WOMEN REDEFINING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY A Celebration of Excellence, Leadership & Contribution to Civil Engineering
Krishna Conchem Products Pvt. Ltd. proudly honours Ms. Akshata Deshpande as a Durgaratna 2026, celebrating her contribution to structural engineering consultancy and her commitment to building a safer, stronger and more resilient infrastructure for the future.
DR. KAVITA FASATE
DURGARATNA 2026 | Advancing Structural Safety Through Research and Innovation
A dedicated academician and researcher strengthening the future of structural engineering through knowledge, innovation and technical excellence.
Dr. Kavita Fasate, Assistant Professor in the Department of Structural Engineering at VJTI, Mumbai, is a distinguished engineering academic whose work reflects a strong commitment to research, education and the advancement of structural safety. Having earned her Ph.D. from IIT Delhi, she has developed specialised expertise in the analysis and design of blast-resistant structures, advanced construction materials, and the repair and retrofitting of structures.
During her doctoral journey, Dr. Kavita also worked as a project assistant on the JATC sub-project titled “Design of Blast Resistant Structures.” This experience reflects her engagement with complex engineering challenges where structural performance, resilience and safety are of paramount importance.
Her research interests include high-strain-rate characterisation of plain and fibre-reinforced concrete, blast-resistant doors and composite panels, and innovative approaches to structural rehabilitation. Her work brings together scientific investigation and practical engineering applications, contributing to the broader pursuit of safer and more resilient infrastructure. In recognition of her research potential, she has received a ₹5 lakh SEED grant from VJTI, Mumbai, supporting the development of innovative research ideas.
With expertise spanning engineering mechanics, strength of materials, structural theory, finite element analysis, prestressed concrete and tall-building design, Dr. Kavita combines a strong technical foundation with proficiency in advanced engineering software, including LS-DYNA, ABAQUS, HYPERMESH and SAP. Her multidisciplinary capabilities enable her to engage with challenging structural engineering problems through analytical and computational approaches.
Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Kavita actively contributes to important infrastructure consultancy assignments. Her work includes third-party quality audits of CSMT railway station and the Goregaon Mulund Link Road project, proof-checking of buildings, bridges and canals, and structural audits of heritage structures, school buildings and statues. These assignments reflect the practical relevance of her expertise and her involvement in projects that demand careful engineering assessment and quality assurance.
As a mentor, she has guided eight M.Tech. students, with five more currently pursuing their projects under her guidance. Through this role, she contributes to developing future structural engineers and encouraging the next generation to explore research, innovation and professional excellence.
The Durgaratna 2026 honour celebrates Dr. Kavita Fasate's dedication to engineering education, advanced research and the pursuit of safer structures. Her professional journey demonstrates how scientific curiosity, technical expertise and a commitment to learning can contribute to the resilience of the built environment and inspire young women to pursue challenging fields of engineering.
DURGARATNA 2026 • Women Redefining Construction Industry • Together We Build Stronger