National Digital Twin Policy For India's Infrastructure Development Goals

A National Digital Twin Policy, if adopted in India, could lead to a 33% increase in infrastructure investment and the country could achieve a $40 trillion economy by 2047.

A study undertaken by Geospatial World under the aegis of Think Tank on Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure, highlights that a National Digital Twin Policy could provide the technology integration with a complete data approach across the entire lifecycle of Indian infrastructure. Such a policy would leverage Digital Twin technology, a real-time digital modelling of physical assets, processes, and systems, integrating advanced tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

A National Digital Twin Policy


The National Digital Twin Policy would not only augment ongoing deep tech strategies like space, geospatial, AI, and Deep Sea Mission, but would also amplify their collective impact towards productivity gains through sustainable and resilient Indian infrastructure.

India’s infrastructure sector is on the brink of a major transformation. As the nation sets its sights on becoming a $40 trillion economy by 2047, the role of advanced technologies in managing and expanding infrastructure projects has never been more critical. A comprehensive policy framework could be a game-changer for the country’s infrastructure development, aligning with India’s ambitious Vision 2047 goals and addressing both current and future challenges.

The report outlines the value proposition of using Digital Twins in Indian infrastructure projects to provide comprehensive and actionable insights in terms of early warning, prompt response, improved public safety, and reduction in damage to infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability.

CEO, Geospatial World

“In the face of monumental infrastructure demands, a National Digital Twin Policy is not just a vision but a necessity,” says Sanjay Kumar, CEO, Geospatial World. “Our study reveals that Digital Twin technology can significantly enhance planning, execution, and maintenance of infrastructure projects, advancing the vision of Prime Minister towards ‘Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)’ positioning India at the forefront of global infrastructure innovation.”

“The potential of Digital Twin technology to transform infrastructure management cannot be overstated. By providing detailed simulations and real-time data, Digital Twins offer a pathway to not only overcome existing challenges but also to proactively shape the future of India’s infrastructure sector,” he adds.

National Disaster Management Authority

Kamal Kishore, the then Chair of Think Tank and Member Secretary of National Disaster Management Authority, had said in a report, “Delivering infrastructure resilient to natural hazards is fundamental to continued economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable human development. While the idea of resilient infrastructure is simple, its overall execution requires a dynamic approach through the use of modern and disruptive technologies such as geospatial, BIM, and in particular Digital Twin as it provides a vast platform for integration of modern technologies and contributes at every stage of infrastructure building from planning and building to operations and maintenance.

In 2023, India’s infrastructure market was valued at INR 15.47 lakh crore, a testament to the sector’s rapid growth and its pivotal role in the country’s economic development. However, to meet future demands and sustain this growth, India will need to secure over INR 374 lakh crore in investments by 2040. The 2023-24 Union Budget reflects a strong commitment to infrastructure, with INR 10 lakh crore allocated—a 33% increase from the previous year, representing 3.3% of the nation’s GDP. Yet, despite these substantial investments, there are significant gaps and challenges that need addressing.

The study highlights how Digital Twin technology addresses several key challenges facing the infrastructure sector today. For instance, there is a pressing need to bridge gaps in transportation and utility services, manage funding constraints, and overcome a shortage of skilled professionals in engineering and construction.

the then Co-chair of Think Tank

Amit Ghosh, the then Co-chair of Think Tank, had emphasised, "Departing from earlier approach of need-based and siloed infrastructure planning, stakeholders need to advocate and implement a long-term integrated infrastructure development strategy to manage the multi-dimensional Infrastructure vision of the country effectively. To maximize the value of the capital investment, integrated infrastructure is critical, and Prime Minister GatiShakti National Master Plan is one of these path-breaking initiatives of the Government of India. This, in turn, will provide efficient connectivity, driven by various schemes such as the National Infrastructure Pipeline (from 2019), with a target expenditure on infrastructure development of over USD 1.8 trillion by 2025."

the National Digital Twin PolicySource: GW Consulting

 

VP Consulting, Geospatial World

“The policy would moreover tackle complex regulatory frameworks and land acquisition issues, while also addressing the challenge of integrating new technologies and ensuring equitable access. In fact, Digital Twin Policy will provide a platform to utilise and harness the benefits of strategic initiatives being undertaken by the Indian government in the field of space, geospatial, AI, deep sea, and drones. Most of these initiatives would create a plethora of data through a range of innovative sensors in near real-time, and digital twin policy would augment its holistic use for Indian infrastructure,” says, Ananya Narain, VP Consulting, Geospatial World.

The advantages of implementing a National Digital Twin Policy are multifaceted. Digital Twins offer a range of benefits across the infrastructure lifecycle. During the planning and design phases, these technologies enable precise site surveys and the creation of detailed 3D models. For example, advanced tools such as UAV-based LiDAR and radar interferometry can generate high-resolution data, improving site selection and management with a potential 30% improvement in energy efficiency and a 20% reduction in project reworks.

In the construction phase, Digital Twin technologies streamline workflows and increase production output by 10%, while also reducing asset management downtime by 30%. This efficiency extends into the operations and maintenance phases as well, where Digital Twins support ongoing asset management and risk mitigation through web-based GIS systems and advanced sensors.

the National Digital Twin Policy


Sustainability is a major advantage of the National Digital Twin Policy. By simulating various scenarios, Digital Twins help improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and promote environmentally friendly designs. For instance, by modelling energy consumption patterns, these technologies help identify opportunities for reducing carbon footprints in infrastructure projects, aligning with Vision 2047’s environmental goals.

Economic efficiency is another critical benefit as the technology facilitates predictive analytics for early risk detection, optimizes resource use, and reduces project costs. The ability to perform scenario simulations and risk assessments results in more effective decision-making and streamlined project execution.

The study also points to the significant role of geospatial technologies in the success of the National Digital Twin Policy. The urban development geospatial market is expected to reach INR 3,445 crore by 2025, reflecting the growing importance of GIS in infrastructure planning. Advanced sensors and scanners, such as LiDAR and GPR, are crucial for terrain mapping and asset management, with the transport infrastructure sector’s geospatial market projected to grow to INR 2,470 crore by 2025.

Looking ahead, the National Digital Twin Policy envisions advanced applications of Digital Twin technology, including predictive analysis, lifecycle integration, and AI-driven performance optimization. The policy’s strategic goals also include the establishment of industry-wide standards, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration across the Digital Twin sector.

Says Sanjay Kumar, “The introduction of a National Digital Twin Policy marks a new era for India’s infrastructure sector. This policy is not just about meeting future demands; it’s about setting a new standard for innovative, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure development and management.”


Managing Director, Esri India
It is important to look at GIS, BIM and Digital Twin together as a holistic concept to bring high levels of efficiencies in infrastructure projects.
Agendra Kumar - Managing Director, Esri India

 

What will be the impact of the National Geospatial Policy in advancing geospatial technology adoption in India’s infrastructure sector? What are the new opportunities that this policy will unravel?

The National Geospatial Policy (NGP) 2022 has clearly established geospatial technology as the key enabler of India’s ‘$5 trillion economy’ vision. It provides a framework for using geospatial technologies and data in all sectors of the Indian economy, including the infrastructure sector. The Government focuses strongly on building the country’s infrastructure, including highways and tunnels, roads and bridges, and new airports. In most of these projects, geospatial technologies have a vital role.

Earlier, a lot of restrictions existed on the collection and sharing of geospatial data. This was slowing down the adoption of geospatial technologies. With those restrictions out of the way due to enabling policies like NGP, it will be easier for AEC companies to adopt more geospatial technologies. This adoption will help them bring more efficiency in the whole construction cycle from design to construction to operations. These higher efficiencies will, in turn, lead to higher savings in time and cost.

What is the role of GIS technology in advancing the idea of creating a digital twin for the infrastructure sector in India?

GIS technology has a very important role in advancing the idea of creating Digital Twins for the infrastructure sector in the country. Any Digital Twin of a fixed asset or real-world system benefits directly from including GIS data about the asset or system and its geographic context. Not only can GIS be used to create Digital Twins of natural and built environments, but it also can be used to integrate many different digital representations of the real world.

GIS data also powers many simulations of real-world dynamics and behaviors. 3D GIS provides dynamic, easy-to-use experiences in a web browser for simple analyses. For complex analyses, advanced geoprocessing workflows may be used to simulate changes in large utility networks and then to see those changes in a simple dashboard.

Using GIS, one can map the utilities running near the project site, both over and under the ground, and tackle them effectively during construction. It also helps in handling other tasks like finding optimal routes for raw material deliveries and disposing of construction waste and excess material. These decisions can be taken easily using the techniques of GIS.

Digital Twins that are based on GIS have features that are geo-referenced. These geo-referenced features make the Digital Twins powerful tools for analyzing, visualizing, and simulating geospatial data and phenomena, enabling better understanding and decision-making in various domains such as urban planning, infrastructure management, environmental analysis, and emergency response.

What will be the role of geospatial-powered data and solutions in strengthening technology integration for developing India’s infrastructure sector?

Geospatial data provides valuable insights for spatial planning and design of infrastructure projects. By integrating geospatial data with infrastructure planning software, decision-makers can analyze factors such as land suitability, environmental impact, transportation networks, and population distribution. This integration enables more informed decision-making, optimized resource allocation, and improved project outcomes. Geospatial technologies, especially GIS, can transform how AEC firms plan, design, build, and operate in the built and natural environment. GIS helps them achieve more effective outcomes in all project stages, including site characterization, field data capture, environmental impact assessment, site and project analysis, design and engineering, project management, and project delivery.

GIS also integrates with BIM, the foundation of digital transformation in the AEC industry to new levels by providing real-time data about an asset’s existing environment. Integrating BIM and GIS leads to creating a robust model where geographic and infrastructural design information is put together. This information helps designers and engineers to explore and evaluate the designs and construct more effectively. By combining GIS and BIM data, GeoBIM allows users to incorporate and use data from multiple systems, access project data for a common experience, collaborate and share information with stakeholders, and minimize costly data conversions. For example, integrating Revit or the Construction Cloud of Autodesk with Esri’s ArcGIS can provide the facility to exchange data seamlessly from the BIM model to GIS and vice versa. This integration is real-time such that if you make any changes to your BIM model, the changes will get reflected in the GIS at the same time. This helps in better visualization and more efficient project designs.

Thus, by utilizing geospatial data and solutions in construction projects, stakeholders can make informed decisions, minimize environmental impacts, and promote sustainable practices.

Case Study: Urban Planning

Esri ArcGIS transforms Kanpur Metropolitan

Project Details

Esri ArcGIS transforms Kanpur Metropolitan
Kanpur metropolitan sprawling over an area of 260 Sq. Kms., is the biggest city and main centre of commercial, industrial and educational activities in the State of Uttar Pradesh. Kanpur’s proposal envisions to retrofit 1475 acres adjacent to the south bank of Ganga to a vibrant 24x7 destination.

As a signature intervention reflecting the city’s image, the area needs to be:
  • An economic engine providing a pro-business environment and supporting the region’s knowledge industry.
  • A walkable, well-connected mixed-use area with public realm investments visible in its streets, public spaces and buildings.
  • A model for achieving social equity by planning with ‘citizen first’ city governance.
  • A model of sustainable infrastructure development for future proofing.
  • Creating a low-impact carbon neutral model for a healthy environment.

Project Challenges

  • Gathering authenticated data from Kanpur Municipal Corporation, designing a geodatabase for Kanpur Smart City Limited (KSCL) with the available spatial data has been a formidable challenge for the city.
  • Providing the GIS solution access based on hierarchical roles.
Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

Project Stakeholders

Project Owner - Kanpur Municipal Corporation and Kanpur Smart City Limited

Solution

  • Esri India together with 6Simplex Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd. started by setting up KSCL’s enterprise GIS portal. The new geodatabase helped capture spatial data related to mapping of various components in the smart city
  • The various GIS tools and functionalities included in KSCL GIS solution are basemap selection, layer selection module, map module navigation, and scale tool.
Software Used: Esri ArcGIS

Value Proposition

  • Helped gather various smart city assets inclusive of citizen amenities, education, emergency facilities, travel and transport, healthcare facilities, smart parking and create a geodatabase which serves as the backbone of the KSCL GIS solution.
  • Provide secure, Single Sign On (SSO) based web access to all its spatial and non-spatial data and services.
  • View all their verticals such as visual sign boards, traffic cameras, number plate detectors, location of educational institutions, hospitals, etc.

 

How can the infrastructure stakeholders effectively leverage geospatial-powered technology and solutions to facilitate sustainable project delivery in India’s infrastructure sector?

Construction projects that use GIS are better positioned to consider environmental and social impacts in the design. GIS-powered Geodesign combines geography with design by providing designers with robust tools that support rapid evaluation of design alternatives against the impacts of those designs. Geodesign infuses design with a blend of science and value-based information to help designers, planners, and stakeholders make better-informed decisions.

GIS aids in selecting construction sites and planning land use to minimize disturbance to ecologically sensitive areas. By overlaying geospatial data layers such as habitat maps, protected areas, and biodiversity hotspots, decision-makers can identify locations with a lower environmental impact and prioritize preserving natural resources. GIS can help identify parks, water bodies, trees, etc., existing near the construction site. Accordingly, actions can be taken to preserve these before executing the project.

GIS also can look at some of the basic things important for sustainability, for instance, assessing the shadow impact. Using ArcGIS, engineers, and energy consultants can evaluate shadow effects on buildings and outdoor spaces to identify suitable locations for solar energy installations and assess their potential energy generation. ArcGIS provides several workflows to assess the impact of shadows in different seasons and times of the day for solar installations.

GIS can also facilitate comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIAs) for construction projects. It allows for integrating and analyzing various geospatial data layers, including vegetation cover, water bodies, wildlife habitats, and soil types. These assessments help identify potential impacts, assess risks, and develop mitigation measures to minimize ecological disturbances.

Case Study: Urban Planning

GIS implementation in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai

Project Details

GIS implementation in Municipal Corporation
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) covers a total area of 454 sq.km. and caters to a population of 12.43 million according to the 2011 census. There are 24 wards under the corporation and more than 75 departments to provide various services to citizens of Mumbai.

To maintain the sustainability of service delivery, MCGM embarked on an ambitious e-Government initiative, aimed at enhancing responsiveness to citizens’ needs; increasing operating efficiency and effectiveness; improving financial health; and ensuring greater transparency within various departments like Sewerage Operations, Disaster Management, Environmental Department and Public Health Department.

Project Challenges

  • Need of a local spatial database
  • Requirement of a common base map
  • Unavailability of attribute and department GIS data
  • Lack of end-to-end GIS data management.
  • Changes required in business processes
  • Challenges of significant and continuous technology changes
Location: Mumbai, India

Project Stakeholders:

Project Owner - Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM)

Solution

  • The two main challenges addressed initially were citizen services through a GIS portal and inter- department collaboration.
  • Esri GIS Integrator was envisaged to bring all MCGM GIS data & applications to a collaborative GIS content sharing platform.
  • A digitized base map of Greater Mumbai was created by digitizing Tikka and Town Planning scheme images. Land parcels and roads were re-digitized, followed by scanning and digitizing of 6000+ images to capture different features of the city incorporating the development plan for 20 years duration, all major utilities, revenue elements and social infrastructure to have an integrated database for better planning management and sustainable development of the city.
Software used: Esri GIS Integrator

Value Proposition

  • With the launch of Mobile Application, citizens can view all the details of the plot/DP reservations. It has also become a Common Application platform.
  • A common platform is helping citizens to request services in an easier and faster manner. The Municipality is in a better position to service its citizens, better monitor and control its activities and introduce Customer Relationship Management concepts, resulting in tangible and visible increase in the quality of services for the average citizen.

 

Do you think India needs the Digital Twin policy for the infrastructure sector? Will it drive the adoption of technologies in the sector? What should be the key highlights of the strategy?

India needs a Digital Twin policy for the infrastructure sector. This technology is important for building functionally usable and aesthetically pleasing infrastructure. We must look at GIS, BIM, and Digital Twin together as a holistic concept, as the integration between these technologies can bring high levels of efficiency in infrastructure projects. Many countries have mandated using Digital Twins in large construction projects for the numerous benefits this technology provides.

For instance, if we have a BIM Model and a Digital Twin for a project, future performance can be more easily evaluated and improved. If any changes are brought into the design, they get reflected in the BIM model and transported to the Digital Twin, making visualizing the effects of the changes easier. This way, design flaws can be detected early, and higher efficiencies can be achieved in the project.


Managing Director, Trimble India
Mandates by the owners will drive the adoption of BIM and Digital Twin in Infrastructure Projects.
Rajan Aiyer - Managing Director, Trimble India

 

What is your view of the India’s infrastructure growth story and how is your organization contributing to this growth?

India’s Infrastructure growth is fastest in the world; having a pipeline of ~ two trillion dollars with a very aggressive timeline of delivery, and limited human resources. Trimble is a Construction technology company and is actively transforming the way the Indian Infrastructure Industry works. Trimble is bridging the gap between concept, design and construction, and connecting the workflows, stakeholders, material and machines. Our solutions enable seamless transition between Physical and Digital worlds. This enables faster, less costlier, environmentally friendly, safe construction and O&A. Today, Trimble Technology is being used on almost all critical Infrastructure projects in India – National High Speed Rail, Dedicated corridors, Airports and Highways/Expressways are some of the key verticals.

What are the big risks/challenges prevailing in India’s infrastructure sector today – and how can geospatial powered solutions, BIM and Digital Twin technologies solve these risks?

The industry is struggling with time delays, cost overruns, and quality challenges. These have severe adverse impact on the environment as well as O&M costs. Trimble helps in addressing these challenges through the digital delivery process. Trimble enables the various stakeholders across the workflow to operate out on a single source of truth at all times via connected data driven outcomes and in the process capture the metadata and as-built condition of the built environment. This results in a living Digital Twin of infrastructure for asset performance management during the operations and renewal cycle.

What is the potential of BIM and Digital Twin in advancing sustainable and resilient infrastructure in India?

BIM is maturing in India and it means different to different people, but often limited to modelling and getting a clash free GFC drawing. Connected data, workflows, field solutions, people, material and machines management is the evolution in construction. They provide the answer to the industry challenges around productivity, quality and profitability. The most important thing around sustainability and resilient infrastructure is doing the things right first time, using material as per the design (and not under/over), doing more with automated systems to remove biases/errors during quality checks, thereby reducing the fuel and material usage. While constructing an asset takes two to three years, it will be in operations (for 50 to 60 years) consuming most of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). A living Digital Twin plays the most important role in this phase of life cycle of the infrastructure. India will need data driven connected outcomes such as Digital Twin which is the need of the hour. But it will need cultural shift from BAU. Data from a single source of truth is the latest currency.

How can reality capture technologies help in better management of infrastructure assets, information, and records?

Reality capture is a continuous process right from the start of the project. For greenfield project, it starts with converting digital information to physical asset, and as the asset gets built, the meta-data gets captured to enrich the digital information with the changes that physical asset brings in reality due to site driven changes. This meta data (record) is captured through reality capturing devices (camera, scanners, material changes, compaction values through automated systems. This is all integrated with real time data recording enabling analytics on this real time data resulting in meaningful information and project control. Single source data is the only truth and helps in the lifecycle management of the asset.

What role do you see of Connected Construction technologies in strengthening the built environment and powering BIM and Digital Twin implementation?

I would like to refer to the study done by Geospatial World’s team in 2022 on Connected Construction, wherein the report has very clearly brought out the advantages of Connected Construction technologies in strengthening the as-built environment. There is a pilot project under execution by NHAI (Lucknow – Kanpur expressway) where the Connected Construction technologies are being piloted. We strongly believe that Connected data driven construction is the way forward for the industry to manage its risks and challenges. BIM process in its entirety (not just design/model part) will result in Digital Twin with Asset lifecycle management capabilities, and Connected Construction technologies is the biggest enabler to this process. This will result in much lower TCO while preserving the environment for future generations.

What are the common challenges faced by architecture, engineering, and construction firms today in using advanced integrated technology solutions? What should be the role of your organization to address these issues? (eg-skilled workforce, interoperability, standards, etc.)

The biggest challenge is siloed approach by each stakeholder in a very fragmented infrastructure development and its lifecycle management. While everybody is responsible for their individual task, in reality nobody is responsible for the collective success and as a result quality, cost, timeline are the casualties.

The reason is that information generated by one trade in the workflow continuum does not seamlessly enhance the value of the next phase. Trimble plays a very important role connecting data, workflows, people, material and machines to drive data driven outcomes. Trimble interoperates with all industry standard data formats, uniquely addresses machine automation and thereby provides ability to do more with same resources and less skilled workforce or repurposing the workforce. In some cases the process reduces or eliminates need of certain tasks done by human resources. There are examples of more than doubling the productivity keeping the quality intact on marquee projects in India.

Skilled workforce is another Achilles heel for faster adoption. The project heads also want to pursue business as usual (BAU) and many times do not want re-engineering of process methods that will result in greater transparency, less cost/time and enhanced quality.

Case Study: Expressways And Highways

Bundelkhand Expressway (Package -3)

Project Details

Expressways And Highways
Ashoka Buildcon Limited (ABL), a leading building and infrastructure contractor in India, was able to deliver on timelines and technical accuracy parameters set by the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) for its prestigious project, the Bundelkhand Expressway. Ashoka was able to meet targets, achieve greater grading accuracy, save on materials and improve job site output.

Project Challenges

  • The Indian building and infrastructure industry is not exactly known for embracing new technology, it is often deemed too complex to be used by workers with basic skills.
  • Multiple structures on the 4-lane highway which means work had to be done in parcels, this slowed down our overall output.

Solution

  • Using the conventional staking system method, ABL was able to grade 90-100m³ per hour. With Trimble GCS900 3D Grade Control System, the result now is 180 to 200 m³ per hour.
  • The Trimble system did not require a highly skilled operator, which helped ABL in saving cost and resource hours.

Technology Used

Trimble GCS900 3D Grade Control System Trimble SPS986 GNSS Smart Antenna.

Value Proposition

  • Use of the Trimble system reduced operational costs.
  • Trimble system helped in increasing the hourly production without any rework, which increased efficiency and utilization of assets and crew.
  • With the use of the Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System, construction output was doubled.
Location: Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh
Completion Year: 2018
Project Cost: INR 15,000 Crore

Project Stakeholders

Project Owner - Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA).
Contractor - Ashoka Buildcon Limited (ABL) (Package -3)

 

Do you think India needs a Digital Twin Strategy for the Indian infrastructure sector? Will it drive the adoption of BIM and Digital Twin in the sector? What should be the key highlights of the strategy?


Of course yes. Mandates by the owners will drive the adoption as the biggest benefit of BIM and Digital Twin is for owners in the Lifecycle management of the asset. Clarity of the process and stakeholders is the key, right from the requirements of each stakeholder to execution to the Asset information management. The process should make Construction Tech as the given so that this is seen as an inclusive process, rather than an add-on which is always seen as an additional task by different stakeholders.


Regional Executive, South Asia, Bentley Systems Inc.
By implementing a Digital Twin strategy for the infrastructure sector, India can provide a structured and coordinated approach to the adoption of BIM and Digital Twin technologies.
Kamalakannan Thiruvadi - Regional Executive, South Asia, Bentley Systems Inc.

 

What is your view of India’s infrastructure growth and how is your organization contributing to this growth?

India has been making significant efforts to boost its infrastructure growth in recent years. The government recognizes that robust infrastructure is crucial for sustaining economic development, attracting investments, creating job opportunities, and improving the overall quality of life for its citizens. The government has launched a comprehensive plan – the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) which provides a long-term vision and framework for infrastructure development that encompasses both greenfield (new projects) and brownfield (existing projects) investments across different sectors.

Bentley Systems has been a key player in infrastructure engineering for almost four decades, and supports various organizations, including government department/public sector undertakings, and private consultants with a variety of software applications that help with design, analysis, construction, handover, operations, and maintenance of infrastructure.

Additionally, Bentley has also partnered with many leading academic institutions to set up the Bentley Centre of Excellence for Education and Training that benefits both students and working professionals, who in turn are involved in these projects.

What are the big risks and challenges in India’s infrastructure sector today?

One of the key challenges for the sector is securing adequate and timely financing for infrastructure projects, despite efforts to attract private investments and promote public-private partnerships. Land acquisition for infrastructure projects can also be regarded as a major pain point that is affecting the growth of infrastructure development in this country, in turn, leading to impeding project timelines and increasing costs. The sector also faces challenges related to multiple regulatory approvals, environmental clearances, and bureaucratic red tape, which slow down project implementation. Added to that, frequent changes in regulations, unclear policies, and inconsistencies across different states create challenges for infrastructure developers and investors, leading to a cautious investment environment. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancements, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) present a challenge for the sector to keep up and leverage these technologies for improved project delivery and asset management.

How can technologies such as BIM and Digital Twin aid in solving these risks?

BIM enables the creation of digital 3D models that provide a comprehensive and accurate representation of infrastructure projects. Using BIM, project stakeholders can visualize the project in detail, identify potential clashes or design flaws, and make informed decisions before construction begins. Accurate visualization reduces delays, rework, and cost overruns. BIM also helps facilitate better collaboration among project teams, thus enabling seamless information exchange, coordination, and communication.

On the other hand, Digital Twin technology complements BIM by creating a real-time virtual replica of physical infrastructure assets, thus enabling continuous monitoring, analysis, and optimisation of asset performance. By integrating sensor data, IoT devices, and analytics, Digital Twins provide insights into asset health, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiencies. These insights reduce downtime, enhance asset lifespan, and optimize maintenance schedules. By leveraging BIM and Digital Twins, India’s infrastructure sector can overcome challenges, improve project delivery, enhance asset performance, and ensure sustainable infrastructure development.

Case Study: Roads And Highways

Mumbai Coastal Road Project (South) Package – II

Project Details

Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has proposed constructing a Coastal Road on the city’s western side. The Mumbai Coastal Road is an under-construction 8-lane, 29.2-km long freeway that would run along Mumbai’s western coastline connecting Marine Lines in the south to Kandivali in the north. The Coastal Road is projected to be used by 130,000 vehicles daily and is expected to reduce travel time between South Mumbai and the Western Suburbs from two hours to 40 minutes.

Mumbai Coastal Road Project

Project Challenges

  • Coordination of design drawings for other utilities such as sea wall, promenade, bridge viaduct, pedestrian underpass, etc. along and creating a single repository for all
  • Extreme air pollution due to the heavy traffic congestion in the area
  • Unstable soil conditions in parts of the project site

Value Proposition

  • Increased collaboration among different project teams allowed efficient project coordination
  • Clash detection and better project understanding helped the engineering team give an accurate and optimized design thus improving the project output quality and saving the construction costs
  • 3D model helped in paced quantity calculation to furnish exact quantity of materials needed in a fraction of the time with significantly less effort
  • The dynamic nature of the 3D model helped save approximately 50 percent time spent on design modifications
  • Saved 90 percent of drafting efforts as compared with conventional drafting methods
Location: Mumbai-Maharashtra
Completion Year: 2024 (Ongoing)
Project Cost: INR 120 Crore

Project Stakeholders:

Owner: Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM)
Detailed Design Consultant: SAI-SYSTRA Group

Solution

  • Apart from the coastal road design, other components such as the Sea wall, Promenade, Bridge Viaduct, Pedestrian underpass (PUP), Vehicle Underpass (VUP), Box culver, Car parking, Interchange, and Public recreational open spaces had to be designed as well. The involvement and interfacing of these many components increased the project’s complexity, dictating the need for accurate visualisation of clashes while developing the component.
  • SAI-SYSTRA Group used 3D data to design through clash detection and provided a better visual representation of this complex project. They implemented Bentley applications and created 3D models of each element of the coastal roadway. SAI- SYSTRA Group identified Interferences among the structures with 3D drive-through.
Software used: LumenRT, MicroStation, OpenBridge Modeler, OpenRoads

Project Recognition/Awards

Bentley YII 2020 Finalist in Roads and Highway Category

 

How are BIM and Digital Twin solutions key to advancing sustainable and resilient infrastructure in India?

BIM integrates sustainability principles into the design and construction process. It enables the analysis of energy performance, daylighting, thermal comfort, and other environmental factors during the design phase. By optimizing designs for energy efficiency and environmental impact, BIM helps reduce resource consumption and carbon emissions, leading to more sustainable infrastructure. BIM and Digital Twin contribute to the development of resilient infrastructure by simulating and analysing various scenarios. They can assess infrastructure vulnerability to natural disasters, climate change impacts, and other risks. By incorporating resilience measures in the design and planning stages, infrastructure can be better prepared to withstand and recover from shocks and stresses, ensuring long-term sustainability.

What is the potential of BIM and Digital Twins for decarbonizing India’s infrastructure development processes to achieve net-zero targets?

BIM enables the integration of sustainability principles into the design and construction process. It allows for the analysis of energy performance, daylighting, thermal comfort, and other environmental factors during the design phase. By optimizing designs for energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and low-carbon materials, BIM helps reduce carbon emissions associated with infrastructure development. Digital Twins, on the other hand, provide a virtual representation of physical infrastructure assets, allowing for real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimization of their performance. By integrating sensors, IoT devices, and data analytics, digital twins enable energy optimization, predictive maintenance, and efficient resource utilization. As a result, assets can reduce energy consumption, improve operational efficiency, and lower their carbon footprints. By leveraging these technologies effectively, India can accelerate its transition to a low-carbon and sustainable infrastructure sector, aligning with net-zero targets and contributing to global climate goals.

Case Study: Bridges And Tunnels

Chenab Rail Bridge

Project Details

Chenab Rail Bridge is between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. At 359 meters above the river-bed, this rail-arch bridge will be the highest in the world and, with an arch span of 467 meters and 1,315 meters in length, the longest span-exclusive, broad-gauge rail line and seventh longest single-span bridge. The bridge is a part of the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (JUSBRL) project being undertaken by the Indian Ministry of Railways, which consists of many tunnels and bridges in highly rugged and mountainous terrain with complex Himalayan geology. The bridge will reduce the current 12 hours of travel time to six hours to help stimulate the local economy and provide weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir’s summer and winter capitals.

Chenab Rail Bridge

Project Challenges

  • Slope stabilization and possible seismic activities
  • Prevailing high winds and extreme weather conditions
  • Design of the bridge needs to withstand 260-kilometres-per-hour wind forces, blast impact loads, and temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius
  • Construction had to be performed using the world’s longest-span cable crane and cable cars

Value Proposition

  • Saved 225 days in surveying phase
  • Reduced construction inspection time by 80 percent
  • INR 1.2 crores saved in overall savings
Location: Reasi District, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Completion Year: 2023
Project Cost: INR 1200 Crores

Project Stakeholders

Client: Konkan Railways Corporation
Main Contractor: Chenab Bridge Project Undertaking
Principal Designer: WSP Finland
Structural Designer: WSP Finland & Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner

Project Recognition/Awards

Bentley YII 2018 Finalist under Reality Modelling Category.

Solution

  • MicroStation was used to assess the maps given by Survey of India and reduce the interoperability issues on site.
  • STAAD – a structural analysis and design software application — was used for overall designing, and RM Bridge (for viaduct design) was used to analyze the structural behaviour of bridge components.
  • Using Bentley’s ContextCapture for construction planning and monitoring empowered the project teams to conduct inspections, ensuring safety and adherence to timelines effectively. OpenRail Designer helped the project teams to transfer the bridge design from a straight, singular alignment to a curved double-lane alignment.
  • Tekla Structures allowed the project teams to organize the plate material in 3D models for better logistics in the difficult terrain and made it easier to receive the approval of local authorities. The 3D model also generated reports for material quantity take-off, assembly dimensions and center of gravity for lifting and transportation. The high level of details (LOD) and the accuracy of the model allowed it to be used for fabrication in the temporary workshops on site.
  • Tekla structures was also utilized for creating parametric modeling tool and the model includes all of the data that is relevant to the project, from conceptual design to detailing and fabrication.
Software Used: MicroStation, STAAD, ContextCapture, OpenRail Designer, Tekla Structures

 

Do you think India needs a Digital Twin policy for the infrastructure sector? What should be the key highlights of the strategy?

Yes, the implementation of a Digital Twin policy for the infrastructure sector in India can have significant benefits in driving the adoption of BIM and Digital Twin technologies by providing coordinated and unified approach to the implementation and utilization of these technologies across the sector.

The policy should outline a clear vision for the digital transformation of the infrastructure sector, highlighting the objectives it aims to achieve, such as, improving project delivery, enhancing asset management, promoting sustainability, and enabling data-driven decision-making. It should also establish a supportive regulatory framework that encourages the adoption and implementation of BIM and Digital Twin technologies. Moreover, the policy should prioritize capacity building and skill development programs to ensure an adequate workforce capable of effectively utilizing BIM and Digital Twin technologies. Additionally, it should also emphasize on the development of a robust data infrastructure to support the implementation of BIM and Digital Twin technologies. This data infrastructure should include data governance, data quality standards, data sharing protocols, and secure storage and access mechanisms. It should also promote the use of open data standards to facilitate interoperability and data exchange among different stakeholders.

By implementing a Digital Twin policy for the infrastructure sector, India can provide a structured and coordinated approach to the adoption of BIM and Digital Twin technologies. This approach would drive innovation, enhance project outcomes, improve asset management, and accelerate the digital transformation of the infrastructure sector in the country.


Genesys International Corp
City-scale Digital Twins will empower government and private entities to make infrastructure process more efficient, effective, and, more importantly, sustainable.
Sajid Malik - Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Genesys International Corp

 

What’s your take on Indian Geospatial Policy?

The contribution of the geospatial sector to the Indian economy, as per industry estimates, is around INR 20,000 crore, but the true potential hasn’t been realized yet. The policy strengthens the Indian Geospatial industry to support the information economy by laying down a framework for developing a robust geospatial ecosystem is a landmark reform that will directly translate into the growth and expansion of the geospatial sector. It will help foster innovation, creation, and collaboration in the Geospatial field by bridging the geospatial data divide.

So far, there has been no clear policy, and the private sector needed clarification on what could and could not be done in the field. This policy has set out to rectify the uncertainties with a legal framework and recognizes the importance of the geospatial industry across multiple use cases. Furthermore, it liberalizes the geospatial sector and democratization of data and encourages private-public partnerships.

What is your vision of Geospatial Infrastructure and National Digital Twin?

At the heart of our vision lies a robust Geospatial Infrastructure and a National Digital Twin for India. Genesys, as a pioneering force, has developed a transformative 3D Map / Digital Twin platform that harnesses the potential of cutting-edge surveying tools and technologies, such as LiDAR, to generate unparalleled engineering-grade datasets. These datasets, meticulously crafted to ensure precision, serve a singular purpose i.e. to faithfully represent real-world assets in a comprehensive 3D digital medium.

In the realm of 3D representation, our approach spans various Levels of Detail (LoD) of the infrastructure datasets, aligning with industry best practices and tailored to the needs of diverse users. A guiding principle of our endeavour is adherence to universally accepted data models and proven standards. This common foundation ensures that stakeholders across the spectrum can seamlessly connect with a shared operational perspective.

India, a land of immense promise, grapples with critical challenges. The cost of logistics, a formidable 15% of GDP, lags behind global standards. Urban governance, though brimming with potential, calls for enhanced efficiency. The complexity of the addressing system remains a puzzle, while the spectre of land disputes looms large due to inaccurate land titling records. The key to unlocking the answers to these pain points is a transformative 3D digital twin. A robust infrastructure hinges on accurate geospatial information and our digital twin is poised to be the cornerstone of planning, execution, operations, and monitoring. The dividends of accurate geospatial data, in both 2D and 3D dimensions, are far-reaching, with the potential to substantially boost the nation’s GDP. We are the architects of a platform that revolutionizes the landscape. Our 3D Digital Twin program spearheads a comprehensive national mapping initiative. By our technological innovation with a forward-looking perspective, we are primed to tackle the challenges that define India’s growth trajectory.

How has technology innovation been powering geospatial content capture and processing capabilities?

The company’s vision for Atma Nirbhar Bharat is to create a future-proofed, highly digital, and resilient India capable of leading the way in digital transformation. Genesys is doing this by utilizing its sophisticated sensor technologies, AI/ML capabilities, and commitment to building a secure, resilient digital infrastructure. This creates a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable India.

Genesys is deploying the world-class technology to capture highly accurate data at a speed and scale needed for this project. Genesys leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) advancements to improve the accuracy and efficiency of geospatial data processing and analysis, such as image and data classification, pattern recognition, and predictive modeling. The availability of drones and mobile sensors has made data collection possible at a much more detailed level and with much more frequent updates than before.

We have now taken a step ahead with Genesys Constellation, which provides the most extensive swath of sensors worldwide. Genesys constellation is India’s most comprehensive range of aerial, mobile, and terrestrial sensors.

Artificial Intelligence, Cloud computing, and high-performance computing resources have also played a crucial role in enabling the processing of large amounts of data in a timely and cost-effective manner. This has led to faster and more accurate data analysis, leading to improved decision-making, better planning, and the ability to predict future changes.

How will Digital Twin serve/contribute towards national mission mode projects with a particular focus on city management and infrastructure development?

Digital twin technology has the potential to support a wide range of national projects in India. Some examples of how digital twin technology can be used to help Indian national projects includes city management and infrastructure development. For instance, Digital twins can model and simulate different urban planning and development scenarios such as the impact of new buildings or transportation infrastructure on traffic and air quality. They can also be used to monitor and optimize the performance of existing city systems such as energy and water supply networks.

On the other hand, on the infrastructure development side, Digital twins can be used to plan, design, and construct new infrastructure projects, such as bridges, roads, and airports, by simulating their performance and identifying potential issues before construction begins. They can also be used to monitor and maintain existing infrastructure, such as identifying structural defects or predicting equipment failures.

Case Study: Railways

Dehradun Railway Station - Yard Remodelling and Development of Facilities

Project Details

Yard Remodelling and Development of Facilities
Indian Railways initiated the INR 70 million renovations of Dehradun Station’s train operation facilities to address the heavy traffic congestion at the station located in Dehradun, India. Upgradation of facilities will help in commencement of long distance trains from Harrawala station reducing passenger load at Dehradun Station by at least 25 percent.

Project Challenges

  • Continuing with uninterrupted railway operations while performing site surveys
  • Tight budgetary and time constraints
Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Project Cost: INR 7 Crores
Completion Year: 2020
Project Stakeholders: Indian Railways

Solution

The company used drones to capture 350 photographs of the station, generated a 3D reality mesh and digital surface model of the project site with ContextCapture, and used the 3D Reality mesh in their downstream workflow to model the yard.

Software used: ContextCapture, OpenRail Designer

Value Proposition

  • Reduced design time by two months and rework by six months
  • Enabled completion of project three months ahead of schedule, increasing revenues by an estimated INR 370 crores

 

How important is a Digital Twin policy for Indian Infrastructure Development?

A Digital Twin policy is critical for infrastructure development. With liberalization of geospatial data collection and distribution in the country, India is ready to achieve our true potential, giving us as a company a much-needed boost in terms of products and solutions we can offer. City-scale Digital Twins will empower Government and Private entities across India to improve their execution, efficiency, and strategizing capabilities using the 3D data, making the infrastructure process more efficient, effective, and, more importantly, sustainable.

A Digital Twin policy will make India a world leader in the global Digital Twin space for infrastructure projects. The Digital Twin policy proposed as part of this report identifies corresponding milestones with palpable objectives and a pragmatic timeline. Such a strategy and policy approach makes Digital Twin promising, realistic, and achievable.

NBM&CW - November 2024

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