India is poised to become one of the world's largest economies by 2047, with a projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 35 to 40 trillion. Robust infrastructure development will play a crucial role in achieving this growth. Every rupee spent on infrastructure is expected to have a multiplier effect of 1.2-1.5 times on GDP which will further help in enhancing citizens' quality of life and driving economic prosperity, according to a report by Non-Executive Think Tank on Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure.
The Indian government has allocated Rs 10 lakh crore (approximately USD 122 billion) to infrastructure in the 2023-24 budget, a 33 per cent increase from the previous year. This represents 3.3 per cent of India's GDP, highlighting the government's commitment to infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth.
The National Infrastructure Pipeline aims to invest over USD 1.8 trillion by 2025, focusing on integrated infrastructure development. The Prime Minister GatiShakti National Master Plan will enhance connectivity across roads, railways, and airports. Digital technologies, such as Digital Twin and geospatial technologies, will transform infrastructure development, enabling better planning, design, and management. These technologies will improve decision-making, optimise resource allocation, and enhance operational efficiency.
India's infrastructure sector is evolving rapidly, driven by budgetary commitments, a favourable policy environment, and private sector engagement. The Indian Railways achieved a record track laying of 5,243 kilo meters in 2022-23, while the maritime sector handles significant cargo traffic through 12 major and 200 non-major ports.
The report outlined ambitious goals for the future, including halving travel time between major cities, increasing the freight share of road transport, enhancing high-speed rail usage, developing new airports, and promoting multimodal transit systems. Despite the promising outlook, the infrastructure sector faces challenges, including the need for integrated development strategies and long-term financing solutions.
The report emphasised the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to infrastructure resilience and attracting private investment. By leveraging modern technologies and integrating digital tools and geospatial analytics, India can build resilient and sustainable infrastructure, ensuring long-term economic growth and improved quality of life for its citizens.
