The construction industry is a major contributor to climate change, so there is a growing demand for eco-friendly construction methods and materials. By combining sustainability and innovation in technology, India can create a world-class infrastructure system that can support its economic growth and social progress, writes V G Sakthi Kumar, CMD, SCHWING Stetter India. Infrastructure, investment, innovation, and inclusion are all important factors for economic growth. Some of the trends driving changes in infrastructure are: Digitalization: The use of digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, is transforming the way infrastructure is designed, built, and operated. For example, IoT sensors can be used to monitor the condition of infrastructure assets in real-time, and AI can be used to optimize traffic flows and energy usage. Sustainability: There is a growing focus on building sustainable infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact. This includes using renewable energy sources, reducing water consumption, and designing infrastructure that is resilient to climate change. Collaboration: Infrastructure projects are becoming increasingly complex and require collaboration between different stakeholders, such as governments, businesses, and civil society. This is necessary to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget and that they meet the needs of all stakeholders. Public-private partnerships: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are becoming an increasingly popular way to finance and deliver infrastructure projects. PPPs involve the private sector investing in and operating infrastructure assets, with the government providing some level of support. As the world becomes more interconnected and complex, the need for resilient, sustainable, and inclusive infrastructure will only grow. Role of construction equipment in economic growth The construction equipment (CE) industry is a key driver of economic growth and development. It provides the machines and tools that are essential for building roads, bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure. The industry is also a major employer, providing jobs for millions of people around the world. The construction equipment industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations being introduced all the time. These innovations are helping to make construction more efficient, productive, and sustainable. One of the most important trends in the construction equipment industry is the increasing use of digital technologies. Digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning, are being used to improve the design, construction, and operation of infrastructure projects. For example, IoT sensors can be used to monitor the condition of infrastructure assets in real-time, and AI can be used to optimize traffic flows and energy usage. Another important trend is the growing focus on sustainability. The construction industry is a major contributor to climate change, so there is a growing demand for sustainable construction methods and materials. The use of renewable energy sources, recycled materials, and energy-efficient technologies is becoming increasingly common in the construction industry. The construction equipment industry is also facing a number of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the shortage of skilled labour. The industry is facing a retirement wave, as many experienced workers are reaching retirement age. This is creating a shortage of skilled workers, which is making it difficult to complete construction projects on time and within budget. Another challenge facing the construction equipment industry is the rising cost of raw materials. The cost of steel, concrete, and other raw materials has been rising in recent years, which is putting pressure on construction costs. Despite these challenges, the construction equipment industry is expected to grow in the coming years. The global construction market is expected to reach $17.5 trillion by 2030, and the demand for construction equipment is expected to grow along with it. On eco-friendly path of growth Sustainable infrastructure is not only a necessity for the environment but also a catalyst for socio-economic development. By investing in sustainable infrastructure, India can bridge the gap in socio-economic disparities, create an opportunity for inclusive growth, and help India achieve its economic goals and build a better nation for everyone. Sustainable infrastructure can also generate positive impacts on health, education, employment, and poverty reduction. Therefore, it is imperative that India moves from short-term optimisation to achieving long-term goals and focuses on sustainability as a critical factor in its infrastructure development. However, sustainability alone is not enough to meet the growing demand and challenges of the infrastructure sector. India also needs to embrace innovation in technology and leverage the potential of infra-tech and manufacturing-tech to build better and faster. Innovation in technology can help in shaping the transition to a more resilient, efficient, and affordable infrastructure system. It can also create disruption and transformation in the infrastructure industry and enable new business models and opportunities. Therefore, it is essential that infrastructure leaders focus on investing in innovation and fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation. Summing up In conclusion, sustainable infrastructure and innovation in technology are the two key drivers for the development of the infrastructure sector in India. By combining these two elements, India can create a world-class infrastructure system that can support its economic growth and social progress. India can also become a global leader and a role model for other countries in building a more sustainable and prosperous future for everyone. About the author: V G Sakthi Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of SCHWING Stetter India, is responsible for Schwing’s operations in India, ASEAN, and Africa, including general management, operations, sales, and support for the Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) industry. He has more than 30 years of business experience in the RMC and construction machinery business.