The International Conference on Engineering Geology and Geo-techniques for Safe and Sustainable Infrastructures (EGCON 2022), the fifth conference in the EGCON series, marked another significant milestone in the continuing efforts of the Indian Society of Engineering Geology (ISEG) to promote the advancement of engineering geology and geotechnical sciences on a global level.

The conference was organized during 16–17 November, 2022 at Hotel Novotel, Kolkata, as a follow up to EC meeting of the Society minutes dated 3 May, 2022. Geological Survey of India (GSI), the premier geoscientific organization of the Government of India and an attached office to the Ministry of Mines was the conference partner.

EGCON 2022 was also a harbinger to restoring normalcy to events in physical format which remained compromised owing to health concerns prevailing since 2019. The footfall was exemplary and encouraging with participants zeroing in at Kolkata in hundreds. The conference attracted professionals, academicians, researchers, and students from India and abroad from diverse fields of engineering geological investigation, construction, mining, and infrastructure development activities. Deliberations were brainstorming, captivating and futuristic highlighting technological developments in the field.

Broader themes included safe and sustainable infrastructure development, technological advancements in investigation and monitoring, emerging challenges in urban infrastructure, climate change and environmental impact assessment, and geohazards and disaster risk reduction pivotal for infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

Altogether, 189 abstracts were received for presentation. Over 300 delegates from India and abroad, including participants from the United Kingdom, Australia, Nepal, and Bangladesh, participated in the conference. Seventeen eminent speakers delivered keynote lectures on diverse topics, contributing to the knowledge exchange and excellence in professionalism. Dr. Ranjan Kumar Dahal, Vice President of the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG), besides his captivating talk, expressed happiness on the organisation of the event.

Multistage and parallel sessions smoothly addressed the huge participation across two days of the event after a common venue inaugural session. Abstracts were brought between covers through a Conference Abstract Proceedings Volume.

The event was supported by sixteen valued sponsors representing government organizations, public sector undertakings, and industry partners. ISEG through tradition has been promoting young talent and yet again recognized 12 emerging researchers and young professionals bestowing awards in oral and poster presentation categories.

EGCON 2022 reaffirmed ISEG’s role as a premier platform for the dissemination of geoscientific knowledge and professional collaboration. By successfully hosting an international conference in physical mode after the pandemic, the Society strengthened its commitment to advancing engineering geology and geotechnical practices for safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure development.