India’s journey towards becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047 is deeply tied to the transformation of its infrastructure landscape. This shift requires more than scale—it demands sustainable practices, innovative materials, and future-ready technologies that reduce carbon emissions while enhancing productivity. With the built environment contributing nearly 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions, embedding sustainability in infrastructure planning and execution is no longer optional, but imperative. NHAI is already treading the path towards this shift by successfully using inert materials derived from legacy landfills in 2 pilot projects- Ahmedabad Dholera Expressway and Urban Extension Road II in Delhi.
This Point of View highlights pioneering solutions already reshaping India’s construction ecosystem—from bio-bitumen and cold mix roads to modular wastewater treatment plants and floating solar power projects. This paper also underscores the need to take action across 4 levers namely : Design augmentation, Material Permutation, Construction optimization and Process decarbonization that shall optimistically increase construction productivity by 50-60% and reduce carbon emissions by 60%. Showcasing case studies from the Build India Infra Awards 2025, it demonstrates how innovation is driving resilience, circularity, and cost efficiency across sectors. By setting new benchmarks, these practices not only advance India’s infrastructure goals but also inspire a larger movement—one where building for growth and building sustainably go hand in hand.
