Nitin Gadkari Pushes for Automated Construction to Revolutionise National Highways
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has called for the increased adoption of automated and intelligent machine-aided construction (AIMC). Speaking at a stakeholder consultation workshop in New Delhi, Gadkari praised AIMC as a vital step in enhancing the quality, safety, and efficiency of the country’s National Highways. The workshop, organised by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), provided a platform for key stakeholders to discuss the future of road construction in India.
A key example of AIMC’s successful implementation is the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, where technologies such as GPS-aided motor graders, intelligent compactors, and stringless pavers have been deployed. Gadkari shared that the positive results from this pilot project have encouraged the government to roll out AIMC across more highways in India, aiming to bring advanced technology into mainstream road development. India’s infrastructure development has taken significant strides in recent years, with National Highways becoming more modernised and efficient. Gadkari emphasised the importance of leveraging technology such as sensors, satellites, and real-time monitoring to accelerate the construction of world-class roads. These tools, combined with AIMC, will not only enhance the speed of construction but also ensure that the work meets the highest standards of quality and safety. As the country progresses towards its Vision 2047 goals, the focus on road infrastructure will be key to driving economic growth and connectivity.
V. Umashankar, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), highlighted that the roads being built today will serve the nation for generations, underlining the critical importance of time and quality in road construction. He pointed out that modern compaction technology, made possible through AIMC, addresses long-standing challenges in road building, offering a more efficient and effective solution. However, as automated and machine-aided technologies take a stronger foothold in the industry, questions have been raised about their impact on workers. While AIMC promises faster and more precise construction, the increasing reliance on machines may reduce the demand for manual labour in certain aspects of road building. This brings with it a concern about the potential displacement of workers who have traditionally relied on physical tasks for their livelihoods.
Vishal Chauhan, Member (Administration) at NHAI, acknowledged that while AIMC has the potential to transform National Highway construction, it is crucial to integrate AI-MC technology in a way that balances technological advancements with the welfare of workers. The inputs gathered from the consultation workshop are expected to guide the transformation of conventional methods into a more data-driven, efficient approach, which will likely change the landscape of the construction industry. So, what does this mean for the workers? On one hand, the introduction of AIMC could improve the working conditions for construction staff, by reducing manual labour and minimising the physical strain of tasks like compaction and grading. On the other hand, it could limit the number of manual jobs available, potentially leading to job losses or a shift in the skillsets required. The industry will need to ensure that workers are retrained and upskilled to handle the new technologies, providing a path for them to continue contributing to the country’s infrastructure growth.
Ultimately, while AIMC offers numerous advantages, including efficiency, precision, and sustainability, it is vital that the implementation is carried out with a thoughtful approach towards workers. The government must ensure that displaced workers have opportunities to transition into new roles created by the changing industry, preserving their livelihoods while embracing the future of road construction. AIMC has the potential to revolutionise National Highway development, making it faster, safer, and more sustainable. However, for this transition to be truly successful, it must be done in a way that enhances, rather than undermines, the welfare of the workforce. Balancing technology with human impact will be key to ensuring the future of both India’s infrastructure and its workers.
