Transforming India's Infrastructure: Clarity, Execution, and Sustainability Key to Success
Arjun Dhawan, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Construction Company Ltd, emphasized the importance of clarity, disciplined execution, and sustainability in transforming India's infrastructure at the 9th edition of the International Conference on Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Project Management (ICCRIP) at NICMAR University, Pune.
InfrastructureSustainabilityConstructionUrban PlanningIndiaReal Estate PuneAug 25, 2025
Addressing faculty, industry leaders, and students, Mr. Dhawan underscored the immense opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead for India. He noted that India has invested over $750 billion in infrastructure in the last five years and plans to spend $1.5 trillion more in the next 5 to 7 years, yet the gap remains close to $5 trillion.
The solution is not just pouring more money into projects, but ensuring clarity of choices, discipline in execution, and sustainability in outcomes,” he said. Highlighting global lessons of underperformance, Mr. Dhawan observed that fewer than 10 per cent of large-scale infrastructure projects meet original cost and time estimates, and less than 1 per cent succeed on all fronts.
To overcome this, he stressed three fundamentals: Clarity – Defining the right project with purpose, research, and long-term planning. Execution Discipline – Strong institutions, inspired leadership, and fair public–private partnerships. Sustainability – Recycling, repurposing, and reducing consumption while innovating for the future.
Urban migration in India, unfolding in decades what took Europe centuries, will place unprecedented pressure on cities. How we plan, execute, and sustain projects will determine whether we merely build structures or lay the true foundations of a confident, inclusive, and enduring India,” Dhawan concluded.
The inauguration was graced by Amit Prothi, Director General of CDRI, Prof. Dr. Vijay Gupchup, President of NICMAR University, Dr. Sushma S. Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Tapas Kumar Ganguli, Interim Director General, NICMAR, and Dr. Rajnikant Rajhans, Conference Convenor and Dean of Research & Development.
Speaking on the occasion, Amit Prothi said that for a developed India, more than $10 trillion will be spent on infrastructure and investment services by 2050, with greater emphasis on resilience against natural disasters and climate change.
Dr. Sushma Kulkarni highlighted the growing role of technology, research, and artificial intelligence in preventing failures like the recent bridge collapse in Gujarat, stressing the need for innovation in civil engineering.
Prof. Dr. Vijay Gupchup remarked that since NICMAR became a university in 2022, its curriculum has been redesigned to integrate industry, academia, research, and innovation to prepare future-ready professionals.
Dr. Tapas Kumar Ganguli emphasised that the construction sector has the potential to create smart, inclusive cities, and this conference will give students access to cutting-edge knowledge.
In his welcome address, Dr. Rajnikant Rajhans noted that more than 200 research papers from 18 countries are being presented across six major categories, including research, case studies, doctoral symposiums, practitioner perspectives, industry exhibitions, and a hackathon.
M.V. Satish, Executive Committee Member of L&T and Advisor to the CMD, participated online and pointed out that the construction sector contributes 8 to 9 per cent of India’s GDP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key message from Arjun Dhawan at the ICCRIP conference?
Arjun Dhawan emphasized that clarity, disciplined execution, and sustainability are crucial for transforming India's infrastructure. He highlighted that while significant investments are being made, the focus should be on making the right choices, executing projects efficiently, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
How much is India investing in infrastructure?
India has invested over $750 billion in infrastructure in the last five years and plans to spend $1.5 trillion more in the next 5 to 7 years. However, the gap in infrastructure needs is estimated to be around $5 trillion.
What are the three fundamentals stressed by Arjun Dhawan for successful infrastructure projects?
The three fundamentals are: Clarity – defining the right project with purpose, research, and long-term planning; Execution Discipline – strong institutions, inspired leadership, and fair public–private partnerships; and Sustainability – recycling, repurposing, and reducing consumption while innovating for the future.
What role does NICMAR University play in the infrastructure sector?
NICMAR University, which became a university in 2022, has redesigned its curriculum to integrate industry, academia, research, and innovation. The university aims to prepare future-ready professionals in the fields of construction, real estate, infrastructure, and project management.
What is the significance of the 9th edition of the ICCRIP conference?
The 9th edition of the ICCRIP conference brings together over 200 research papers from 18 countries, covering various categories such as research, case studies, doctoral symposiums, practitioner perspectives, industry exhibitions, and a hackathon. The conference aims to provide cutting-edge knowledge and insights to students and professionals in the infrastructure sector.
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