India's Infrastructure Revolution: Why a Digital Twin Policy is Crucial
India needs a National Digital Twin Policy to drive 33% increase in infra investment and achieve its ambitious Vision 2047 goals
Digital Twin PolicyIndiaInfrastructure DevelopmentVision 2047Geospatial TechnologyReal Estate MumbaiJul 16, 2024
The comprehensive policy framework is set to 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 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).
Sanjay Kumar, CEO of GeoSpatial World, said, 'In the face of monumental infrastructure demands, a National Digital Twin Policy is not just a vision but a necessity. 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 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.
In 2023, India's infrastructure market was valued at Rs 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 Rs 374 lakh crore in investments by 2040.
The 2023-24 Union Budget reflects a strong commitment to infrastructure, with Rs 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.
Amit Ghosh, additional secretary, Ministry of Social Justice, said, '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.'
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.
Ananya Narain, VP consulting, said, 'Moreover, the policy will tackle complex regulatory frameworks and land acquisition issues, while also addressing the challenge of integrating new technologies and ensuring equitable access.'
Advantages of National Digital Twin Policy
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.
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 of the Digital Twin Policy. 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 Rs 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 Rs 2,470 crore by 2025.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the need for a National Digital Twin Policy in India?
A National Digital Twin Policy is necessary to drive a 33% increase in infrastructure investment and achieve India's ambitious Vision 2047 goals.
What are the benefits of Digital Twin technology in infrastructure projects?
Digital Twins offer a range of benefits across the infrastructure lifecycle, including precise site surveys, improved energy efficiency, reduced project reworks, and streamlined workflows.
How does Digital Twin technology address the challenges facing the infrastructure sector?
Digital Twin technology addresses key challenges such as bridging gaps in transportation and utility services, managing funding constraints, and overcoming a shortage of skilled professionals in engineering and construction.
What is the role of geospatial technologies in the National Digital Twin Policy?
Geospatial technologies play a significant role in the success of the National Digital Twin Policy, with the urban development geospatial market expected to reach Rs 3,445 crore by 2025.
What are the strategic goals of the National Digital Twin Policy?
The policy's strategic goals include the establishment of industry-wide standards, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration across the Digital Twin sector.
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