks such as:
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The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport
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The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
In short, it emphasizes the urgency of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient transport systems.
The Who
The Asian Transport Observatory (ATO) is a regional initiative originally launched as the Asian Transport Outlook by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It was created to strengthen the knowledge base on transport in the Asia-Pacific region and has since evolved into a more comprehensive platform. The ATO aims to:
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Translate transport data into actionable insights for policy, investment, and planning.
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Support governments in developing and implementing sustainable transport policies.
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Track progress toward international goals like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
The Benefits - for consultants
With significant investment, there are a range of opportunities for consultants to contribute. These include:
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Strategic Advisory Opportunities: Governments and private investors will need guidance on prioritizing projects, aligning with SDGs, and securing funding. Consultants can offer policy, regulatory, and financial advisory services.
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Sustainability and ESG Consulting: Climate-proofing and SDG alignment create demand for environmental and social impact assessments, carbon audits, and ESG strategy development.
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Digital and Smart Mobility Planning: Urban mobility upgrades will require smart transport solutions, opening doors for consultants in data analytics, ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems), and digital transformation.
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Project Management and Risk Advisory: With large-scale investments comes complexity. Consulting firms can provide project governance, risk management, and procurement support.
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Capacity Building and Training: Governments and agencies may need training programs to build internal capabilities, which consulting firms can design and deliver.
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Cross-Border Collaboration: Regional integration projects (e.g., rail corridors, logistics hubs) will require multi-country coordination, where consultants can play a facilitative role.
The How
There are five key ways you can connect as consultants.
One: Build Relationships with key institutes:
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Target organizations: Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), national transport ministries, and urban planning agencies.
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How to connect: Attend ADB and AIIB-hosted events, webinars, and regional transport forums. Join ADB’s Consultant Management System (CMS) to be eligible for funded projects: ADB CMS Portal.
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Engage with LinkedIn groups and professional networks focused on sustainable transport and infrastructure in Asia-Pacific.
Two: Align services with ATO Priorities: We have made this slightly easier by listing the key focuses in a table below.
Three: Develop a Specialized Offer
Position yourself as a niche expert in:
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Urban mobility strategy
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Sustainable transport finance
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Climate-resilient infrastructure
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Smart transport systems
Back this with case studies, white papers, or pilot projects that demonstrate your capability.
Four: Market Thought Leadership
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Publish insights on platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, or Transport Research Boards.
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Offer free webinars or workshops on topics like “Climate-Proofing Urban Transport” or “Aligning Transport Projects with SDGs.”
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Collaborate with universities or think tanks on joint research or policy briefs.
Five: Feel free to contact us at any time:)
We are always happy to assist!
Reach out at any time. Connections and colabs are key for success! (Subtly plug there I know:)
Bringing it all together
As Asia-Pacific transport investment accelerates—tripling by 2035—there’s never been a more critical time to align infrastructure with sustainability, resilience, and innovation. Whether you're a government agency, development partner, or private investor, we’re here to help you navigate this transformation.
If you're exploring how to align your transport projects with the UN SDGs, climate resilience, or smart mobility strategies, feel free to connect with us here on LinkedIn. Let’s start a conversation.
Till next time
Andrew Collings
Transit Trends · Andrew Collings, KA Advisory. Read and comment on the original on LinkedIn.
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