India's infrastructure development should be tailored to its unique needs and challenges
It has been 25 years since infrastructure development in India started in full earnest with the launch of National Highway Development Program by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government in 1998. Successive Governments have since then have made infrastructure investment their priority. Just so, India’s infrastructure development journey over the past 25 years has seen significant strides with continued investments in transportation, energy, urban development, and connectivity. During this period, we have faced several ups and downs, learned new lessons, modulated our approach, discovered unique funding mechanisms, refined Concession Agreements, developed expertise in building world class infrastructure and exported our learnings to other countries.
As we look ahead to the next 25 years of infrastructure development and providing quality of life to our citizens, we need to learn from not only our own but other countries about their success and failures. Further, the essential need for developing our infrastructure while continuing our journey to net Zero carbon emission means that the future would need to be thought differently. Essentially, we would need to not only learn from the past but also reimagine the future in a different way.
Here are some of the key lessons and considerations for our future infrastructure development:
Sustainable Infrastructure: The cracks developing in buildings and roads in Uttarakhand have brought to fore the need to have development which is in cohesion with nature. Given the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters, India should focus on building resilient infrastructure that can withstand shocks and adapt to changing conditions. India should fast charge its adoption of green building standards and invest in public transportation to reduce carbon emissions. Given India’s vulnerability to natural disasters, it’s essential to incorporate resilience into infrastructure projects. Learning from countries prone to similar risks can also provide insights into disaster preparedness and response.
Sustainable Construction: India should prioritize environmental sustainability into its construction. This includes minimizing environmental impacts and adhering to stringent environmental regulations. This also involves adopting innovative engineering solutions and green construction materials. The country needs to bring in practices, materials, and design principles to build infrastructure that is environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, energy-efficient, and healthy for its users. Sustainable construction is not only beneficial for the environment but also offers long-term cost savings, improved health and well-being of users and the overall quality of life in communities. A lot of research is taking place on this subject worldwide and it behooves us to pool in our brain-pool to further sustainable construction worldwide.
Tackling “Not in my Backyard”: Infrastructure projects face a unique problem in that while they benefit society at large, their location could adversely affect the local community. Lessons from around the world show that inclusive infrastructure development, which considers the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups, leads to better outcomes for society as a whole. There have been several protests by local communities in the past over infrastructure projects in their region. Learning from countries that prioritize community engagement can help prevent conflicts and ensure projects meet local needs. Engaging local communities and stakeholders from the early stages of infrastructure projects can help build trust and mitigate opposition.
Digital Infrastructure: In the modern age, digital infrastructure is just as important as physical infrastructure. India should invest in robust and secure digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet access, to support economic growth and connectivity. Further, significantly reduced costs for digital devices and data have made it possible to make a business case for IoT & digital twins in infrastructure projects. Leveraging data analytics and technology for infrastructure management can enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. India can learn from countries that have successfully implemented smart infrastructure solutions to achieve data and technology integration.
Skill Development: India faces a unique situation where it not only houses largest population, but also where skilled workforce shortage is a regular constraint faced across industries. As the construction industry migrates to higher precast and prefab component and increases the adoption of technology in project delivery, bridging skill gap would become crucial to its success. By its nature, investing in education and skill development programs related to construction, engineering, and project management is essential. Learning from countries with successful vocational and technical education systems can help enhance India’s human capital.
Chief Strategy and Growth Officer,
TATA Projects
Upkeep: Infrastructure projects should not end with construction. As a country, we must allocate adequate resources for long-term maintenance and regular upgrades to ensure the longevity and functionality of our infrastructure. Learning from countries with excellent maintenance practices can help extend the lifespan of assets and reduce long-term costs. The industry also suffers from extensive time and cost overruns. Learning from countries with effective oversight can help ensure accountability and project success.
To conclude, India’s infrastructure development should be tailored to its unique needs and challenges, but drawing lessons from global experiences can provide valuable insights and best practices to help address these challenges more effectively. Additionally, global warming and an urgent need for decarbonising the society requires all the nations to come together and develop solutions that provide for the future society at large.
