Indian-Origin Leaders Shaping New York’s Transport Landscape

A new power list highlighting key figures influencing the transport and mobility landscape of New York has spotlighted several Indian-origin leaders. Published by City & State, the 2026 ‘Trailblazers in Transportation’ list recognizes influential voices driving policy, infrastructure, and advocacy across the state.

The Impact of Indian-Origin Professionals

Among those featured are three Indian-origin professionals whose work ranges from grassroots activism to large-scale engineering projects. Their recognition underscores not only their individual contributions but also the increasing presence of the Indian diaspora in shaping one of the world’s most complex urban transport systems.

Bhairavi Desai: Championing Taxi Workers’ Rights

Bhairavi Desai is a prominent advocate for New York City’s for-hire drivers. As co-founder and executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, she represents thousands of drivers and has dedicated her career to campaigning for fair wages and improved working conditions.

Notable Achievements in Advocacy

Desai’s advocacy has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly through initiatives addressing taxi medallion debt and securing stronger protections for drivers. A remarkable legislative victory occurred when the New York City Council overrode a veto by Eric Adams to pass a bill ensuring drivers cannot be deactivated without due process. She has also collaborated with fellow activists like Zohran Mamdani on critical labor issues, organizing high-profile protests and hunger strikes.

Jeremy Cooney: Influencing State-Level Transport Policy

Jeremy Cooney, originally from Kolkata, serves as the chair of the State Senate Committee on Transportation, playing a pivotal role in shaping statewide transportation policy. His efforts are focused on enhancing transit systems, expanding infrastructure, and promoting long-term mobility planning.

Key Legislative Achievements

Among Cooney’s recent accomplishments is securing funding for a high-speed rail study, advocating for increased public transit budgets, and pushing for expanded investments in road maintenance. Additionally, he has introduced legislation aimed at broadening commuter benefits, including support for cycling and ride-hailing services, while emerging as a strong advocate for autonomous vehicle development.

Kovid Saxena: Spearheading Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects

Kovid Saxena represents the engineering and infrastructure aspect of the list. As a senior executive at Arcadis, he has been involved in various high-impact projects across the New York metropolitan area.

Major Contributions to Infrastructure

Saxena’s portfolio includes work on the Second Avenue Subway (Phase 2) and the Gateway Hudson River Tunnel, both vital to the region’s long-term transit capacity. He has also contributed to initiatives such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure, significant bridge upgrades, and road safety improvements, highlighting his influence on both current and future mobility systems.

Conclusion: The Diverse Contributions of Indian-Origin Leaders

The inclusion of these leaders illustrates the myriad ways in which Indian-origin professionals are shaping New York’s transportation ecosystem. Their contributions span grassroots advocacy, policymaking, and engineering, demonstrating a comprehensive impact on the transport landscape at every level.