Digital Twin Strategy For Indian Infrastructure
Digital Twin Strategy For Indian Infrastructure
Digital Twin Strategy For Indian Infrastructure
INSIDE
Digital Twin
Strategy for Indian
Infrastructure
Prepared under the aegis of
Non-Executive Think Tank on Digital Twin Strategy
for Indian Infrastructure
Principal Partners
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Table of Content
Foreword - By Shri Kamal Kishore 4
Foreword - By Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh 5
1. Indian Infrastructure: An Overview 6
Indian Infrastructure Sector: Key Market Trends 7
Sectoral Vision 2047 8
Challenges and Pain Points Faced by the Infrastructure Sector in India 9
Need for Digital Transformation 10
2. Geospatial Technologies 11
Purpose of Geospatial Adoption and Implementation 12
Geospatial Market in Indian Infrastructure Projects (2025-F) 13
Geospatial Industry Value Chain: Redefined 15
Benefits of Geospatial Adoption 16
Thought Leadership - Agendra Kumar, Esri India17
India's ambitions, anchored in leveraging infrastructure for achieving the 40 trillion-dollar economy vision
by 2047, addresses population growth and economic advancement imperatives, necessitating substantial
investments in transportation networks spanning roads, railways, aviation, shipping, and inland waterways. In
Budget 2023-24, a resounding commitment is evidenced through a noteworthy 33 percent surge in capital
investment outlay for infrastructure, reaching INR 10 lakh crore (USD 122 billion), equivalent to 3.3 percent of
the GDP. This robust funding underscores the sector's pivotal role in the nation's economic fabric. Moreover,
the establishment of the Infrastructure Finance Secretariat amplifies private investment opportunities, effec-
tively positioning the sector as a focal point for both public and private stakeholders, encompassing domains
such as railways, roads, urban infrastructure, and power.
The robust policy ecosystem propels the infrastructure sector, exemplified by Budget 2023-24 introducing
measures such as a 50-year interest-free loan extension to state governments and an augmented National
Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) featuring projects worth INR 108 lakh crore (USD 1.3 trillion). Further fortifying
this landscape is the establishment of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), a platform that
fosters strategic investments across multiple sectors. Collectively, this dynamic momentum underscores
India's resolute progress toward a resilient and thriving infrastructure landscape.
$
for infrastructure: INR 10 capital investments ➝ Construction Development:
lakh crore (USD 122 billion) (2022): INR 3.8 lakh crore INR 2.18 lakh crore (USD
➝ Budget increase compared (USD 46 billion) across 26.23 billion)
to previous: 33% rise 1,261 deals
➝ Construction Infrastructure:
➝ Budget’s share of GDP: ➝ Sectors: Roads, highways, INR 2.4 lakh crore
3.3% airports, industrial (USD 28.95 billion)
parks, education, skill
Source: Union Budget of India 2023-24 development
1 Transforming
Urban Landscape
2 Increasing Foreign
Investments
3 Digital
Transformation in
Sub Sectors
• By 2031, 40 percent of the • Investments play a crucial and • Digital transformation fosters an
country’s population will reside transformative role in the Indian environment of innovation and
in India’s new urban areas. Infra- infrastructure sector, offering a entrepreneurship by encour-
structure agencies need to adopt range of benefits that contribute aging the development of new
alternative approaches to suit to the sector’s growth, modern- technologies, solutions, and
people’ ambitions due to the rapid ization, and overall development. business models.
rate of urbanisation, growth of INR 2.36 lakh crore (USD 29.6 • Adopting technology in infra-
towns and cities, severe pressure Billion) FDI inflows in construc- structure can be extremely valu-
on urban services, and citizens’ tion infrastructure activities able, lowering costs and time
demand fueled by fast-track during 2000-2023, that makes overruns and improving effi-
development. 4.67 percent share in total FDI ciency, enabling citizen engage-
• There is a growing need for inflows from 2000-2023 for ment and helping to make infra-
residential infrastructure, such construction infrastructure. structure more “people-centric”.
as townships, townhouse devel- • Foreign investments bring
opments, and apartment build- substantial financial resources
ings. Urbanisation necessitates into the sector, allowing for the
effective utility services, such as funding of large-scale proj-
disposal of waste, water supply, ects that might be beyond the
energy distribution, and sanita- capacity of public funding alone.
tion.
4 5 6
Building Pathway to Evolving Public
Private Models/
Resilient Sustainability and
Innovative
Infrastructure Climate Resilience Financing Models
• The significance of creating • India is putting into practise • Infrastructure projects benefit
infrastructure that can withstand numerous policies and proj- from the knowledge, innovation,
and recover from a variety of ects for the efficient use of and efficiency of the private
shocks and difficulties, including energy across various economic sector. They frequently have
natural disasters, the effects sectors, including green fuel, expertise in project manage-
of climate change, and other green energy, green farming, ment, the use of technology,
disruptions, has come under green mobility, green buildings, and operational best practises,
growing focus in India. By and green equipment. which improves the results of
making investments in resilient projects. Infrastructure projects
infrastructure, one can reduce are funded more efficiently by
financial losses and assure private capital brought in by
continued growth. PPPs.
• The formation of the Coalition • Infrastructure projects can be
for Disaster Resilient Infrastruc- improved in terms of quality,
ture (CDRI) led by Prime Minister effectiveness, and sustainability
Narendra Modi focuses on resil- thanks to the introduction of
ient infrastructure that can with- cutting-edge technologies and
stand and recover quickly from management techniques by the
natural disasters. private sector.
Infrastructure Gaps
Inadequate transportation networks, power shortages, and limited access to essentials like
water and sanitation hinder economic progress and overall development.
Funding Constraints
Skill Shortage
Complex regulations and bureaucratic processes pose obstacles, causing delays and cost
overruns. Cumbersome approval procedures and land acquisition difficulties deter private
sector involvement and hinder sector growth.
Digital Transformation
This forward-looking approach aims to leverage the immense potential of digital technologies including
geospatial, BIM and Digital Twin to revolutionize the infrastructure sector. Digital technologies adoption
has demonstrated remarkable value, with real-world examples indicating significant benefits as shown in
the following infographic: -
Source: GW Consulting
The government’s focus on emerging technologies, such as blockchain, AI, and IoT, further complements
the digital technology ecosystem, enhancing its potential impact. As India embarks on this transforma-
tive journey, the integration of digital technology emerges as a powerful enabler, offering tangible value
across sectors, fostering innovation, and propelling the nation towards a prosperous and technologically
advanced future.
Definitions
As per Guidelines on Geospatial Data, dated 15.02.2021
1 Geospatial Data
Positional data with or without attribute data tagged, whether in the form of images, videos, vector, voxel and/
or raster datasets or any other type of geospatial dataset in digitized or non-digitized form or web-services.
2 Geospatial Technology
Any technology including but not limited to Aerial / UAV Photogrammetry, Aerial / UAV LIDAR, drones, Radar
Interferometry, street view or by other means of ground survey, satellite based remote sensing techniques, AI,
underwater mapping, and others.
In recent years, Indian infrastructure sector has seen a rising use of geospatial information and tech-
nology for different aspects of the built environment under the infrastructure lifecycle from surveying and
mapping to operations and maintenance. Indian infrastructure firms, including Project owners, consultants,
and contractors are increasingly recognizing the need of geospatial information and systems to represent
their built environment and designs in a geographic environment while simultaneously trying to automate
the workflow processes in the infrastructure lifecycle.
Construction
Activity Geospatial Technology Application
Phase
Preparation of site-plan and
management
• Survey using GNSS, 3D scanning tools (LiDAR, GPR, Total
Terrain Mapping Stations), aerial photography (Drones and UAVs) and satellite
imagery
Land use Mapping • Digitization of existing maps and use of Orthophotos
Planning
• Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and Digital Elevation Models
and Design Site-suitability
(DEMs)
Environmental Planning • Use of existing geospatial database
• GIS for visualization and analysis and integration of CAD and
Climate Variability BIM with GIS for 3D modelling and designing
Designing
Fleet Management
• Web-based GIS enabled 3D modelling
Inventory Management
• Integration of all spatial data bases onto a GIS system
Workforce Management • GNSS for surveillance applications
Operations and
Construction Work-site Safety • Total Stations
Maintenance
Assessment • RADARs
• Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Freight Management
Real-time Monitoring
Maintenance Monitoring
Source: GW Consulting
Integrated geospatial and engineering information (CAD/BIM) is used in Indian infrastructure sector
together and in silos. The purpose of implementing each of the geospatial technology is manifold. For
instance, GIS and Spatial Analytics is used in clash detection, 3D visualization, integrated project delivery
(IPD), risk mapping, and facility management. On the other side, GNSS and Positioning tools are embedded
in machine-control systems, construction robots, wearables, etc., and they provide precise positioning for
site selection and for operations and management. Alternative, earth observation which includes satellite
imageries, drones, and aerial imagery is increasingly being used for damage assessment, site selection
and for risk mapping. Sensors and Scanners which include LiDAR, GPR, Total Stations, etc., are used as a
fundamental tool for surveying and mapping of infrastructure site, for mapping risks, for asset manage-
ment, to name a few.
• Clash Detection
• 3D Visualization • Precise Positioning
• Site Selection • Site Selection
• Damage Assessment • Operation and
• Digital Fabrication Management
• Integrated Project
Delivery
• Operation and GNSS and
Management Positioning • Site Selection
• Facility Management
• Damage
• Risk Mapping
Assessment
• Project Expansion
GIS and • Risk Mapping
Spatial
Analytics
• As-built Data
Representation
Purpose of Earth
Observation
• 3D Modelling
• Clash Detection
Implementation
• 3D Visualization
• Site Selection
• Damage Assessment
• Digital Fabrication
• Integrated Project CAD and
Delivery BIM • Clash Detection
• Operation and • Site Selection
Management Scanners • Damage Assessment
• Facility Management and • Operation and
• Risk Mapping Sensors Management
• Project Expansion • Facility Management
• Risk Mapping
Source: GW Consulting
Source: GW Consulting
Geotech
Governance
An Indoor Positioning System (IPS) is a
system that can locate one or more people
nical
and objects in an indoor environment
CA
Terrestrial PNT
tics
D
Terrestrial positioning systems are position A naly
re ng
location system that uses land-based
BI u ctu odelli
transmitters or reference points to act M tr
as nd M
et
as reference points for the calculation of
a
fr
Mark
position information.
In
Met
aver
se
Induce Satellite-based PNT
Economic Growth nal Geospatial Digit
al Tw
Opportunities Alternative satellite-based PNT in LEO and in
MEO earth orbits complement existing Automa
GNSS systems as part of a multi-layer tion an
d
Technologies
system aiming at improved performance, Robotic
s
Frontier
robustness and new added-value services. Immersive
Technology (AR/VR)
PNT Navigation Systems
Thing
Traditio
Fligh ’s/
ts
Drones/UAVs
raft
/UAVs
Airc
The upstream component encompasses data Downstream is where data is exploited—or, in other
capture. In practice, it refers to the words, has value added to it, by being processed and
manufacturing and operation of satellites, also converted into products, applications and services.
covering the launch and ground systems and This involves big data and analytics and will often mean
Analysis
any other relevant space infrastructure. integration with other sources of data
REDEFINED
Building Information Modelling
BIM is a 3D modelling method which enables collaborative way
for multidisciplinary information storing, sharing, exchanging,
and managing throughout the entire building project lifecycle
including planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance,
and demolition phase
Computer-Aided Design
Ana ial
t
so
Sen canne
ctio
S
tru
Metaverse
RA
D
ns
AR
Co
an
humans experience life in ways they
d
eeri
Engin Automation and Robotics
Sustainability of Everything
Benefits of Geospatial Adoption
Geospatial technologies provide high-value benefits to Indian infrastructure projects. Geospatial World’s
Consulting’s’ analysis finds that the Project owners, consultants, and contractors who implement geospa-
tial technologies for integrated project delivery have reaped excellent benefits in terms of faster deci-
sion-making, followed by improved monitoring and efficiency of infrastructure projects. The other signif-
icant benefit concerns optimum resource allocation, and enhanced safety, which are very important
aspects of efficient project delivery. It is seen that with the overall increase in efficiency, better turnaround
time for completion of projects, improved project monitoring, and optimum allocation of resources will lead
to time and cost optimization in the long run.
Efficient Design
Site Data
Lack of integral site Identification of Project Analysis of the spatial
Pre-construction Pre-requisite & geological conditions
condition data to arrive
of the project site to
at efficient design, to
determine efficient
reduce project risks
design
Design & Engineering Multi-disciplinary Project
Inventory Maximise RoI
Information Management
Management Connecting on-site
Transparent elements with
commissioning and Geospatial & 4IR
Inventory management solutions enable
to reduce cost Supply of Materials, Connecting Machines,
maximisation of Rols,
overruns and on-site Components & Machinery Materials & Operators
site safety and design
energy consumption compliance
Source: GW Consulting
Project Stakeholders
Project Owner - Municipal Corporation
of Greater Mumbai (MCGM)
Solution
• The two main challenges addressed initially were
citizen services through a GIS portal and inter-
Project Details department collaboration.
• Esri GIS Integrator was envisaged to bring all MCGM
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) GIS data & applications to a collaborative GIS
covers a total area of 454 Sq.Km. and caters to a content sharing platform.
population of 12.43 million according to 2011 census.
• A digitised base map of Greater Mumbai was created
There are 24 wards under the corporation and more than
by digitising Tikka and Town Planning scheme
75 departments to provide various services to citizens of
images. Land parcels and roads were re-digitised,
Mumbai.
followed by scanning and digitising of 6000+ images
To maintain the sustainability of service delivery, MCGM to capture different features of the city incorporating
embarked on an ambitious e-Government initiative, the development plan for 20 years duration, all major
aimed at enhancing responsiveness to citizens’ needs; utilities, revenue elements and social infrastructure
increasing operating efficiency and effectiveness; to have an integrated database for better planning
improving financial health; and ensuring greater management and sustainable development of the city.
transparency within various departments like Sewerage
Operations, Disaster Management, Environmental Software used:
Department and Public Health Department. Esri GIS Integrator
Project Stakeholders
Project Owner - Kanpur Municipal
Corporation and Kanpur Smart City
Limited
BIM’s Definition
1 ISO 19650:201933 2 UK BIM Task Group
BIM is the use of a shared digital representation BIM is essentially value creating collaboration through
of a built asset to facilitate design, construction, the entire lifecycle of an asset, underpinned by the
and operation processes to form a reliable basis creation, collation and exchange of shared 3D models
for decisions. and intelligent, structured data attached to them.
Plan &
1 2 Build 3 Operate 4 Renovations
Design and Retrofits
Facilitate data ex- Simulation models en- Monitor and maintain Develop models to cre-
change and integra- vironmental impacts of sustainability perfor- ate waste management
tion construction process mance of infrastruc- models
ture projects
Provide visualized Define processes and Conduct energy anal-
building performance simulate BIM data for Building predictive ysis from concept to
analysis and energy waste reduction models for assess- complex modelling
simulations ment of energy perfor-
Increase construction Models to use structur-
mance
Assess design alterna- productivity and per- al materials efficiently
tives for resilience and formance
Design high-perfor-
adaptation to climate
Streamline schedules mance buildings
change
and logistics
Support green building
Catalyze lean project
assessment and certi-
delivery
fication
Source: Leveraging BIM for Sustainable Design and Construction in India, GW Consulting Analysis
TRANSPORT
INFRASTRUCTURE
PROJECTS 35% 25% 20% 25%
URBAN
DEVELOPMENT
PROJECTS
45% 20% 25% 20%
Source: GW Consulting Analysis
While BIM has proven itself to be valuable solution in terms for connecting information across different
stakeholders, it is still regarded as a 3D modelling tool for design and construction phases in general. For
construction and infrastructure stakeholders to evolve their BIM outputs beyond the design and construc-
tion to asset management, and operations and maintenance, the organizations need to develop collabora-
tive data models in operational strategies through the adoption of Digital Twin.
The future of BIM creation is that of a connected era, enabling the Digital Twin to live, grow and update
in near real-time. The 4th Industrial Age embraces automation, data interoperability, data exchange, and
manufacturing technologies. Digital Twin, one such technology, in construction and infrastructure projects,
is a virtual replica of a physical asset, process or service. To develop a real-time digital twin model, the
construction and infrastructure asset is outfitted with various sensors related to vital areas of function-
ality. These sensors produce data about different aspects of the physical asset’s performance, with the
goal of generating valuable insights which can be applied back to the original physical object. The pairing
of the digital and physical entities allows for easy analysis of data and simulations that can help ward off
problems even before they occur and allow for future planning. The implementation of Digital Twins across
construction and infrastructure projects helps stakeholders to derive better insights, improve product
performance, and enhance operational and strategic decisions.
Completion Year
2021
Project Stakeholders
Owner: Dedicated Freight Corridor of
India Limited
Contractor: Larsen and Toubro Limited,
Transportation Infrastructure IC
Project Details
Larsen & Toubro Limited constructed the Proposed
Solution
Alignment of Package CTP-14 (Rewari-Dadri Section) of The Project team used Bentley software to
the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. CTP-14 is a 128 conceptualize, design, and execute the project, using
kms long Integrated Package involving the design and reality modelling for significant components, such as
construction of civil, buildings and track works, electrical bridges, viaducts, station yards, and retaining walls.
& mechanical works and signalling & telecommunication Interoperability has allowed the team to coordinate
works for double line electrified track. The project also work and significantly reduce resources for design
includes an overhead catenary system which is capable review.
of operating at a maximum train speed of 100 Km/h, with
an initial axle load of 25.0 tonnes. Formation and bridge Software used:
structures will be provided for a 32.5-tonne axle load and ContextCapture, LumenRT, MicroStation.Navigator.
the track structure for a 25-tonne axle load. OpenBridge Designer OpenBuildings Designer. Open
Rail Designer Open Roads Designer
Project Challenges
• Difficult and inaccessible terrain
• Design of optimum alignment to reduce large quantity Value Proposition
of earthwork • Reduced cost and optimized use of machinery,
• Stability at the interface of existing rock face and equipment, materials, and workforce, achieving greater
Embankment client satisfaction
• Stability of 30m high embankment fill
• Interoperability among OpenBridge Modeler and
• Stability of rock face at partial cut/ fill portion OpenRail Designer allowed project teams to coordinate
• Drainage & protection works for deep cut excavation & its work internally and externally in an effective manner
high embankment and reduced overall time in design phase
Completion Year
2023
Project Stakeholders
Client: Konkan Railways Corporation
Main Contractor: Chenab Bridge Project
Undertaking
Principal Designer: WSP Finland
Structural Designer: WSP Finland & Leonhardt,
Andrä und Partner
Project Details
Chenab Rail Bridge is between Bakkal and Kauri in the
Solution
Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. At 359 meters above • MicroStation was used to assess the maps given
the river-bed, this rail-arch bridge will be the highest in by Survey of India and reduce the interoperability
the world and, with an arch span of 467 meters and 1,315 issues on site.
meters in length, the longest span-exclusive, broad-gauge
rail line and seventh longest single-span bridge. The bridge • STAAD – a structural analysis and design software
is a part of the Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla application — was used for overall designing, and
Rail Line (JUSBRL) project being undertaken by the Indian RM Bridge (for viaduct design) was used to analyze
Ministry of Railways, which consists of many tunnels and the structural behaviour of bridge components.
bridges in highly rugged and mountainous terrain with • Using Bentley’s ContextCapture for construction
complex Himalayan geology. The bridge will reduce the planning and monitoring empowered the project
current 12 hours of travel time to six hours to help stimulate teams to conduct inspections, ensuring safety
the local economy and provide weather connectivity and adherence to timelines effectively OpenRail
between Jammu and Kashmir’s summer and winter capitals. Designer helped the project teams to transfer the
bridge design from a straight, singular alignment to a
Project Challenges curved double-lane alignment.
• Slope stabilization and possible seismic activities • Tekla Structures allowed the project teams to
organize the plate material in 3D models for better
• Prevailing high winds and extreme weather conditions
logistics in the difficult terrain and made it easier
• Design of the bridge needs to withstand to receive the approval of local authorities. The 3D
260-kilometres-per-hour wind forces, blast impact model also generated reports for material quantity
loads, and temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius take-off, assembly dimensions and center of
• Construction had to be performed using the world’s gravity for lifting and transportation. The high level
longest-span cable crane and cable cars of details (LOD) and the accuracy of the model
allowed it to be used for fabrication in the temporary
Value Proposition workshops on site.
• Saved 225 days in surveying phase • Tekla structures was also utilized for creating
parametric modeling tool and the model includes
• Reduced construction inspection time by 80 percent
all of the data that is relevant to the project, from
• INR 1.2 crores saved in overall savings conceptual design to detailing and fabrication.
Completion Year
2020
Project Stakeholders
Indian Railways
Project Details
Solution
Indian Railways initiated the INR 70 million renovations
of Dehradun Station’s train operation facilities to address The company used drones to capture 350 photographs
the heavy traffic congestion at the station located in of the station, generated a 3D reality mesh and digital
Dehradun, India. Upgradation of facilities will help in surface model of the project site with ContextCapture,
commencement of long distance trains from Harrawala and used the 3D Reality mesh in their downstream
station reducing passenger load at Dehradun Station by workflow to model the yard.
at least 25 percent.
Software used:
ContextCapture, OpenRail Designer
Project Challenges
• Continuing with uninterrupted railway operations
while performing site surveys Value Proposition
• Tight budgetary and time constraints • Reduced design time by two months and rework by six
months
Completion Year
2024 (Ongoing)
Project Stakeholders
Owner: Municipal Corporation of Greater
Mumbai (MCGM)
Detailed Design Consultant: SAI-SYSTRA Group
Project Details
Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has
Solution
proposed constructing a Coastal Road on the city’s • Apart from the coastal road design, other components
western side. The Mumbai Coastal Road is an under- such as the Sea wall, Promenade, Bridge Viaduct,
construction 8-lane, 29.2-km long freeway that would run Pedestrian underpass (PUP), Vehicle Underpass
along Mumbai’s western coastline connecting Marine Lines (VUP), Box culver, Car parking, Interchange, and
in the south to Kandivali in the north. The Coastal Road Public recreational open spaces had to be designed
is projected to be used by 130,000 vehicles daily and is as well. The involvement and interfacing of these
expected to reduce travel time between South Mumbai and many components increased the project’s complexity,
the Western Suburbs from two hours to 40 minutes. dictating the need for accurate visualisation of
clashes while developing the component.
Project Challenges • SAI-SYSTRA Group used 3D data to design
through clash detection and provided a better
• Coordination of design drawings for other utilities such
visual representation of this complex project. They
as sea wall, promenade, bridge viaduct, pedestrian
implemented Bentley applications and created 3D
underpass, etc along and creating a single repository
models of each element of the coastal roadway. SAI-
for all
SYSTRA Group identified Interferences among the
• Extreme air pollution due to the heavy traffic structures with 3D drive-through.
congestion in the area
• Unstable soil conditions in parts of the project site Software used:
LumenRT, MicroStation, OpenBridge Modeler,
Value Proposition OpenRoads
Completion Year
2020
Project Stakeholders
Project Owner: National Highway Authority of
India
Design & Construction: Larsen and Toubro -
Transportation Infrastructure IC
Completion Year
2026 (Ongoing)
Project Stakeholders
Project Owner - Maharashtra State Road
Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC)
Designer - WSP - Louis Berger (JV), Dar
Al-Handasah
Contractors - APCO Infratech Pvt. Ltd and
Webuild SpA
Project Details
Solution
Versova Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) Project is a sea-link
bridge construction project in the city of Mumbai, 17.17 • The challenges were addressed with the
kms in length. The fundamental objective of the project formulations of schedule simulations in Synchro
is to divert the vehicles from the parallel Western by producing the visualizations with utmost clarity
Expressway to offset the traffic congestion and create along with appropriate KPIs of progress rate with the
efficient mobility for the existing commuters to reach Visualizations of Plan Vs Actual. The Synchro Plan
their destination thus fostering effective speed to Vs Actual Simulation illustrated a very compelling
market. comparison reinforcing the “Status – Quo” for key
stakeholder`s interpretation.
• Reduced design time through efficient file sharing and Software used:
collaboration among project team Synchro, ProjectWise
• Clash detetction helped save rework and saved
contruction cost
Completion Year
2022
Project Stakeholders
Project Owner - Fairfax India Holdings, Siemens
Project Ventures GmbH, Airports Authority
of India, and Karnataka State Industrial and
Infrastructure Development Corporation
Contractor - Larsen and Toubro (L&T)
Construction
Project Details
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), was
tasked with completing the design and construction of Solution
the Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport In its attempt to digitally transform the design
by March 2021. BIAL authorities approached their vision and construction processes and address the
of an innovative and futuristic airport with a design potential challenges associated with the mega
philosophy of four key pillars – garden terminal concept, project, BIAL mandated BIM for the entire project
sustainability, technology, and showcasing the art and lifecycle of Terminal 2 of KIA. In an industry and
culture of the state of Karnataka. country first, the project team used the Autodesk®
BIM Collaborate Pro (earlier known as BIM 360
Design) for end-to-end project delivery, that is,
Project Challenges design, fabrication, construction, operations, and
• Expansive project scope maintenance of the new terminal. The company
• Compact project timeline of two-and-a-half years also leveraged the full extent of the Autodesk
• Difficulty in multi-stakeholder collaboration Suite to fulfil its vision of new and intelligent
infrastructure, while connecting people, data, and
• Lack of a common unified platform
workflow in the construction project. The end BIM
• Legacy dependence on paper-based models goal of the project included integrating COBie
• Negative environmental impact (Construction Operations Building Information
Exchange) data with the BIM models for facility
management and operations.
Value Proposition
• Expedite design and construction processes, including Software Used:
delivery of 5000 drawings in six months Autodesk® BIM Collaborate Pro
• Seamless multi-stakeholder collaboration
• Sustainability-led design and construction
• 75% reduction in RFI time and zero working hours lost
• Intelligent real-time digital models as single source of
truth
• Improved productivity and construction efficiency
Completion Year
2022
Project Stakeholders
Project Owner - Government of India
Architect and Designers - CP Kukreja
Architects, The BIM Engineers
Contractor - ARCOP, Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
Construction
I would like to refer to the study done by Geospatial Skilled workforce is another Achilles heel for faster
World’s team in 2022 on Connected Construction, wherein adoption. The project heads also want to pursue
the report has very clearly brought out the advantages of business as usual (BAU) and many times do not want
Connected Construction technologies in strengthening re-engineering of process methods that will result in
the as-built environment. There is a pilot project under greater transparency, less cost/time and enhanced
execution by NHAI (Lucknow – Kanpur expressway) quality.
where the Connected Construction technologies are
being piloted. We strongly believe that Connected data Do think India needs a Digital Twin Strategy for
driven construction is the way forward for the industry the Indian infrastructure sector? Will it drive
to manage its risks and challenges. BIM process in its the adoption of BIM and Digital Twin in the
entirety (not just design/model part) will result in Digital sector? What should be the key highlights of the
Twin with Asset lifecycle management capabilities, and
strategy?
Connected Construction technologies is the biggest
enabler to this process. This will result in much lower TCO Of course yes. Mandates by the owners will drive the
while preserving the environment for future generations. adoption as the biggest benefit of BIM and Digital Twin
is for owners in the Lifecycle management of the asset.
What are the common challenges faced by Clarity of the process and stakeholders is the key, right
architecture, engineering, and construction firms from the requirements of each stakeholder to execution
today in using advanced integrated technology to the Asset information management. The process
solutions? What should be the role of your should make Construction Tech as the given so that this
organization to address these issues? (ex- skilled is seen as an inclusive process, rather than an add-on
which is always seen as an additional task by different
workforce, interoperability, standards, etc.)
stakeholders.
Completion Year
2018
Project Stakeholders
Contractor: Eversendai Construction
Private Limited
Completion Year
2018
Project Stakeholders
Project Owner - Uttar Pradesh Expressway
Industrial Development Authority
(UPEIDA).
Contractor - Ashoka Buildcon Limited (ABL)
(Package -3)
Digital Twin is “a digital representation that mirrors a physical entity, process, or system in the built or natural
environment. It is a dynamic and interconnected model that provides a real-time, virtual replica of the physical
object or system, allowing for data exchange and communication between the physical and digital realms.”
nvironmental Priorities: Digital Twins can help to address sustainability goals in the infrastructure sector
E
in two ways: impact of historical decisions and using the digital model as a predictive guide to the simulate
present and future (what-if scenarios) for key sustainability metrics such as energy consumption, mate-
rial usage and environmental impacts. These capabilities allow stakeholders to identify opportunities for
energy efficiency, waste reduction and sustainable design, contributing to a greener built environment.
Economic Climate and Efficiency: Digital Twins optimize resource usage, streamlining workflows, reducing
rework, and unlocking substantial cost savings. Stakeholders can use the digital representation of assets,
processes, and systems to identify key risks, optimize interventions and improve productivity, unlocking
substantial cost savings and shortening project timelines.
Asset Lifecycle Focus: A fundamental driver of implementing Digital Twin technology is its use across the
infrastructure lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and maintenance. By capturing data and
information at every stage, stakeholders are able to monitor performance, anticipating maintenance needs
and continuously updating management plans and strategies, which results in extended asset life and
significant operational efficiencies. Furthermore, it can also deliver smoother data handovers, and competi-
tive differentiation to deliver increased project value.
Data- Driven Context: Digital Twins offer value by leveraging spatial and non-spatial data for informed
decision-making, enabling easy access to near-real-time asset lifecycle insights. This helps Project owners,
consultants and contractors to simulate scenarios, identifying potential issues and making proactive deci-
sions to enhance performance, mitigate risks and deliver better outcomes for customers. In this new
reality, owners, operators and infrastructure firms can recognize the total value of data to support the
right decisions at the right time.
Next Gen Collaboration: Digital Twins facilitate connections and productive dialogue between multiple
stakeholders across the infrastructure sector, including architects, engineers, contractors, and owners/
operators. Through the provision of a common virtual platform, Digital Twin implementation leads to ‘long-
term value delivery’ instead of static commoditized projects, providing end users with enhanced efficien-
cies in project delivery through real time communication, coordination, and data exchanges.
Fidelity refers to the level of accuracy and detail in the representation of the physical
asset within the Digital Twin. It encompasses the completeness and precision of the
virtual model in capturing the asset’s geometry, properties, behavior, and interactions
with its environment. Frequency (or speed), on the other hand, refers to the rate at
which data is collected and updated within the Digital Twin. It determines how often
Fidelity and the virtual model reflects the real-time conditions and changes of the physical asset.
Frequency The frequency of data updates depends on the nature of the asset, the available data
sources, and the desired level of real-time monitoring and analysis.
A Digital Twin should be able to seamlessly connect all the systems, machines, devices,
and sensors within the physical plant or system to enable real-time monitoring, control,
and optimization of its operations. This requires a robust and reliable network infra-
structure that can handle large amounts of data and support secure communication
Connectivity between different components of the system.
Immersive Visualization
Dynamic Simulation Digital Twins bring project data of varied formats
Architects Energy Efficiency Analysis together from many sources and from across phases
Engineers and Structural Analysis and to create a data-rich digital model that presents data in
Contractors Simulation a single pane view with analytics and insights in near-
Construction Planning and real time to make informed decisions.
Visualization
Digital Facility Handover
Optimised construction
process
Reduced construction cost
Enhanced prefabrication
of assets
Reduced non-fatal injuries
Real-world accurate
asset management
Improved project opera-
tions’ efficiency
Operational-
success Enhanced environmental monitoring
Enhanced energy management
Continued asset monitoring and management
Preservation-
oriented
Depending on their level of digital maturity and employee readiness, organisations could opt for a gradual
approach to fully benefit from a Digital Twin in delivering infrastructure projects. This strategy includes six
steps that serve as a bridge to the final objective of obtaining the overall benefits of digital twins, namely
the predictive twin. Following this step-by-step approach will enable organization in this sector to provide
realistic long-term value for the ecosystem, resulting in increased production, efficiency, and compliance.
Level 05
Autonomous
Level 04 Twin
Comprehensive Ability to learn
Level 03 Twin and act on behalf
of users
Predictive Simulation for The autonomous
Level 02 Twin future what-
twin can learn
if scenarios
and make
Informative Leverage The decisions
Digital Transformation
lmmersive
What- if Simulations Training
Predictive Autonomous
Optimization
Maintenance Operations
Firms
& Civil
Surveying
Operate &
Engineering
Plan Design Build
Maintain
Reality Data
Photos, Videos, o
P ints Clouds USER APPLICATIONS
Engineering Data
Firms
2D, 3D & 4D Design Models, Drawings,
Architects,
Web, Desktop & Mobile Apps
Construction
Contractors &
Analysis, Specifications
related
Ministries &
Departments
Infrastructure
Enterprise Data Unity Apps
APM, ERP, EAM, ALIM
Application Extensions
Sensor Data
and
Bodies
IOT, IIOT, Other Time Series
Government
Municipalities
Automated Workflows Agents
Schedule Data
4D Schedule integrated with models
Other Data
Agency
LEVERAGE
Observation
Open & extensible For integration
National Earth
with Data sources • Visualization
Agency
National
• Data Integrations & Export
Geological
CONNECT ENHANCE • Sensor Dashboards & Alerts
• Query / Visualise Change History
• Spatial Alignment • Validation • Data Transformation
• Query
• Semantic Alignment • Augmentation • Indexing
Agency
National
Mapping
• Search
• Continuous Synchronization • Object Recognition
• Reporting & Analytics
• Change History
Note: Definitions of the different components of the Digital Twin Architecture is mentioned in the Glossary of terms and definitions.
Digital Twin Architecture
PRESENTATION
• VR/AR
• Reports, Extracts
CMMS
• Maintenance Management Geospatial Sensors (IOT.,Other Geotechnical Scheduled Data
ERP Time Series)
• Maintainable Asset Registry
Financials
Asset Disposal • Fixed Assets
• Spares & Labor
• Work Management Reality Data Enterprise Data Engineering Data Other Data
EXTERNAL DATA
45
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
be done in the field. This policy has set out to rectify the
uncertainties with a legal framework and recognizes the
importance of the geospatial industry across multiple use
cases. Furthermore, it liberalizes the geospatial sector and
democratization of data and encourages private-public
partnerships.
The contribution of the geospatial sector to the Indian India, a land of immense promise, grapples with critical
economy, as per industry estimates, is around INR 20,000 challenges. The cost of logistics, a formidable 15% of
crore, but the true potential hasn’t been realized yet. GDP, lags behind global standards. Urban governance,
The policy strengthens the Indian Geospatial industry though brimming with potential, calls for enhanced
to support the information economy by laying down a efficiency. The complexity of the addressing system
framework for developing a robust geospatial ecosystem remains a puzzle, while the spectre of land disputes
is a landmark reform that will directly translate into the looms large due to inaccurate land titling records. The
growth and expansion of the geospatial sector. It will key to unlocking the answers to these pain points is a
help foster innovation, creation, and collaboration in the transformative 3D digital twin. A robust infrastructure
Geospatial field by bridging the geospatial data divide. hinges on accurate geospatial information and our
digital twin is poised to be the cornerstone of planning,
So far, there has been no clear policy, and the private execution, operations, and monitoring. The dividends of
sector needed clarification on what could and could not accurate geospatial data, in both 2D and 3D dimensions,
1.2. The NGP 2022 recognizes Digital Twin as “a virtual physical asset, process or service that lies at the
core of the new digital revolution.” Digital Twin technologies are ‘game changer’ for the Indian infrastruc-
ture ecosystem providing strategic value-proposition to the lifecycle of an infrastructure project, unlocking
more efficient and effective methods of designing, creating, and maintaining infrastructure assets. Today,
Digital Twin is changing the ICT and the cultural processes for plan, design, construction, and opera-
tions of infrastructure assets worldwide, and their adoption in the infrastructure sector is expected to
bring significant value in savings and sustainability. Additionally, implementing Digital Twin creates addi-
tional benefits for the infrastructure sector – enabling intelligent decisions, a safer working environment,
reducing asset operation and maintenance costs, and facilitating greater efficiency and effectiveness of
construction supply chains.
1.3. The proposed Digital Twin Policy for Indian Infrastructure is technology-driven which seeks to
strengthen the adoption and implementation of Digital Twin technology to support national infrastructure
development to further augment economic prosperity, and a thriving information economy. The proposed
Policy builds on the conducive environment generated by the “Guidelines for Acquiring and Producing
Geospatial Data and Geospatial Data Services including Maps” dated 15.02.2021, the “Drone Rules 2021”,
dated 26.08.2021, the NGP – 2022, the “Indian Space Policy 2023”, dated 20.04.2023, and the Digital
Personal Data Protection Bill 2023, dated 09.08.2023. The proposed Digital Twin Policy for Indian Infra-
structure has been formulated to encompass the Infrastructure Vision 2025 of the Government of India,
and the Amrit Kaal vision, Vision 2047 for India@100. The Policy spells out the technological vision and
goal for the Indian infrastructure sector and outlines the strategies for achieving them. It seeks to develop
the Digital Twin architecture, standards and interoperability frameworks, capacity development programs,
whilst promoting innovation and strengthening the implementation of Digital Twin across all infrastructure
projects in the country.
1.4. The proposed Digital Twin policy for Indian Infrastructure is a strategic framework that aims to -
1 .4.1. Establish a coherent guideline for Project owners, contractors and consultants to implement Digital
Twin across infrastructure projects so as to ensure improved productivity, consistency, efficiency, trans-
parency, and compliance and develop a coordinated and collaborative workflow across infrastructure life-
cycle.
1 .4.2. Establish a whole-sector approach to springboard the adoption of Digital Twin technology across all
infrastructure projects (as defined in Annexure).
1 .4.3. Establish a Digital Twin Promotional Board at the national level, which shall be the apex body for
formulating and implementing appropriate guidelines, strategies, and programs for promoting and imple-
menting Digital Twin technology in Indian infrastructure projects.
1 .4.5. Build a digitally skilled enabled workforce, including specialists who create and develop Digital Twin
technologies and services and the construction and asset management generalists who use these tech-
nologies.
2.1.2. To create a sustainable and resilient infrastructure that can withstand future challenges, including
climate change and natural disasters.
2.1.3. To develop a coherent National Digital Twin mandate, enabling implementation of Digital Twin across
all Indian infrastructure sectors.
2.1.4. To facilitate Infrastructure development via public-private partnership, with incentives for the private
sector to build and maintain infrastructure.
2.1.7. To develop superior-quality infrastructure to meet the demands of the growing economy.
Year 2025
2.2.1. Steer the infrastructure industry towards digital transformation with shared goals, principles,
enhanced collaboration, and coordination
2.2.2. Put in place an enabling policy and legal framework that enhances the use of Digital Twin across all
infrastructure projects of India.
2.2.3. Promote and mandate the adoption and implementation of Digital Twin to develop sustainable and
resilient infrastructure development in India.
2.2.4. Develop and strengthen the Digital Twin Architecture and related infrastructures with the participa-
tion of government, industry, private sector, research and academia, and civil society
2.2.5. Establish and strengthen the building blocks of Digital Twin Architecture, including data democrati-
zation, data interoperability, data security and privacy, and digital and cyberphysical infrastructure.
Year 2030
2.2.7. Establish and strengthen Digital Twin as a 'Single Source of Truth', in a Common Data Environment
(CDE).
2.2.8. Enable and enhance the participation of the Small-and-Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs and
MSMEs) in developing the Digital Twin architecture.
2.2.9. Enhance capabilities, skills, and awareness to meet the country's future needs for Digital Twin
implementation in infrastructure projects.
Year 2040
3.2. National Digital Twin Programme: The proposed Policy seeks to draw on international best practices,
such as those of the National Digital Twin Programme of the Centre for Digital Built Britain, Virtual Singa-
pore, etc., to strengthen Digital Twin development and implementation for infrastructure projects across
the country.
3.3. Digital, and Cyberphysical Infrastructure: Building on the existing Data holdings and ICT infrastruc-
ture, the proposed Policy will mandate the establishment of the Digital Twin architecture for infrastructure
assets, which will include digital infrastructure components such as high-performance computing, storage,
cloud network, visualization tools, etc.; cyber-physical infrastructure components such as sensors, IoT
devices, 5G connectivity; and include the establishment of a testing environment for Digital Twin simula-
tions and scenario planning. The proposed Policy will also develop a framework for continuously moni-
toring and managing physical and digital assets to ensure cross-sector and multi-disciplinary collaboration
involving all stakeholders.
3.4. Innovation: The proposed Policy will enable and support innovation, creation, and incubation of
ideas and start-up initiatives in the continually evolving Digital Twin technology ecosystem, allowing the
Indian infrastructure sector to capitalize on the opportunities arising out of the same. The proposed Policy
emphasizes developing a Digital Twin research and innovation strategy for enhanced Digital Twin adoption
and implementation with due participation from Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME and MSMEs).
3.5. Data Democratization in Common Data Environment (CDE): For public infrastructure assets, geospa-
tial data, built environment data, construction, and asset information produced by Infrastructure Ministries
[As listed in the Annexure] –produced using public funds should be treated as a common good and be
made easily available in a Common Data Environment (CDE) to the public to enable accurate, optimized
and timely decisions, while enabling a dynamic Digital Twin creation. The proposed Policy emphasizes the
need for a centralized data repository for infrastructure assets with a user-friendly interface to feed into
the Digital Twin platform in near-real time. The proposed Policy will also develop appropriate governance
frameworks for data management, access, and sharing. It will establish data frameworks to coordinate a
systems-of-systems approach to defining data requirements and data-sharing protocols.
3.6. Standards and Interoperability: The proposed Policy will encourage open standards, data, and plat-
forms. It will promote establishing best practice standards and compliance mechanisms for enabling data
and technology interoperability between the geospatial, built environment, and relevant other datasets to
deliver integrated Digital Twin architecture for infrastructure assets.
3.7. Data Security and Privacy: The proposed Policy will issue guidelines for data security and privacy,
inclusive of frameworks for data classification, data privacy, data encryption, and develop a Data Breach
Response Plan to secure data infrastructure and transfers. The proposed Policy will be in line with the
Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023, dated 09.08.2023.
3.8. Capacity Development: The proposed Policy will encourage enduring capacity development and
education programs to sustain the value and benefits of Digital Twin for infrastructure projects in the long
term. It will also aim to spread Digital Twin thinking and education to young minds from the university level
onwards, wherein there would be standardization and certification of courses and skill aligned with the
global best practices.
3.9. Mandate: The proposed Policy will mandate Infrastructure Ministries/Agencies to implement Digital
Twin architecture for holistic infrastructure planning, development, management, and monitoring.
4.2. The Digital Twin Promotional Board will be responsible for shaping Digital Twin policy for Indian
Infrastructure ; identify the scope of works and relevant key performance indicators, including Environ-
mental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and measure the
socio-economic and environment benefits of Digital Twin implementation in infrastructure projects. It will
also develop governance frameworks to ensure strategic involvement and collaboration amongst govern-
ment, industry, academia, research organizations, funding organizations, and citizens.
4.3. The primary responsibilities of the Digital Twin Promotional Board will include, but not limited to, the
following –
.3.1. Collaboratively lay down mechanisms for creating Digital Twin implementation mandates, formulate
4
collaboration across different ministries/departments, and formulate technology procurement and capa-
bility submission guidelines and framework.
.3.2. Lay down procurement guidelines and mechanisms for sourcing Digital Twin technologies software
4
and solution within the prescribed guidelines issued by the project owner.
.3.3. Undertake and promote outreach and communication for Digital Twin technologies to ensure effec-
4
tive and efficient implementation.
.3.4. Build a suitable framework for encouraging innovation within the construction technology (Contech)
4
ecosystem to enable entrepreneurs, professionals, academia, and research organizations to reach their
maximum potential.
4.4. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will be the nodal Ministry of the Digital Twin Promotional
Board as it has the responsibility of developing the National Digital Twin as outlined in the NGP-2022, the
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs may constitute additional sub-committee/s and/or working groups
to aid and support the Digital Twin Promotional Board on specific issues. The Sub-committee(s)/ Working
Groups will have appropriate representation from Infrastructure Ministries/Agencies, Departments, and
academia and research organizations and private sector organizations.
.1.1. The proposed Policy will strengthen the Geospatial Data Infrastructure as per the provisions
5
mentioned in Section 5.1 of the “National Geospatial Policy”, dated 28th December 2022, issued by Depart-
ment of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
.2.1. The proposed Policy will strengthen the Mapping Infrastructure as per the provisions mentioned
5
in Section 5.2 of the “National Geospatial Policy”, dated 28th December 2022, issued by Department of
Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
.3.1 The Digital Twin Promotional Board shall align itself with the Geospatial Data Promotion and Develop-
5
ment Committee (GDPDC) to build the National Digital Twin Strategy, which is geospatially aware and built
on dynamic geospatial infrastructure, mapping infrastructure, and Digital twin architecture as laid out in the
NGP 2022. The Digital Twin Architecture shall be built in consistency with the NGP 2022, and include –
• Reliable, accessible, usable, interoperable, continuously updated datasets for both ‘above the
surface’ and ‘subsurface’ environments as per the required attributes;
• Foundational element of as-built data set of the asset geometry or system design, design informa-
tion, material specifications, inspection reports, and asset management information; further enriched
with metadata (i.e. BIM).
• Precise positioning data from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) systems, or resilient Posi-
tioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors.
5.3.2. The proposed Policy recognizes the Prime Minister Gati Shakti – National Master Plan for Multi-
Modal Connectivity digital platform as a critical infrastructure asset to operationalize the development
of the Digital Twin architecture for integrated and coordinated planning of infrastructure projects. The
proposed Policy will aim to integrate the Digital Twin architecture of infrastructure sectors with the Gati
Shakti platform to leverage its comprehensiveness, prioritization, optimization, synchronization, analytical
and dynamic pillars for function. The proposed Policy proposes Gati Shakti platform to incorporate the
infrastructure schemes including geospatial data, as built drawings, construction and asset information of
various Ministries and State Governments, and all national programs and initiatives to mature into a unified
Digital Twin Platform operating as a ‘single source of truth’ for all infrastructure agencies, non-partnering
agencies, academia, industry or citizens for holistic infrastructure development in the country. As iden-
tified under the NGP 2022, the Digital Twin Promotional Board shall align itself with the Geospatial Data
Promotion and Development Committee (GDPDC) and designate the Infrastructure Agencies at Central
and State-Level as Lead Agencies for providing geospatial, built environment data, and construction and
asset information with respect to national and state-level public infrastructure to the Digital Twin platform.
Duties and responsibilities of Lead Partnering Agencies and other operational aspects shall be developed
and periodically reviewed by the Digital Twin Promotional Board and GDPDC together. [Details of Ministries
in Annexure]
5.3.3. Standards related to Geospatial, BIM, and Digital Twin would be developed and promulgated after
consultation with a broad range of data users and providers and, to the maximum extent possible, national
and international standards adopted by voluntary and open standards consensus bodies would be used.
New standards will be established only to the extent that such standards do not exist for adoption and
use by the stakeholder communities. The Digital Twin Promotional Board should cite minimum acceptable
standards such as ISO 19650, National BIM Standard such as NBIMS‐US™ V3, and standards developed
by buildingSmart International (IFC4 Reference View, IFC4 Design Transfer View) for managing information
over the lifecycle of a built asset using BIM. The government should also refer to the Digital Twin standards
currently being discussed by buildingSMART International, and the Digital Twin Consortium in the United
States of America.
.3.4.1 While the nodal Ministry and the Digital Twin Promotional Board will be responsible for the imple-
5
mentation, governance, monitoring and management of the Digital Twin Policy for India Infrastructure
Projects; the proposed Policy encourages them to work collaboratively and in coordination with the private
sector inclusive of technology vendors, project architects, contractors and consultants. Actual collation
of information of required data and development of the Digital Twin will be increasingly done with private
sector participation consistent with the “Guidelines for Geospatial Data”, released 15th February 2021 by
Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The geospatial data, built environment data,
construction and asset information, along with digital and cyber-physical infrastructure will predomi-
6.2. Today, Digital Twin education is not imparted in India holistically, and the same needs to be incorpo-
rated at different levels in colleges, universities, Industrial Training Institutes, and National Skill Training
Institutes in a standardized manner. This requires the education curriculum to focus on geospatial, BIM,
digital and Cyberphysical infrastructure related education and be intricately integrated in the innovation
system. Under the aegis of the Digital Twin Promotional Board, establishment of a Digital Twin Education
Committee is proposed which can drive the education and skill development activities in the country.
6.3. With the proposed implementation of the policy, the Digital Twin Promotional Board is advised to work
with experts from the technology industry, EPC players, and infrastructure organizations (including archi-
tects, engineers, contractors, and operations and maintenance stakeholders), academia and research
organizations, and independent Digital Construction Experts/Bodies along with the National Skill Develop-
ment Council to assess the current skill maturity, gaps, and potential requirements to enable and empower
professionals with Digital Twin –related technology skills. The Digital Twin Promotional Board along with
academia and research organizations and under the leadership of the Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship will work to develop courses, vocational training modules, and international standard
Digital Twin Programs for the universities.
6.4. Digital Twin is an evolving domain and the requirements and needs are varied across infrastructure
projects. Cutting-edge research in Digital Twin for indigenous capacity building and identification of new
areas of application and solution will be encouraged and promoted. National Institute of Construction
Management and Research (NICMAR), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), School of Planning and Archi-
tecture, National Program on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
and/or any suitable institute(s), public or private, will be developed into Centre(s) of Excellence - providing
specialized courses in the domain of geospatial, BIM, and Digital Twin technologies.
6.5. A sustainable model for training will be developed through active and intrinsic private technology
industry participation. Strong industry linkages will be used, both for providing training inputs and place-
ment activities, to complete the training lifecycle.
7.2. The proposed Policy emphasizes the critical role of the Digital Twin industry in the progress of the
national economy. To develop a thriving Digital Twin industry, the Digital Twin Promotional Board will work
collaboratively with the Geospatial Industrial Development Board (GIDB), with representation from Infra-
7.3. The proposed Policy will establish Digital Twin Incubation Centres and/or Digital Twin Industry Accel-
erators through encouraging collaboration with geospatial, BIM, and Digital Twin industry, user sectors,
academia and civil society to promote innovation in the sector. Long-term Contract R&D would be facili-
tated to enable the Digital Twin industry to build next-generation geospatial, BIM and Digital Twin innova-
tions in the country.
7.4. India’s technology industry is services dominated and most Indian companies in geospatial, BIM and
Digital Twin field, today, earn a large part of their revenue from export of technology services to foreign
countries. Today, many SMEs and MSMEs working in this domain already provide these services to foreign
infrastructure firms, and the same capabilities need to be used for Indian infrastructure firms. Encouraging
and empowering domestic Digital Twin capabilities would help them grow rapidly thereby creating a large
skilled manpower base in the country which would help the country to become a global hub for Digital
Twin services. The proposed Policy emphasizes that the capacity of the Digital Twin industry would be
supported by effective implementation in national infrastructure programs and initiatives.
8 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
7.1. The Digital Twin Promotional Board will define and demonstrate the role of Digital Twin technology for
sustainable and resilient infrastructure in India. The Digital Twin Promotional Board along with Ministerial
and other relevant stakeholders document and promote success stories, develop a strategy to broadcast
initiatives, and showcase the socio-economic, and environmental impact of Digital Twin for India’s infra-
structure development.
7.2. The core of the Digital Twin Architecture built on the backbone of the Gati Shakti platform will be
cooperation and collaboration among various stakeholders. Concerted efforts will be of the Infrastructure
Ministries, the Digital Twin Promotional Board, the technology vendors, the academia and research organi-
zations, to name a few.
7.3. The proposed Policy emphasizes, The Digital Twin Promotional Board will be constituted by the
Government under the nodal Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs which will be the apex body for the
implementation of the Policy, its various provisions, formulation of guidelines and steering the course of
the development of a National Digital Twin framework for the country. The Board will also advise the Minis-
tries on establishing a whole-sector Digital Twin technology mandate. The Nodal ministries for National
Fundamental Geospatial Data Themes, and Built Environment Data, and other key components for the
establishment of the Digital Twin architecture are mentioned in the Annexure.
7.4. The Digital Twin Promotional Board will periodically review and update the Digital Twin Policy, and the
architecture as required; and objectively assess the performance of each stakeholder in delivering the
required data/model. In order to ensure the implementation of Digital Twin, the Digital Twin Promotional
Board shall oversee and work collaboratively to develop systemic technology procurement guidelines
recommending the use of Digital Twin across infrastructure project lifecycle. To empower the efforts of
the stakeholders, the Digital Twin Promotional Board shall create a financial incentive model or a perfor-
mance-linked incentive model to support Digital Twin implementation across infrastructure projects.
Infrastructure projects can be defined as large-scale construction, development, and improvement initia-
tives aimed at creating and enhancing essential facilities and systems that support economic and social
activities. These projects are vital for a country's growth, quality of life, and overall functioning. They
typically involve long-term planning, significant investment, and collaboration between public and private
sectors. In an Indian context, sectoral projects covered under infrastructure include:
• T
ransportation Infrastructure: Projects related to roads, highways, railways, metros, airports, ports, and
urban transport systems that facilitate the movement of goods and people.
• E
nergy Infrastructure: Initiatives involving power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as
renewable energy projects like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
• T
elecommunications Infrastructure: Projects aimed at expanding and improving communication
networks, including mobile, internet, and broadband services.
• W
ater and Sanitation Infrastructure: Efforts to develop water supply systems, sewage treatment plants,
and sanitation facilities for improved public health and hygiene.
• U
rban Infrastructure: Projects related to urban development, including housing, waste management,
smart cities, and public spaces.
• S
ocial Infrastructure: Initiatives aimed at improving educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and
other public services that contribute to social development.
• Industrial Infrastructure: Projects supporting industrial growth, such as industrial parks, special
economic zones, and technology clusters.
• R
ural Infrastructure: Efforts to enhance rural connectivity, agriculture, irrigation, and rural electrification
to promote rural development.
• T
ourism Infrastructure: Initiatives aimed at promoting tourism through the development of hotels,
resorts, recreational facilities, and heritage preservation.
• L
ogistics and Warehousing Infrastructure: Projects that enhance supply chain efficiency through the
development of storage, distribution, and logistics facilities.
Responsibility Matrix for National Fundamental Geospatial Data Themes, Built Environment
Data, and other key components of Digital Twin ecosystem
Geodetic Reference
1 • Department of Science & Technology (Survey of India)
Frame
Geographical Names
4 • Department of Science & Technology (Survey of India)
(Toponymy)
Satellite-related Earth
16 • Department of Space
Observation Infrastructure
• Department of Space
18 PNT Infrastructure
• Department of Science and Technology
• Infrastructure Ministries
• Public and private contractors and constructions awarded infra-
structure project tenders
As-built data of
21 Completed Infrastructure • Municipalities and Government Bodies
Projects • Urban Development Regulatory Agencies
• Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
• State Public Works Departments
DISCUSSION POINTS
• The digital twin policy guidelines need to leverage the PM Gati Shakti program. The goal should
be to create the digital twin platforms & integrate it with the PM Gati Shakti Platform. The target
will be to have a unified national infrastructure digital twin platform by 2040.
• Six major building blocks identified for formulating the policy guidelines include:
• Data Democratization- Connecting information silos & stakeholders, Open real-time data sharing
platforms, Open data platforms, Data centralized data repository, User-friendly interfaces.
• Visibility- Real-time project progress tracking, Periodic updates on project progress through
tailor made project dashboard, Arrest time & cost escalation, Enabling on time mitigative actions.
• Data Interoperability- Standardized data formats, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs),
Semantic interoperability, Data quality assurance, Data governance
• Data Security and Privacy- Data classification, Data privacy policy, Data encryption, Data breach
response plan, Regular Security Audits and Assessments
• Physical Infrastructure & Digital Infrastructure- IoT Devices, 5G Connectivity, Data Storage
and Processing Facilities, Data Aggregation and Communication Gateways, High-Performance
Computing (HPC), Cloud Computing, Semantic Storage Infrastructure, Networking Infrastruc-
ture, Data Analytics and Visualization Tools, Cybersecurity Infrastructure, Data Governance and
Management Tools, User Interface, and Visualization Platforms
• Data Frameworks- In align with the Geospatial Data Policy, In align with the Space Data Policy,
Data Catalog and Metadata Management, Data Governance, Data Standardization, Data Integra-
tion and Interoperability, Data Privacy and Security.
• The policy should highlight the need for a framework for developing the “Common Data Envi-
ronment” and address the SMEs and MSMEs challenges in adopting technologies and work out
an appropriate incentive mechanism along with encouraging technology adoption and capacity
building.
• The Policy should define a mechanism to inspire stakeholders for active engagement in the
Digital Twin ecosystem and address creation of various standards & mechanism to aid (support &
facilitation) the stakeholders.
DISCUSSION POINTS
• All the allied technologies and processes that constitute a Digital Twin are needed to be identified
and defined using most relevant and credible sources such as Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS),
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC),
etc.
• While developing the Digital Twin Architecture, there has to be a focus on adding different dimen-
sions such as maturity of technology adoption, use cases, applications, technologies, processes,
and stakeholders involved.
• The different levels of maturity for Digital Twin is needed to be identified in a national context.
• The Digital Twin Architecture should highlight the aspect of integration of different assets with
other assets, assessment of cumulative effect of different assets, interaction between different
assets on the environment. These elements will help differentiate the BIM Model with Digital Twin.
• A comprehensive list of geospatial data infrastructure agencies responsible for data creation and
management is to be developed as part of the Digital Twin architecture.
Amit Kumar P.V. Rajasekhar Anand Sirohi Swaraj Dutta Kasturi Srinivas Ananya Narain
Ghosh Survey of India Trimble Gupta Bentley Systems Geospatial World
MoRTH (Chair) CDCPIndia
DISCUSSION POINTS
• Since Digital Twin is generally an overarching concept covering the entire lifecycle of an infra-
structure project, the different buildings blocks (both technologies and processes) of standards
and interoperability frameworks is needed to be identified and defined.
• BIM already has a well-defined set of standards which is named ISO 19650 (Part I and II). It
covers all the principles of BIM and project management. This document may be used as a base
to get inspiration and explore a few projects who have implemented the same in Indian context.
• The need to streamline project management aspect in Indian construction sector in general is
needed to be acknowledged. This should be one of the focal points while formulating the stan-
dards and specifications for Digital Twin application.
• The process of coming up with a set of standards and specifications is a time-consuming
process. Instead of starting from scratch we need to make good use of what is already available.
In further stages, we may do some customizations and tweaking based on the scope of the docu-
ment. The ISO 19650 code can be a good document to start with this process. Though it might be
BIM specific, the process for Digital Twin will evolve accordingly.
• The working group can coordinate and create a committee consisting of one Member from
NHAI, Additional Director General from MoRTH, Director – Technical from National Highways &
Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and present to them the findings and
the first draft of the standards and specifications document. This committee will be requested
to review and revise it in terms of road and highway construction in India. Policy and deci-
sion-making organizations like Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Niti
Aayog, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), etc. and other related government agencies can also be
approached at a later stage to review this work.
• Common Data Environment (CDE) should be in focus for the working group as it adds ability
to input data across all formats and then convert it into usable data which is fed back to users
during stages of construction and operations and maintenance, ensuring there is no data loss
during the process. This CDE can be hosted in one large data platform (doesn’t necessarily have
to be Data Lake).
• The Data Lake platform created by NHAI is should be evaluated. It is suggested that the working
group identified what all aspect of the Data Lake be considered for the formulation of the standards
and specifications for Digital Twin. Since it is predominantly created as a Project Management Infor-
mation System (PMIS) – certain aspects of its relation to digital information can be explored.
DISCUSSION POINTS
• Initial focus should be on raising awareness and sensitizing stakeholders about the importance
and relevance of digital construction education.
• Collaboration involving EPC players, sector representatives, technology experts, academicians,
and digital construction professionals is important for developing capacity building and training
programs. Exploring partnerships with engineering centers and construction management bodies
was found to be crucial. Collaborative efforts with industry and government bodies for skill devel-
opment and employment generation is proposed.
• There is a need for universities and colleges to shift towards an integrated digital construction
curriculum across disciplines. The program's curriculum should be designed to meet industry
demands, with specific input from industry stakeholders. Real-life projects, practical components,
and site visits must be integral to the program, ensuring a holistic learning experience.
• Customized programs for different stakeholders are crucial. The importance of awareness, sensi-
tization, accreditation, and certification programs was emphasized.
• Initial focus should be on raising awareness and sensitizing stakeholders about the importance
and relevance of digital construction education.
• The Digital Construction Academy (DCA) was presented as a potential roadmap for effective
program implementation. This model could facilitate focused and comprehensive digital construc-
tion education, fostering interdisciplinary understanding.
• Effective implementation can be achieved through involving academic institutions and govern-
ment bodies. Specific focus on institutes like Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Highway Construction
and Management, and IIT Kanpur is recommended.
MEMBERS
R.K Dr. Surendra Shri Anoop Singh Sudhir Dr. Prakash Agendra Sonali
Pandey Ahirwar IES Mishra Chauhan Kumar Dhopte
Advisor Joint Secretary Director General Professor Director at National Remote Managing Director Director and Co-Founder
NHAI Ministry of Commerce & Forest Survey of India IIT Kanpur Sensing Centre Esri India Excelize Group of
Industry, GoI Hyderabad Companies
Artee Rajan P.V. Rajasekhar Sajid Lt Gen S Ravi Deepak Dr. P. R. Swarup
Rana Aiyer Addl SG, Eastern Zone, Malik Shankar (Retd) Gahlowt Member Secretary
Director Managing Director Kolkata & North-Eastern CEO Former Director General Director Engineering Council of India
AEC Digital Solutions Trimble Zone, Shillong Genesys Border Roads Organization Xebec Design
Survey of India (BRO)
SECRETARIAT
Titas Roy, Senior Research Manager - AEC and Digital Cities, Geospatial World Abhishek Verma, Sr. Research Analyst
Muskkan Varma, Product Manager- GW Events Archana Pal, Research Analyst
Mohit Sharma Sr. Research Analyst
*
Confirmation awaited
62 Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure
Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 63
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64 Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure go.esri.in/arcgis-geobim info@esri.in 1800 102 1918
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AMRUT - Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and GDP - Gross Domestic Product
Urban Transformation GFC - Good for Construction
APAC - Asia-Pacific GIDB - Geospatial Industrial Development
API - Application Programming Interface Board
KSCL - Kanpur Smart City Limited PMAY - Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
[Articles] [online] (2020), Ana Matic, Creating a Digital Twin - BIM as an everyday activity
<https://www.scottbrownrigg.com/design-research-unit/articles-publications/creating-a-digital-twin-bim-
as-an-everyday-activity/>
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<https://www.theiet.org/media/8762/digital-twins-for-the-built-environment.pdf>
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<https://constructible.trimble.com/construction-industry/what-is-a-bim-execution-plan-and-what-should-
it-include>
[Report] [online] ZGIT (2021), Keys aspects of a BIM Execution Plan (BEP)
<https://www.e-zigurat.com/blog/en/keys-aspects-bim-execution-plan-bep/>
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<https://assemblesystems.com/blog/benefits-of-bim-execution-plan/>
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<https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/common-minimum-standards-for-construction>
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<https://www.nationalbimstandard.org/>
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Modelling) E-Submission for Regulatory Approval
<https://www.corenet.gov.sg/media/1170470/appbca-2015-07-circular-on-deadlines-for-mandatory-bim-
e-submission.pdf >
[Report] [online] buildingSMART Australasia (2012), National Building Information Modelling Initiative
<https://ipweaq.intersearch.com.au/ipweaqjspui/bitstream/1/2836/1/NationalBIMIniativeReport_6June2012.pdf>
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<https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/GSA_BIM_02_Appendix_v09.pdf >
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<https://mth.dk/-/media/MTH/Viden/Publikationer/Whitepapers/Opdaterede-whitepapers-maj-2018/2-op-
datering-maj/The-strength-of-the-local-BIM-efforts-in-a-larger-perspective_May2018.pdf >
[White paper] [online] MTHojgaard (2018), EU BIM standardisation on infrastructure and construction proj-
ects
<http://mth.com/-/media/MTH/Viden/Publikationer/Whitepapers/EU-BIM-standardisation-on-infrastruc-
ture-and-construction-projects_June2018.pdf >
[Protocol] [online] CIC (2018), Building Information Modelling (BIM) Protocol Second Edition
<https://www.cic.org.uk/uploads/files/old/bim-protocol-2nd-edition-2.pdf>
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<https://www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/EN/publications/road-map-for-digital-design-and-construction.pdf?__
blob=publicationFile >
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<https://ec.europa.eu/futurium/en/system/files/ged/digital_transition_action_plan_for_dgum_300818_final.pdf>