How India's infrastructure is getting smarter with AI

Time of India

3 days ago

Artificial Intelligence (
AI
) is rapidly emerging as a transformative force in India's infrastructure sector, driving efficiency, reducing costs, and paving the way for a more resilient and
sustainable infrastructure
.
The transformative power of AI's capabilities in data-driven decision-making are revolutionising how India builds and manages its critical assets.
Industry leaders also highlight AI's profound impact on the sector. The technology has permeated each and every aspect of infrastructure building-- from planning and design to construction and operation & maintenance. YR Nagaraja, Managing Director of Ramky Infrastructure, said, "AI fosters resilience, economic benefits, and stronger environmental stewardship in infrastructure. It's not just a tool; it's the intelligence building a greener, more sustainable future for our communities."
AI across the infrastructure lifecycle:
Planning and Design: AI's prowess in predictive analytics is crucial for accurate demand forecasting, ensuring that infrastructure projects align precisely with future needs. Generative design further optimises structures for peak efficiency and cost-effectiveness.Construction: During the construction phase, AI facilitates the deployment of autonomous equipment, streamlining project management and significantly enhancing quality control. This leads to faster project delivery and increased reliability.Operation and Maintenance (O&M): This is where AI's impact is arguably most revolutionary. Predictive maintenance, powered by AI, analyses sensor data to anticipate potential equipment failures, dramatically minimising downtime and extending the lifespan of assets. AI also underpins structural health monitoring and intelligent traffic and energy management systems, optimising efficiency and safety across the board.
Kapil Mahajan, Global Chief Information & Technology Officer of IT, Allcargo Logistics, noted the broader synergy: "At a broader scale, the convergence of AI, IoT, and automation platforms perfectly complements infrastructure development initiatives like PM
Gati Shakti
, paving the way for building a logistics network that is resilient, sustainable, and future-facing."
Sustainability at the core:
As global attention shifts towards sustainability, companies are integrating AI as a fundamental component of their strategies. In sustainable industrial parks, for instance, AI is instrumental in creating closed-loop systems. It optimises water management through precise wastewater reuse and leak detection, significantly curbing consumption.
'In wastewater treatment, AI provides real-time monitoring and anomaly detection, enabling quick responses to water quality changes. It powers predictive maintenance for machinery, minimising downtime and extending equipment life. Crucially, AI optimises treatment processes, significantly cutting energy consumption (e.g., aeration) and chemical use while enhancing pollutant removal,' said Nagaraja.
In energy management, AI drives smart grids, seamlessly integrating renewable energy sources and predicting demand for highly efficient consumption. For waste management, AI facilitates automated sorting and identifies opportunities for industrial symbiosis, transforming one industry's waste into another's valuable resource.
The energy imperative of AI:
However, the increasing reliance on AI also brings a critical consideration in energy consumption. A recent report from the World Economic Forum highlighted this, stating, "We're entering an era where intelligence, computation and autonomy are becoming foundational to every sector. But these systems don't run on code alone. They require real, physical energy – and lots of it.'
The report further concluded, 'Achieving this requires a rethinking of the global energy mix. Many current sources remain vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risk. Replacing fragile, fossil-based systems with firm, low-carbon energy solutions that can scale alongside digital infrastructure is essential.'
While the embrace of AI is inevitable in the age where it is reshaping every sector; however, there is a crucial need for India to ensure that its AI-driven infrastructure growth does not weigh on the already strained power system, but instead aligns with clean energy goals.