Sanjay Kumar Sinha
Founder and Managing Director, Chaitanya Projects Consultancy Ltd
How was the year 2024 in terms of infrastructure development?
The year 2024 marked significant progress in India's infrastructure landscape, driven by a robust pipeline of projects under government initiatives like the Gati Shakti Master Plan and the Bharatmala Pariyojana. In the roads and highways sector, there was a pronounced shift towards expressways, with several marquee projects achieving key milestones. The adoption of advanced construction techniques and materials expedited project timelines while improving durability. Additionally, a focus on multimodal connectivity enhanced integration with other transport modes, making the sector more efficient and sustainable.
How did technology adoption and sustainability practices gain momentum in infrastructure projects?
Technology adoption became a cornerstone of infrastructure projects in 2024. Digital tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM), drones, and AI-enabled analytics streamlined project design, monitoring, and execution. Simultaneously, sustainability practices gained momentum, with projects increasingly prioritizing green certifications, renewable energy integration, and eco-friendly construction materials. For instance, Chaitanya Projects Consultancy actively incorporated waste-to-resource strategies and energy-efficient designs into its projects, setting benchmarks for sustainable infrastructure development.
What is trending in private sector participation and project funding in roads and highways and other infra segments?
Private sector participation saw an uptick in 2024, driven by innovative financing models like Hybrid Annuity Models (HAM) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs). In the roads and highways segment, partnerships between public entities and private developers unlocked capital and brought in specialized expertise. The diversification of funding sources, including green bonds and international financial institutions, also played a pivotal role in ensuring project viability. Moreover, private players increasingly explored opportunities in emerging areas like EV charging infrastructure and smart city initiatives.
What are the prevailing challenges in roads and infrastructure development as we enter the new year?
The sector continues to grapple with challenges like land acquisition delays, regulatory bottlenecks, and rising input costs. Ensuring timely financing and addressing environmental clearances remain critical areas that need concerted efforts. Additionally, the adoption of advanced technologies often faces resistance due to skill gaps and the lack of standardization. However, these challenges present an opportunity for collaborative innovation and policy interventions to drive long-term resilience and efficiency.
What is your outlook on the Indian construction and infrastructure industry?
The outlook for the Indian construction and infrastructure industry remains exceptionally positive. With robust government support, increased private participation, and a growing emphasis on sustainability, the sector is poised to witness transformative growth. The alignment of infrastructure development with urbanization trends and digital transformation will unlock new opportunities across segments. At Chaitanya Projects Consultancy, we are committed to leveraging these dynamics to deliver impactful solutions, reinforcing India’s position as a global infrastructure leader.
