Authored by Harsh Pareek, Regional Sales Director, India and SAARC, Trimble Solutions
India’s ambitious infrastructure agenda—spanning projects like Bharatmala Pariyojana and Vision 2047—demands unprecedented efficiency. With plans to expand its highway network by 45,000 km by 2047 and a daily construction target of 45 km, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is turning to Automated & Intelligent Machine-Aided Construction (AIMC) to accelerate progress. This shift comes as India built 12,300 km of national highways in FY 2023–24, averaging 34 km/day, yet falling short of its 2020–21 peak of 36.5 km/day.
Despite this progress, the challenge remains: how can India build roads faster and better to keep pace with its ambitious infrastructure goals? Historically, delays in road construction across India have stemmed from factors like human error, rework, uneven surfaces, and inconsistent project monitoring. That’s where technology is stepping in. Tasks such as grading, paving, and earthmoving can now be executed with a level of accuracy that manual operations alone often can’t achieve—thanks to machine-controlled equipment powered by GPS, sensors, and real-time data. The benefits go far beyond speed, encompassing better construction quality, reduced material waste, and lower on-site labour fatigue.
Automated and intelligent machine-aided construction (AI-MC) is now at the forefront of India’s infrastructure revolution. These systems leverage geospatial data, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technology, and 3D modeling to guide machinery such as motor graders, compactors, and pavers with remarkable accuracy. By integrating real-time data with construction equipment, AI-MC ensures precise grading, compaction, and paving, reducing material waste and minimizing the need for rework. This not only accelerates project timelines but also enhances the overall quality and durability of the roads.
A compelling example of this transformation is the use of Trimble’s GNSS-based systems and machine control technologies in Delhi’s Dwarka Expressway project. Real-time 3d-controlled equipment ensured precise slope alignment and uniform layer thickness, accelerating construction timelines while minimising material wastage and rework. Rather than replacing human labour, this technology works in tandem with it—operators remain in control, while automation helps maintain consistent positioning of the blade or screed throughout the task.
The Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway stands as a pioneering project in the adoption of machine-controlled construction in India. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) implemented 3D Automated Machine Guidance (AMG) modules across all machinery involved in the 63-kilometer expressway. These systems combined GNSS data with 3D engineered models to guide construction equipment, ensuring high precision and speed. Real-time updates on project progress were accessible to engineers and managers, enabling proactive problem-solving and efficient resource allocation.
The result was a significant acceleration of construction timelines and a reduction in manual oversight and errors. The expressway, constructed at a cost of ₹4,700 crore, is not only a testament to technological advancement but also a model for future highway projects across the country. The success of this pilot has prompted plans for broader adoption of AI-MC technologies in upcoming greenfield expressways and access-controlled corridors.
These examples point to a broader evolution in how large-scale projects are being executed in India. As infrastructure demands grow in scale and complexity, there's little room for error. Machine-controlled systems empower contractors with accurate data and intelligent workflows to plan, design, and build with unmatched precision, especially critical for projects like expressways and airport runways, where even small deviations can cause significant downstream issues.
While the benefits of machine-controlled construction are clear, challenges remain. Though the ROI is very high and cost can be recovered in just 6 to 7 months but initial investment required to acquire high-tech construction equipment remains high, Particularly for smaller contractors it can be challenging. Also, using automated machines involves more than simply tapping buttons. It might require contractors to invest in training employees to create skills to be able to operate the underlying technology while driving mind shifts around the process changes required during project execution. Thankfully, both state and national agencies are beginning to invest in training programs that help workers keep up with the changing demands.
Recognizing the transformative potential of these technologies, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has taken proactive steps to promote their adoption. In early 2025, MoRTH released a draft policy for the integration of AI-MC in national highway projects, bringing together stakeholders from government, industry, and technology providers to refine strategies and ensure alignment with future infrastructure needs.
There is more to India's road construction boom than just expanding its highway network. The goal is to make the country stronger and more interconnected. By tying manufacturers to ports, rural farms to bustling city markets, and emergency services closer to outlying towns, the government hopes to completely overhaul the nation's logistics network. The objective is to establish an integrated, efficient transportation network that seamlessly connects every region of the country.
India’s infrastructure boom is not just about pushing soil or laying asphalt—it’s about integrating technology to build smarter, sustainable networks. With AIMC, the country aims to reduce logistics costs from 14% to 9% of GDP, boost manufacturing, and create millions of jobs.[1] At this critical juncture, India is poised to set new benchmarks in infrastructure development. The integration of machine-controlled equipment is not a panacea, but it is a crucial driver of precision, efficiency, and quality. As the country continues to invest in smarter, more sustainable methods, the future of road construction in India looks both ambitious and achievable.
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