Indian-Origin Professionals Shine in New York's 2026 Transportation Power List
A newly released power list that identifies key figures influencing the future of transportation and mobility in New York has prominently featured several Indian-origin leaders. Published by City & State, the 2026 edition of the 'Trailblazers in Transportation' list acknowledges influential voices who are driving policy, infrastructure development, and advocacy initiatives across the state.
Among the distinguished individuals recognized are three Indian-origin professionals whose work encompasses grassroots activism, legislative reform, and large-scale engineering projects. Their inclusion not only underscores their significant individual impact but also reflects the growing influence of the Indian diaspora in shaping one of the world's most intricate and vital urban transport systems.
Bhairavi Desai: A Champion for Taxi Workers' Rights
Bhairavi Desai has established herself as a prominent and unwavering advocate for New York City's for-hire drivers. As the co-founder and executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, she represents thousands of drivers and has dedicated decades to campaigning for fair wages, improved working conditions, and essential protections.
Her advocacy efforts have gained substantial attention in recent years, particularly through initiatives aimed at addressing the crippling taxi medallion debt crisis and securing stronger legal safeguards for drivers. A major legislative victory was achieved when the New York City Council successfully overrode a veto by Mayor Eric Adams to pass a critical bill that prevents drivers from being deactivated without due process. Desai has also collaborated closely with Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani on various labor issues, including organizing high-profile protests and hunger strikes to amplify the voices of workers.
Jeremy Cooney: Shaping State-Level Transportation Policy
Jeremy Cooney, originally from Kolkata, India, plays a pivotal role in shaping transportation policy at the state level as the chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Transportation. His work is primarily focused on enhancing transit systems, expanding critical infrastructure, and supporting comprehensive, long-term mobility planning for the region.
Among his recent notable achievements are securing essential funding for a high-speed rail feasibility study, advocating for increased public transit budgets, and pushing for expanded investment in road maintenance and safety improvements. Cooney has also introduced progressive legislation to broaden commuter benefits, including support for cycling infrastructure and ride-hailing services, while emerging as a strong proponent of autonomous vehicle development and integration into New York's transport ecosystem.
Kovid Saxena: Driving Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects
Kovid Saxena represents the engineering and infrastructure development side of the transportation spectrum on this prestigious list. As a senior executive at Arcadis, a global design and consultancy firm, he has been instrumental in several high-impact projects across the New York metropolitan area.
His extensive portfolio includes significant work on the Second Avenue Subway (Phase 2) expansion and the Gateway Hudson River Tunnel project, both of which are critical to the region's long-term transit capacity and resilience. Saxena has also contributed to forward-thinking initiatives such as electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure deployment, major bridge upgrades, and comprehensive road safety improvements, highlighting his profound influence on both current operational systems and future mobility solutions.
The inclusion of these three leaders vividly illustrates the diverse and multifaceted ways in which Indian-origin professionals are actively shaping New York's transport ecosystem. From grassroots advocacy and strategic policymaking to complex engineering and infrastructure delivery, their contributions span every level of the system, demonstrating a deep commitment to innovation, equity, and sustainable urban mobility.
