By: Glenford V D’Souza
The infrastructure sector is a key driver for the Indian economy. This sector is highly responsible for propelling India’s overall development and enjoys intense focus from the Government for initializing policies that would ensure the time-bound creation of a world-class infrastructure in the country.
India has been growing exponentially, with the vision of building ‘smart cities’ progressing at a good pace. This transformation is visible across the map in terms of technology advancement and infrastructure development.
According to the report, the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) received in the Construction Development sector (townships, housing, built-up infrastructure, and construction development projects) from April 2000 to March 2019, India stands at US$ 25.05 billion, further implying the immense growth of the sector.
Traditionally capital projects and infrastructure was largely dependent on predictable, engineering and labor driven sources. But in reality, the former has been replaced with more cutting-edge technology playing a vital role in transforming the infrastructure segment.
Here are some key areas that will be highly impacted:
1) Imagine reaching your daily destination with better transportation facilities, fruitful time management and cost-efficacy!
City transportation is an important pillar for the quality of life for citizens, and streamlining an organized system of transportation is imperative. Transport infrastructure has emerged as one of the major factors for a country’s progress. Having a significantly diverse transport sector, this comes with its own set of challenges.
Some key additions such as opting for a more eco-friendly energy source is a primary requisite for a sustainable and advanced infrastructure network.
Also geospatial-enabled efficient transportation system can help improve the reliability of public transportation by providing visibility for arrivals/departures can prove to be beneficial for daily commuters.
2) AI (Artificial Intelligence) & ML (Machine Learning) Driven Solutions…
Two very hot buzzwords yet are not quite the same thing. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the intelligence exhibited by machines such as “Learning” and “Problem Solving” ML is a class of algorithms that automates analytical model building and gives computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed.
Synthetic Intelligence and Machine learning algorithms are slowly being deployed on a vast array of sectors. The use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) is becoming prevalent in the sectors like healthcare, the subsequent motive of enormous primarily based health firms merging with different health firms, give bigger health information accessibility. Greater health information could need additional implementation of AI algorithms.
Similarly, it is becoming prevalent in other sectors like consumer technology and entertainment. As consumer expectations and preferences evolve, electronic companies are racing to provide next-gen smart products that are powered by AI and ML
3) Let our consistent worrying become our advanced planning and management through Resource Management
This in a nutshell, is what resource management is all about. Owing to increased pollution levels, efficient management and proper optimization of resources – such as water and electricity is much needed. Technology plays a vital role in influencing sound decisions regarding water resources. With technology, one can monitor the groundwater level. Smart applications such as smart water meters can give you information as to how much a residence/property is consuming.
Effective a land survey is crucial to so that useable spaces can be optimally utilised. Satellite data can be used to address the diverse observational requirements and can give information regarding any flood and landslide zones for risk assessments.
With technology advancement, we can also study the environmental changes like flooding, erosion and storm surge and suggest hazard monitoring and mitigation planning.
4) Safety starts with awareness and – awareness starts with you!
Security and Surveillance.
Surveillance technology is pervasive in our society today, leading to a fierce debate between proponents and opponents. Modern techniques include the addition of AI-driven surveillance methods such as unmanned vehicular systems (aerial and ground), drones, and ML-based security systems for increased safety etc.
From HD and megapixel resolution to wireless systems, the world of video surveillance technology is growing and changing every day. This has given us the option to build flexible and custom surveillance design systems, which is unique to each one needs.
These systems not only ensure the security of citizens, but also assist in monitoring vital environmental factors – such as monitoring of mangroves, coastline security, surveillance of national borders, and also to study and analyze environmental changes through satellite and drone imaging.
5) Without environmental sustainability and economic stability
Can progress be achieved? Importance of Sustainable & Economical Initiatives.
Old age traditions involving human labour and/or fossil fuels, or any other method contributing to carbon footprint, are slowly being eliminated and we are implementing innovative technology-driven solutions to ensure a simultaneous sustainable and advanced lifestyle. This is not only good for the environment and the occupants but when streamlined it might reduce the population and pollution chaos as much as possible.
Investing and promoting the use of green technology is an effective tool in aligning business objectives with sustainability goals.
The role of cities in the promotion of sustainable solutions is of utmost importance. Starting at the local level, government and business leaders are able to ensure that the solutions they adopt are the ones best suited for their city.
Development in the infrastructure sector used to take several years and consumed lots of time and effort. Today, with the introduction of breakthrough technological advances, there is a rapid change in the way infrastructure is built and operated and will positively impact not only how we travel and communicate – but also how we live.
(The author is General Manager and Spokesperson-LYNX: Lawrence & Mayo and the views expressed here need not be in sync with those of the publication)
