HNTB’s Pranaya Shrestha honored as an Engineering News-Record 2024 Top 25 Newsmaker

Innovator recognized for contributions to sustainable transportation

DENVER (Jan. 17, 2025) HNTB’s Pranaya Shrestha, senior program manager and vice president, has been recognized by Engineering News-Record (ENR) as one of the 2024 Top 25 Newsmakers. This prestigious honor is awarded annually by ENR editors to individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry and their communities, making them better places to work and live.

Shrestha has been instrumental in the completion of the Caltrain Electrification Project, which converted a 160-year-old rail corridor from diesel to electric, marking a transformative leap toward modernized, sustainable public transportation along the San Francisco Peninsula corridor. This ambitious project represents a significant improvement in service efficiency and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Shrestha and his colleagues also oversaw the procurement of multiple new electric units for Caltrain and the upgrade of the existing maintenance facility to accommodate the new fleet.

“We are incredibly proud of Pranaya’s recognition as one of ENR’s 2024 Top 25 Newsmakers. His personal dedication and leadership have been pivotal in driving the success of the Caltrain Electrification Project, and his contributions continue to make a lasting impact on the industry. Pranaya exemplifies the values and commitment to excellence that HNTB stands for,” said Michelle Dippel, Western Region president and executive vice president.

Shrestha will be honored alongside other Newsmakers on March 27 in New York City.