Since its independence in 1947, India has transformed from a GDP of US$20 billion to one of the world's fastest-growing economies, with a current GDP of US$3.2 trillion. This remarkable growth, reflecting a 40% increase in the last decade alone, positions India on the path to achieving a US$30 trillion economy by 2047.
Achieving this ambitious development pathway requires the creation of a comprehensive and quality infrastructure system. Built-up infrastructure – which includes telecommunication, sewage, water, electrical grids, transportation, public housing and more – is integral to assuring that Indian industry and society operate optimally and are able to capitalise on their potential.
The centrality of infrastructure to India’s bright future is well recognised by the Indian government, which has allocated 3.3% of the GDP to the infrastructure sector in the fiscal year 2024, with a particular focus on the transport and logistics segments. It has also launched the US$1.2 trillion Gati Shakti megaproject, which aims to create world-class infrastructure in the country and foster logistic synergy across various modes of movement.
This project is just one of over 5,400 Indian public infrastructure projects valued at US$703 billion that will be at the bidding and activation stage in FY24/25. The transportation sector in particular, which includes roads, bridges, railways, shipping, and aviation infrastructure, is said to have over 3,800 opportunities worth US$401.74 billion.
As India continues to develop, its infrastructure development efforts will be crucial in sustaining growth, enhancing competitiveness, and positioning the country as a leading global economy.
India will require investments of over US$4.5 trillion by 2040 for the development of its infrastructure
By 2030, transport in India is expected to attract over 60% of infrastructure investment in India.
India's roads carry 90% of passenger traffic and 65% of freight traffic.
The airport maintenance and repair operations market in India is expected to grow at 6.7% per annum to reach US$5.7 billion in the next 10 years from the current size of US$3.1 billion.
The number of air passengers passing through Indian airports is expected to increase from 144 million in 2019-20 to 400 million in 2025- 26.
Indian maritime logistics accounted for 90% of the country’s international trade by volume and 72% by value.
The Indian SagarMala project is set to provide over US$80 billion to infrastructure for ports and coastal shipping in India, to enhance connectivity through road, rail and inland waterways, and port development and modernisation.
India has one of the largest networks in the world with 7,216 stations; 92,000 km of track and 1.3 million employees.
The Indian railway network carried eight billion passengers and transported over one billion tonnes of freight in 2017-18.