India’s transportation infrastructure has witnessed significant growth over the last few decades. Critical infrastructure projects such as the Golden Quadrilateral national highway network, the Delhi Metro rapid transit system, and public–private partnership airport projects across India’s major metropolitan regions have revolutionized the capacity and quality of the country’s transportation infrastructure. The success of these projects have led to major infrastructure projects, such as the Bharatmala Pariyojana national highway project, high-speed and semi-high-speed rail projects, dedicated rail freight corridors, rapid-transit metro railways across major cities, modernization of airports and the inception of ‘Gati Shakti’ national masterplan for multi-modal connectivity.

The robustness and efficiency of such large-scale infrastructure delivery rests significantly on concessionaires and contractors. Their project management capabilities to ensure timely completion of infrastructure delivery enables faster realization of returns. Hence, project management strategies to proactively identify risks associated with construction and development of infrastructure is crucial. For instance, undertaking of on-site assessment by adopting Geospatial technologies such as LiDAR and ground penetration radar in the pre-construction phase will enable accurate planning and reduce uncertainties during the design-to-execution of highway projects. Also, the advent of machine control system has improved on-site activities including increased productivity, decreased reworks and save fuel of equipment and machineries.

Transport infrastructure projects are distinctively unique and complex compared to other infrastructure and construction projects. Globally, construction of transport network is often associated with large-scale cost and time overruns. Prior to Covid-19 the AEC industry stakeholders associated with transport infrastructure were considering digitalization solutions and the industry was close to embracing industry 4.0 solutions. The plan was to deliver projects smarter, cheaper and safe. The pandemic showcased the need for digitalization solutions like GIS & BIM for a distributed workforce to make data and collaboration resilient.

The GeoSmart Infrastructure conference brings together leaders from across the country to share digital use-case that design, build, and maintain world class transport infrastructure assets and plan for the future demands of the nation. As part of the GeoSmart Infrastructure conference, we are introducing the GeoSmart Infrastructure Awards which aims to celebrate best-in-class application and leadership of technology in the transport infrastructure development and asset management. Such forward-thinking organisations, projects and individuals will be felicitated for their impeccable work in the field of digital construction & engineering.