Rajendra Singh Kamboh, President, Builders' Association of India
BAI is developing frameworks, conducting pilot projects, skill missions, stakeholder consultations, and advocating supportive policies and financial incentives to make the India’s Construction Industry inclusive and scalable across all segments.
Shri Rajendra Singh Kamboh, President
With India’s infrastructure sector entering a phase of rapid expansion, what strategic priorities should guide the construction industry in accelerating technology adoption, mechanization, and sustainability to enhance productivity, safety, and global competitiveness?
India’s infrastructure expansion demands a strategic shift towards technology-led productivity, safety, and sustainability. The construction industry must prioritise outcome-driven technology adoption, standardisation of modular practices, workforce skilling, and sustainability integration at every project stage.Mechanisation, digital workflows, and sustainable materials must become mainstream, while lifecycle costing and carbon tracking should guide procurement and design.
BAI is steering these priorities by developing implementation frameworks, conducting pilot projects, and advocating supportive policies and financial incentives to make modernization inclusive and scalable across all segments of the industry.
How are precast and modular systems, monolithic structures, 3D printing, materials like low-carbon concrete, high-performance admixtures, and ready-mix technologies, improving on-site efficiency, durability, cost optimization, and environmental performance?
Advanced construction methodologies such as precast and modular systems, monolithic structures, and 3D printing, together with innovations in materials like low-carbon concrete, high-performance admixtures, and ready-mix technologies, are revolutionising how projects are executed by improving precision, reducing rework, saving time, increasing durability, and performance consistency, while reducing material wastage. These methods cut project cycles, improve structural quality, and optimise lifecycle costs, while reducing emissions and resource use.BAI encourages members to embrace these technologies by highlighting real-world case studies and demonstrating measurable gains in cost efficiency, quality, and environmental outcomes.
How are digitalization and smart construction technologies like telematics, IoT, BIM, AI-driven maintenance, and autonomous machinery enhancing efficiency, project execution, and fleet management in India?
Digitalisation and smart construction technologies like BIM, IoT, telematics, AI, and autonomous machinery are enabling predictive maintenance, data-driven scheduling, and enhanced equipment utilisation. Over the next decade, the greatest impact will come from integrated BIM and Digital Twin platforms, AI-powered project management, and automation in construction and fleet operations.BAI is guiding members through structured knowledge programmes, pilot initiatives, and safety-compliance frameworks to ensure that technology adoption enhances efficiency without compromising on safety or regulatory integrity, helping builders to transition confidently into a digital future.
How can BAI support workforce training, certification, and capacity building while fostering collaboration between builders and technology providers to implement innovations safely and efficiently?
A skilled and safety-conscious workforce is fundamental to the successful deployment of modern construction technologies. Without trained operators, engineers, and digital technicians, even the most advanced tools cannot deliver optimal results.BAI supports capacity building through accredited training centres, e-learning modules, and certification programs aligned with Skill India frameworks. It also fosters partnerships between builders and technology providers for on-site demonstrations and joint training --- ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant utilisation of emerging technologies across projects of every scale.
How is BAI encouraging and guiding construction companies, including builders, contractors, and developers, to adopt low-emission machinery, and integrate sustainable practice?
BAI actively promotes the use of low-emission machinery, cleaner fuels, and energy-efficient site operations while encouraging circular construction practices such as recycling, waste segregation, and reuse of aggregates. Members are being guided to adopt low-carbon materials, monitor energy consumption, and track carbon intensity using simplified reporting templates.BAI is engaging with policymakers, lenders, and OEMs to create green financing options and incentives, thereby enabling the construction ecosystem to embed sustainability as a measurable performance parameter.
What are the key challenges that builders and contractors face in adopting new construction technologies?
Key challenges in technology adoption include high upfront investment, lack of uniform standards, limited skilled manpower, and outdated regulatory frameworks. To overcome these barriers, BAI advocates lifecycle-based procurement, equipment leasing and shared facilities to lower entry costs, and active government support through fiscal incentives and tax benefits. Standardisation of codes, training initiatives, and demonstration projects are central to this effort.Through its policy advocacy and member guidance, BAI aims to make modern construction tools accessible, affordable, and compliant for builders nationwide.
How does BAI engage with government and regulators to shape policies, standards, and incentives in the construction sector?
BAI works closely with central and state governments, BIS, and regulatory agencies to influence policy reforms that promote mechanisation, digitalisation, and sustainability. The Association provides data-driven recommendations, participates in code development, and advocates financial and procurement incentives for green and modern technologies.By coordinating pilot projects, skill missions, and stakeholder consultations, BAI ensures that policy frameworks reflect on-ground industry realities while enabling long-term competitiveness and technological advancement in India’s construction ecosystem.
Events like EXCON provide first-hand exposure to new equipment, live demonstrations, knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration. How do you see such platforms accelerating modernization of India’s infra construction industry?
Live equipment demonstrations, hands-on learning, and networking between builders, OEMs, and policymakers at events like EXCON provide real-time exposure to innovations, helping builders evaluate technology suitability and ROI before adoption. BAI uses these platforms to organise member visits, technology sessions, and collaborations that translate exhibition knowledge into practical implementation, thereby bridging the gap between awareness and execution.How does India’s construction industry compare globally in terms of technology adoption, sustainability, and operational efficiency? What role can BAI play in bridging the gaps and raising global competitiveness?
India’s construction industry has achieved remarkable progress in scale and engineering capability but still trails global peers in digital maturity, standardised modular production, and uniform sustainability practices. Large EPCs lead in innovation, yet MSME builders face challenges in access and affordability.BAI’s role is to bridge this gap by promoting best practices, facilitating international partnerships, benchmarking productivity and carbon performance, and establishing regional hubs for industrialised construction. Through these measures, BAI seeks to elevate India’s construction sector to globally competitive standards of efficiency, quality, and sustainability.
Published on:
03 December 2025
Published in: NBM&CW DECEMBER 2025
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