The government’s emphasis on infrastructure development is driving the construction sector towards new advancements. Its vision to develop “world-class modern infrastructure” is paving the way for more efficient construction practices. Construction companies are deploying innovative technologies, focusing on optimising energy usage, achieving precision and sustainability, and reducing costs.
As per reports, India’s construction market has surpassed its counterparts in Australia, Japan and Singapore in investments in newer technologies. Indian construction companies spend an average of 28 per cent of their business expenditure to integrate these technologies. Implementing agencies involved in the construction of infrastructure such as roadways, airports and metros are complementing these efforts by leveraging digital tools like building information modelling (BIM) and geospatial technologies to streamline their construction processes. They are also deploying technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to upgrade data centres, and adopting renewable energy to ensure a sustainable footprint. The integration of internet of things (IoT), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), drones, 3D printing and digital twins is further advancing construction practices across sectors.
Deployment of digital software
Advanced software and digital platforms have become an integral part of infrastructure design and construction. One such widely adopted software, BIM is revolutionising these projects by providing a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics. For instance, at the Bengaluru International Airport, BIM was instrumental in identifying potential clashes during the design phase, which helped avoid cost and time overruns. This technology also enabled seamless collaboration among stakeholders, resulting in an expedited construction timeline. It also improved operational efficiency, with the early detection of design flaws and efficient resource management. Some of the large infrastructure projects that integrated 5D-BIM in their construction activities are Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, and Nagpur metro. These projects have used BIM for connecting 3D design models to other dimensions of construction such as material and cost estimate schedules for effective coordination.
Geospatial technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) are also playing a key role in enhancing the accuracy of data collection and analysis in construction. For instance, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail project deployed aerial LiDAR surveying, reducing project timelines from 12 months to three months. Similarly, GIS mapping of national highways is streamlining planning, monitoring and execution processes. Further, GPS-enabled graders and pavers are enhancing precision and reducing material waste, as seen in the construction of the Dwarka Expressway. Moreover, construction companies are increasingly adopting software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based systems. SaaS solutions are effective in end-to-end construction management and enable collaboration among multiple stakeholders.
Setting up advanced data centres
The development of high-tech data centres is gaining traction in India with the expansion of allied sectors such as telecom. These data centres are being constructed using energy-efficient and smart technologies such as AI. The integration of AI in data centres helps in efficient power provisioning with power socket provisions of up to 100 kW per rack, along with a strong back-end infrastructure, including transformers, UPS and diesel generators, which allow loads of up to 250 kW per rack. A key example is AI-ready data centres to be set up by the Princeton Digital Group in India with an investment of $1 billion. The group has announced plans to expand its AI-forward campuses in Mumbai and Chennai, and build a new CH1 campus in the northern Chennai Metropolitan Area.
In addition, data centres are being constructed using renewable energy to ensure sustainable operations. For example, the Noida data centre by CtrlS Datacenters Limited functions with 60 per cent renewable energy. The company’s Bengaluru facility also aims to achieve 80 per cent renewable energy-based output.
Technology solutions for power infrastructure development
The power sector in India is also advancing towards technologically mature solutions, such as smart gensets to improve the efficiency of the power network with continuous remote monitoring of fuel consumption and engine performance. They also help in adjusting operations based on load and environmental factors. IoT-enabled smart diesel gensets, with advanced algorithms and redundancy, enable real-time fault detection and diagnostics. Furthermore, AR and VR are transforming hydro project development by simulating operations, visualising design changes and providing real-time maintenance data. These technologies enhance design, streamline maintenance and engage stakeholders more effectively. Companies like Tata Power and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited have started leveraging these technologies for the design and planning of power plants and renewable energy projects in India.
In the transmission sector, digital solutions are being leveraged for geographical mapping, automated reporting, defect cataloguing, rectification tracking and resource planning. For instance, under PG DARPAN, Powergrid has been using digital solutions for routine patrolling and assessment of networks.
Adoption of drones and 3D printing
Drones have become invaluable tools in the planning and monitoring of complex infrastructure construction projects. They play a key role in real-time imaging, land surveys, and enhancing safety measures in construction. Drones equipped with HD cameras, thermal sensors and proximity sensors are increasingly used for inspecting bridges, railway tracks and roadways. For instance, drones have enabled aerial monitoring of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, facilitating inspections across long distances without the need for manual intervention.
Drones are also crucial for ensuring safety in tunnel construction as well as mapping and monitoring their condition for search-and-rescue operations. A notable application was the deployment of two advanced drones during the 2023 rescue mission in the wake of the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel accident in Uttarakhand.
Moreover, 3D printing is emerging as a game changer for construction projects by automating the creation of complex structural designs. It minimises material wastage and costs through modular construction. When combined with prefabricated components, 3D printing significantly reduces the time and cost required to construct new hydropower facilities or upgrade existing ones.
Emergence of digital twins
Digital twins, an emerging digital platform, provide real-time insights for infrastructure projects. For example, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link uses digital twins for real-time monitoring, enabling immediate adjustments to deviations. It ensures that construction remains on schedule and maintains high quality standards. Meanwhile, the water network in Nagpur is being re-engineered using the digital twin technology. By leveraging hydrological models, GIS data and SCADA systems, the technology has helped reduce leakages in its water distribution system and lower non-revenue water levels.
The platform is also gaining traction for coordinating the design, planning, construction and operations of airport projects. In December 2024, one such platform was launched at Hyderabad airport to streamline operations management by leveraging real-time data. The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has also successfully developed its digital twin, named the Airport Asset Information Model. Another leap towards exploring digital twin technologies for integrated infrastructure planning and execution is the Sangam Initiative by the Department of Telecommunications.
Future trajectory
The Indian construction market is poised for significant growth, driven by government policies such as the PM Gati Shakti initiative and investments in high speed rail, expressways and urban transit systems. As the sector expands, it is expected to increasingly adopt new technologies for faster execution and better resource management. As per industry estimates, technologies such as AI and machine learning have the potential to reduce construction costs by 2-3 per cent. The adoption of VR and AR will also revolutionise the speed and efficiency of processes. Further, upskilling construction workers to operate new technologies and equipping contracting body staff with advanced software knowledge will be instrumental in driving the sector’s growth.
