The construction sector is at the forefront of India’s development.
Dr Nalin Gupta
Managing Director, J Kumar Infraprojects Ltd
How do you assess India’s infrastructure growth and ongoing developments?
India’s infrastructure growth has accelerated in recent years, driven by government initiatives, private investments, and foreign partnerships. Key sectors like transportation, energy, and urban development are witnessing substantial progress.
Road and highway projects under the Bharatmala Project are improving connectivity, while the railways are modernizing through Dedicated Freight Corridors and high-speed trains like Vande Bharat Express. The Sagarmala Project aims to enhance port infrastructure and reduce logistics costs, while aviation is expanding with new airports like Jewar International Airport.
Urban infrastructure initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana are transforming city landscapes and addressing housing needs. In energy, India is rapidly increasing its renewable capacity, aiming for 450 GW by 2030, supported by large solar and wind projects.
However, challenges remain, including financing gaps, bureaucratic delays, and the rural-urban divide in infrastructure access. Projects like the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and partnerships under Atmanirbhar Bharat aim to tackle these hurdles.
Overall, India is making steady progress in infrastructure development, but sustained efforts are needed to ensure growth is inclusive, sustainable, and efficient.
• Union Budget 2024-25 has the following major announcements:
• Capital outlay of Rs 11,23,177 crore to enhance the infrastructure sector.
• National Highways - allocated Rs 1,67,811 crore to NHAI
• Roads – Rs 2,80,245 crore to Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
• Metro – Rs 21,564 crore allocation for Metro projects
• Housing Sector – Rs 78,032 crore to Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
• Railways - Projected revenue expenditure – Rs 2,57,757 crore.
How is the company playing a major role in the development of India’s infrastructure?
We have an order book of Rs 21,228 crore as on March 31, 2024 and an expected order book of Rs 25,256 crore in FY27.
Our focus segments include metro projects, elevated corridors/flyover, roads & road tunnels, civil & others, and water.
How do you look forward to the emerging opportunities in Indian infrastructure sector?
The Indian infrastructure sector presents significant opportunities for growth, driven by increasing urbanization, industrial expansion, and government-backed initiatives. Key emerging opportunities include:
Smart Cities and Urban Development: With ongoing urbanization, India’s push for Smart Cities and affordable housing under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana offers opportunities in technology-driven urban solutions, housing, and utilities infrastructure.
Green Energy and Sustainability: The government’s ambitious targets to achieve 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030 open vast opportunities in solar, wind, and hybrid energy solutions. Companies focused on green technologies and energy-efficient infrastructure will see rising demand.
Transportation & Logistics: India’s focus on developing its roadways, railways, and ports under projects like Bharatmala and Sagarmala presents significant opportunities in construction, logistics, and related industries. Emerging sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs) and supporting EV infrastructure are also poised for growth.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Increasing reliance on PPP models offers investment opportunities in sectors like transportation, water, and waste management, backed by government support.
Digital infrastructure: The rollout of 5G and the Digital India initiative create prospects for telecom infrastructure, data centers, and smart utilities.
Overall, India's infrastructure sector holds tremendous potential, particularly for players focused on sustainability, innovation, and technology integration.
How do you look at India as the third largest construction market globally?
India’s emergence as the third-largest construction market globally reflects its rapid economic growth, urbanization, and massive infrastructure demands. With an expanding population and increasing industrialization, the construction sector is at the forefront of India’s development, contributing significantly to GDP and employment.
Key factors driving this growth include the government's focus on infrastructure through initiatives like the Bharatmala Project (for roads and highways), Smart Cities Mission, and Housing for All under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. These programs are creating vast opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial construction, with a particular emphasis on affordable housing, transportation networks, and urban renewal projects.
Additionally, India's focus on green construction and sustainable development is gaining momentum, with a growing demand for eco-friendly buildings, energy-efficient technologies, and renewable energy projects. The rise in public-private partnerships (PPPs), foreign direct investments, and the use of modern construction technologies such as precast structures and digital tools are also shaping the sector's future.
However, challenges like land acquisition, regulatory hurdles, and ensuring sustainable growth remain. Despite these, India’s position as a construction hub is strengthening, offering immense opportunities for both domestic and international stakeholders in the sector.
What is your Mission 2025 for the company?
We want to become billion $ revenue company by FY2027. For FY25, revenue to grow by 15-16%. EBIDTA margins to improve from 14-15% to 15-16% by FY2027.
BOX
Project details – at a glance
Metro Line 3 – Underground Phase 1 to be operational by September 2024
SCLR Project to be completed by November 2027
Work started on Chennai Elevated Corridor
Work going on at GMLR – Goregaon Mulund Link Road
Work going on VDCR – Versova Dahisar Coastal Road
Work going on at Orange Gate
Marquee completed projects
Metros and Bridges
Mero Line 7 (MMRDA)
Metro Line 2A (MMRDA)
BKC Connector
Pune Elevated Metro
JNPT Mumbai
Panjrapole Flyover
Kalwa Creek Bridge
Marquee ongoing projects
Metros
Underground Metro – Line 7A (MMRDA)
Underground Metro Line 3 (MMRDA)
Metro Line 2B (MMRDA)
Elevated Metro – Line 9 (MMRDA)
Elevated Metro – Line 6 (DMRC)
Elevated Metro – Line 4A (MMRDA)
Surat Underground Metro (GMRCL)
Pune River Front
Dwarka Express Way (Delhi)
SCLR – Santacruz-Chembur Link Road
GMLR – Goregaon-Mulund Link Road
