India’s ambitious infrastructure development is about to take a significant turn, as the government moves to incorporate the needs of the military into its national infrastructure planning. This new approach, embedded under the Prime Minister’s flagship initiative —the National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity—aims to create “dual-use” infrastructure that can serve both civilian and military purposes.
As part of this forward-looking strategy, infrastructure projects across roads, ports, airports, and power systems will be designed with the flexibility to accommodate military use, ensuring that critical civilian infrastructure can be quickly repurposed for defence needs in times of emergency. This strategic overhaul is expected to add a new dimension to the country’s infrastructure blueprint, which is already aimed at boosting economic growth and connectivity. A senior government official revealed that, moving forward, the planning process for major infrastructure projects will include consultations with the Ministry of Defence to ensure military requirements are integrated from the start. “This initiative is about future-proofing India’s infrastructure—making sure it meets both civilian and defence needs,” the official said.
One of the most notable aspects of this plan is the potential development of civilian airports designed with dual capabilities. These airports, while primarily serving civilian air traffic, could also be quickly adapted to accommodate military aircraft in the event of a national security threat or emergency. This flexibility could significantly enhance India’s strategic readiness, especially as the geopolitical landscape becomes increasingly complex. The integration of military considerations into civilian infrastructure also has broader implications for India’s long-term strategic growth. By ensuring that infrastructure can be adapted for defence use, the country is effectively strengthening its national security while ensuring that investments in infrastructure are not limited to civilian needs alone. This could be seen as a proactive measure to increase the resilience of critical infrastructure, thus enhancing the country’s preparedness in both peacetime and conflict scenarios.
Sustainability is also at the heart of this approach. By designing infrastructure projects with multiple uses in mind, India is ensuring that resources are utilised efficiently, with less duplication of effort. This could potentially lead to more sustainable development outcomes, as infrastructure designed for dual use can reduce the overall cost burden on the government while providing essential services to both civilian and military stakeholders.
As the integration of military and civilian infrastructure begins to take shape, the people of India will likely see more efficient, robust, and secure infrastructure systems that can better serve their needs while enhancing the country’s defence capabilities. This dual-use approach is set to be a cornerstone of India’s infrastructure strategy, contributing to both the nation’s economic and security goals.
