By Sabyasachi Nayak, Vice-President and Head, EDRC, RBF SBG Transportation IC, L&T Construction
The infrastructure construction industry has seen a major transformation over the last two to three decades. The way projects are conceived, surveyed, designed, executed, monitored and maintained has changed significantly with the adoption of digital tools. In the late 1900s, the use of computers brought a major shift in engineering and construction practices. This was followed by internet-based collaboration, enterprise platforms, building information modelling (BIM), drones, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), digital project monitoring systems and, more recently, artificial intelligence (AI). The current level of digitalisation in infrastructure construction is encouraging, but it is not uniform across all areas. Survey, investigation and engineering design adopted digital tools relatively early. In engineering design, the use of advanced software, modelling tools, automation and programming has helped improve accuracy, reduce repetitive work and enable better optioneering. Digital tools have also helped engineers visualise complex structures and construction sequences much better than before.
However, the construction side still requires a stronger push at the industry level. Many large organisations have adopted ERP systems, integrated project management systems (IPMS) and digital workflows. But across the broader construction ecosystem, particularly among smaller agencies and in many project setups, the use of digital systems is still not as effective. Government agencies have also formally adopted many digital requirements, but actual implementation at the project level often remains limited.
Experience so far
Several technologies are already creating a visible impact. LiDAR and drone surveys have significantly improved the speed and accuracy of data collection, providing better visualisation, improved data sufficiency and faster delivery of survey outputs. Ground penetrating radar is also becoming important for identifying underground utilities, especially in urban projects where utility conflicts can create major delays. Design software has given engineers greater freedom. Today’s platforms allow better integration between analysis, design, drawings and quantities. They also allow programming and automation to be embedded into the design process.
BIM is another major area where the industry has seen progress. Initially, BIM was viewed mainly as a visualisation tool. However, its real value is much beyond visualisation. BIM helps in clash detection, construction sequencing, quantity estimation, programme management and coordination among stakeholders. When BIM 4D and 5D are implemented properly, they can help project teams understand not only what is to be constructed, but also when, how and at what cost.
CDE is equally important. Infrastructure projects involve multiple stakeholders; unless all of them work on a common platform with a single source of truth, errors and delays are bound to happen. A properly implemented CDE improves collaboration, reduces duplication and brings transparency in engineering delivery. IPMS can bring all aspects of construction under one platform. Similarly, ERP systems have helped large organisations streamline supply chain management by aligning procurement, suppliers and project requirements more effectively.
Digital twins are still at a relatively early stage in India, but they have very high potential, especially in the maintenance phase. For important structures and project components, digital twins can help monitor performance, assess health conditions and plan preventive maintenance at the right time.
Barriers to adoption
The biggest challenge is often the inability to clearly assess tangible and intangible benefits. Any digital tool requires investment in software, hardware, training and implementation. Unless the user clearly sees the benefit, there is hesitation in adoption. The initial configuration period is also a challenge. Secondly, the full benefit of any digital initiative can be realised only when all stakeholders are on board. Lack of trained manpower is another barrier, as digital adoption requires continuous training, handholding and a willingness to change.
Looking ahead
The next five years can bring a major change in the infrastructure landscape if digital tools are adopted as an integral part of project delivery. Multiple options for a project should be evaluated digitally at the conceptual stage itself so that authorities can choose the best solution in terms of cost, constructability, environment and long-term value. There is also a need to build reliable databases on contractor performance, including delivery records, quality, safety and defects in past projects. IPMS and CDE should be made mandatory for major projects, and BIM should be used for complete project management. In future, AI-enabled design tools, standardisation, parametric design and automation will play a major role in faster delivery. A structured data lake should also be created where project data from CDE, BIM, IPMS and maintenance systems can be stored for future use. Ultimately, the purpose of digitalisation is to create and deliver better infrastructure – with efficiency, transparency, and minimum environmental impact, and that is where digitalisation must lead the infrastructure industry.
