By making roads more resilient and long lasting, and to prevent premature road failures such as potholes, disintegration, and collapses, contractors are using technically advanced machines being developed by OEMs, collaborating with providers of new project management software tools and technologies, and following sustainable construction practices that involve use of by-products like fly ash, molasses, and steel slag, plastic waste and recycled aggregates.

The Indian Road Construction industry is increasingly embracing smart and sustainable practices. The integration of eco-friendly materials such as plastic, fly ash, and recycled aggregates into road projects is becoming commonplace. These materials not only help in reducing environmental impact but also offer cost benefits and improved durability. However, their adoption comes with challenges, including the need for rigorous quality control and the development of new construction methodologies.
Parallelly, the adoption of smart technologies like LiDAR, drones, and GPS are revolutionizing project planning, execution, and monitoring processes. These technologies enhance precision, reduce project timelines, and improve safety. Despite the higher initial costs, the long-term benefits of mechanization and high-tech equipment in construction are undeniable. They promise greater efficiency, reduced labor dependency, and higher-quality outcomes.

Looking ahead, the path to more sustainable road construction in India involves a multifaceted approach. This includes furthering the adoption of eco-friendly materials, leveraging advanced technologies, and fostering innovation in mechanization. Equipment manufacturers also have a crucial role to play. As the industry transitions towards electric equipment, manufacturers must consider factors such as battery life, charging infrastructure, and the overall lifecycle impact of their products.
As India continues to build and expand its road network, the focus on smart and sustainable construction practices will be key to ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits. By navigating the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities, India can ensure sustainable infrastructure development.

This report by Zainab Faridi provides insights of Equipment Manufacturers and Contracting Companies on the evolving landscape of India's road construction industry, the challenges and opportunities. Construction companies GR Infraprojects, Apco Infratech, and Maa Karni Infratech share their strategies for incorporating eco-friendly materials and advanced technologies into their projects, while equipment manufacturers CASE India, Ammann, Caterpillar India, ACE, Wirtgen, Volvo CE, Dynapac and Puzzolana, discuss their role in supporting sustainable construction, addressing industry challenges, and exploring the potential of electric equipment. By examining these perspectives, the report offers a comprehensive view of India's progress towards building a greener and more resilient road network.
India, boasting the second-largest road network globally, has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its total road network length to approximately 6.7 million kilometers. Over the past decade, the network has surged by 59%, with National Highways alone stretching to 146,145 kilometers by the close of 2023, according to a recent report by IBEF. This significant expansion reflects the country's commitment to enhancing its infrastructure, a commitment further underscored by the Government of India's allocation of Rs. 11.11 lakh crore (US$ 1.4 trillion) under the National Infrastructure Pipeline for FY25.
With roads expected to absorb 18% of this capital expenditure, the momentum in road construction shows no signs of slowing, as shown by ICRA's projection of up to 13,000 kms of new road construction by March 2025.
GR Infra: Using Fly Ash, Plastic & Recycled Aggregates in Road Construction |
GR Infra is leading the way in sustainable road construction by incorporating eco-friendly materials like fly ash, plastic, and recycled aggregates, while leveraging advanced technologies for efficient proje ... Read More |
Wirtgen India: Road Milling & Paving Equipment for Efficient Construction |
Wirtgen India offers cutting-edge milling and paving machines equipped with eco-friendly technologies like contactless paving and RAP recycling to enhance road construction efficiency and ... Read More |
Volvo CE: Offering Electric & Fuel-Efficient Road Construction Equipment |
Volvo CE India offers advanced equipment with electric and fuel-efficient technologies to enhance road construction efficiency. ... Read More |
Apco Infratech: Construction with Advanced Equipment & Recycled Materials |
Apco Infratech is at the forefront of sustainable road construction in India, leveraging advanced equipment and a commitment to using recycled materials for eco-friendly and efficient projects. ... Read More |
CASE India: Backhoes, Excavators & Compactors for Efficient Construction |
CASE India is committed to building a greener future with its advanced loader backhoes, excavators, and compactors, designed for sustainable and efficient road construction. ... Read More |
Caterpillar Offers Eco-Friendly Backhoe Loaders with Cat® C13D Platform |
Caterpillar offers sustainable backhoe loaders powered by Cat® C13D platform for building greener roads in India. Their machines reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and support circular economy ... Read More |
Ammann India: Sustainable Road Construction with Asphalt Pavers & Rollers |
Ammann India offers eco-friendly asphalt pavers, rollers, and other construction equipment to build sustainable roads in India. Ammann's machines reduce emissions, conserve resources, and boost project ... Read More |
Puzzolana Road Pavers Advancing Road Construction Efficiently |
Puzzolana's Road Pavers, with their advanced technology and robust engineering, are making significant advancements in road construction and maintenance, and enhancing the infrastructure landscape across ... Read More |
Maa Karni Infratech: Adopting New Technologies to Build Sustainable Roads |
Maa Karni Infratech is committed to advancing sustainable road construction in India through the adoption of innovative materials, technologies, and industry best practices. ... Read More |
Fayat Road Equipment: Electric Roller & Paver for Sustainable Road Building |
Fayat Road Equipment offers cutting-edge electric rollers & pavers designed to build sustainable and durable roads while minimizing environmental impact. ... Read More |
ACE: Electric Cranes & Eco-Friendly Machines for Sustainable Construction |
ACE Construction Equipment is leading the charge in sustainable construction with its innovative range of eco-friendly machines. From electric cranes to fuel-efficient models, ACE delivers powerful, efficient ... Read More |
PMDCS: Focuses on Technology & Sustainability for Road Construction |
Smart and sustainable road construction practices are gaining momentum, especially with the use of high-productivity construction equipment. However, the integration of advanced technologies such a ... Read More |
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