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Digital Twin Strategy For Indian Infrastructure

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PROPOSED DRAFT DIGITAL TWIN POLICY

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

Knowledge Partner Constituted by

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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

3. Building Information Modelling (BIM) 21


BIM for Sustainable Infrastructure Lifecycle and Management 21
Sectoral Value Proposition of BIM 22
Thought Leadership - Kamalakannan Thiruvadi, Bentley Systems Inc. 24
Thought Leadership - Rajan Aiyer, Trimble India 34
4. Digital Twins 38
Digital Twin Drivers across Infrastructure Sector 38
Key Characteristics of a Digital Twin 39
Stakeholder-wise Capabilities of Digital Twin 40
Benefits of Digital Twin Adoption across Infrastructure Lifecycle 41
Levels of Digital Twin Maturity 42
Future of Digital Twin 43
Digital Twin Platform 44
Digital Twin Architecture 44

Thought Leadership - Sajid Malik, Genesys International Corp. Ltd. 46


5. (Draft) The Outline of the Proposed Digital Twin Policy for Indian Infrastructure 49
6. Working Group Updates 58
Glossary of Terms for Digital Twin Architecture 66
List of Abbreviations 69
List of Citations 71
Contacts74
FOREWORD
This report on Digital planning, building, operations and maintenance. It
Twin Strategy for Indian also provides insights in terms of prompt damage
Infrastructure comes assessment and analysis after disasters, and
at a time when the ensures continuity of infrastructure services,
world, including India while mitigating risks and associated monetary
is recognizing the need losses.
to develop resilient and
sustainable infrastruc- This report outlines the value proposition of using
ture in the wake of rising Digital Twins in Indian infrastructure projects to
economic losses from provide comprehensive and actionable insights
disasters and climate in terms of early warning, prompt response,
change. With increasing improved public safety, and reduction in damage
intensity and frequency of hydro-meterolog- to infrastructure to ensure long-term sustain-
ical hazards, the infrastructure that is being ability. The discussions presented in this report
designed today will be at greater risk in the are also aligned with the global policy discourse
coming decades. Therefore, it is important that on good governance for resilient infrastructure,
we systematically invest in building resiliency such as under the the Sendai Framework, and the
of infrastructure systems by focussing on key G20 deliberations on Disaster Risk Reduction. The
aspects of risk assessment, standards and regu- draft Digital Twin Policy presented in this report
lations, long-term finance, and swift recovery of developed under the guidance of the esteemed
infrastructure in case of a disaster. The resilience members of the Non-Executive Think Tank for
of infrastructure systems depends on their ability Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure
to anticipate, absorb, adapt to, or rapidly recover projects, may serve as a foundation to accentuate
from potentially disruptive events. the implementation of effective geospatial, BIM
and Digital Twin solutions, and ecosystem-based
Delivering infrastructure resilient to natural approaches to build disaster resilient infrastructure.
hazards is fundamental to continued economic
growth, prosperity, and sustainable human devel- I compliment the initia­tive of the Non-Executive
opment. While the idea of resilient infrastructure Think Tank on Digital Twin Strategy for Indian
is simple, its overall execution requires a dynamic Infra­structure and the Geospatial World Secre-
approach through the use of modern and disrup- tariat for providing an impetus to national and
tive technologies such as geospatial, BIM and global efforts towards adopting a comprehensive
Digital Twin. Information on location is the key approach to sustainable and resilient infrastruc-
service which geospatial technology can provide, ture of tomorrow.
while BIM and Digital Twin model can simulate the
climate and disaster resilience of critical infra-
structure systems, to provide rapid and accu-
rate assessment of condition of the assets, and Shri Kamal Kishore
support decision-making and adaptation. Digital Member Secretary
Twin, in particular, through its vast integration National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
of modern technology tools, can contribute at Chair of Non-Executive Think Tank on Digital Twin Strategy
every stage of infrastructure building such as for Indian Infrastructure

4  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


FOREWORD
India is expected to be one road and highway sector by improving plan and
of the largest economies in design, enhancing asset management, ensuring
the world by 2047, with a predictive maintenance, improving data-driven deci-
GDP of about USD 35-40 sion-making, and enhancing safety and operations.
trillion, and this exponential Digital twins can potentially revolutionize India’s road
economic growth in the and highway sector by improving planning, asset
country will drive the need management, safety, and operational efficiency. By
and be supported by the leveraging real-time data and advanced analytics,
development of infrastruc- digital twins enable authorities to make informed
ture in the country. Infra- decisions, optimize resources, and deliver better
structure development is transportation infrastructure for the nation’s benefit.
the foundation for a coun-
try’s economic prosperity and helps improve its citi- In the above context, the Digital Twin Strategy for
zens’ quality of life. Every rupee spent on infrastruc- Indian Infrastructure report, prepared under the
ture development has a multiplier effect of 1.2-1.5X aegis of the Non-Executive Think Tank for Digital
on GDP, propelling economic growth further. Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure, emphasizes
the need for having a Digital Twin strategy as a
Departing from earlier approach of need-based and mandate, which could further Digital Twin imple-
siloed infrastructure planning, stakeholders need mentation in India. The report has been developed
to advocate and implement a long-term integrated after deliberations amongst the leading geospatial,
infrastructure development strategy to manage the BIM, and Digital Twin experts, representing the entire
multi-dimensional Infrastructure vision of the country ecosystem of India’s infrastructure. The Think Tank,
effectively. To maximize the value of the capital in various meetings, held virtually and in the resi-
investment, integrated infrastructure is critical, and dential meeting held at Srinagar, personally chaired
Prime Minister GatiShakti National Master Plan is by me, has deliberated on various aspects of the
one of these path-breaking initiatives of the Govern- Indian Infrastructure, including policy development,
ment of India. This, in turn, will provide efficient capacity building, standards, interoperability, and
connectivity, driven by various schemes such as the technology architecture, and subsequently evange-
National Infrastructure Pipeline (from 2019), with a lized and advised stakeholders, including Govern-
target expenditure on infrastructure development of ment, industry, and academic institutions, to work
over USD 1.8 trillion by 2025. towards accelerating the adoption of Digital Twin
technology across India’s infrastructure sector.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
(MoRTH) has embarked on its vision for high-speed The Think Tank has provided the much-needed
infrastructure development by creating various guidance and direction for creating a narrative for
policies to support the wider adoption of new and the growth of the Indian Infrastructure, which is at an
advanced technologies and promoting the use of inflection point today. I compliment the initiative and
alternative modes of transportation to improve the efforts made by the Non-Executive Think Tank
the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the on Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure
transportation system. In this context, geospatial and the Geospatial World Secretariat for providing
technologies have played a crucial role in deciding the much-needed direction for creating a narrative
the optimal highway network strategy, considerably for developing an integrated and comprehensive
reducing logistics time and costs across the country. approach to help improve productivity, efficiency,
Furthermore, GIS is being used by stakeholders in compliance and bring higher returns on national
the highway construction industry to build the resil- investments.  
ient infrastructure of the future through designing
and finalizing highway networks and supporting stra-
tegic repairs and upgrades to the existing networks. Shri Amit Kumar Ghosh
Additional Secretary
Looking at advanced technologies like Digital Twin Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways
can transform the infrastructure sector as they
Co-Chair of Non-Executive Think Tank on Digital Twin
can potentially bring significant changes to India’s Strategy for Indian Infrastructure

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 5


1 Indian Infrastructure: An Overview
Indian infrastructure sector is experiencing a transformative evolution driven by substantial budgetary
commitments, a favorable policy landscape remarkable logistics advancements, rising foreign direct invest-
ment, and increased private sector engagement. These combined factors have brought in an environment ripe
with attractive growth opportunities.

India will require investments


of over INR 374 lakh crore by
2040 for the development of
its infrastructure

Capital investment outlay for


infrastructure is being increased
by 33 percent to INR 10 lakh
crore under Budget 2023-24
INR 15.47 Lakh Crore
Infrastructure
Market Size - 2023
3.3 percent of India’s GDP

10.4 percent in FDI inflows in


Construction sector from 2000
- 2022
Source: India Brand Equity Foundation,
Mordor Intelligence Annual Market Reports

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.

Capital Investment Private Investment Foreign Direct


and Budget Focus Investment (FDI)
➝ 2023-24 Budget allocation (April 2000 - Sept 2022)
➝ Private equity-venture

$
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

6  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


Indian Infrastructure Sector: Key Market Trends

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.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 7


Vision 2047
The roadmap for India's Vision 2047 outlines an ambitious plan to propel the nation's transportation
network into a new era of connectivity and efficiency. With a projected investment of INR 880 lakh
crore, this visionary initiative aligns with India's long-term development goals, aiming to stimulate
economic growth and elevate the citizens' quality of life. At the core of this infrastructure vision are
transformative initiatives, such as the introduction of 4,500 Vande Bharat trains covering elevated
tracks spanning 20,000 kilometres, industry corridor developments, national water develoments etc.

Sectoral Vision 2047


Current Status Vision 2047
• National highways have increased
• Strive for a world-class road network
from 92,851 km (April 2014) to
that’s accessible, efficient, and secure
148,866 km (November 2022).
for all.
Roads and • India’s expansive road network
• Aim to halve travel time between major
Highways spans over 5.8 million kilometers.
cities.
• Bharatmala Pariyojana targets
• Increase road transport’s freight share
66,100 km of economic corridors
from 28 percent to 40 percent.
and routes

• Indian Railways covers 126,366 km • Enhance high and semi-high-speed rail


track with 7,335 stations. use by 60 percent for intercity passen-
• Achieved 5243 km of track length in gers.
Railways 2022-23, with a daily track laying of • Elevate railways’ revenue generation
14.4 km (highest-ever). and modernization efforts.
• Operates 13,523 passenger trains • Develop Hyperloop lines and tripling
and 9,146 freight trains daily. intercity transport speed.

• Focus on waterway development,


• India ranks as the 16th largest mari-
enhancing coastal districts, and
time country.
boosting cargo shipping.
• 12 major and 200 non-major/inter-
Ports • Establish Bhavnagar as a container hub
mediate ports.
and promoting cruise shipping.
• 1 MT cargo traffic at major ports in
• Advance manufacturing with INR 20
2020-21.
lakh crore comprehensive package.

• Implement barrier-free movement,


• 473 routes and 74 airports opera-
faster turnaround times, and extensive
tional under RCS-UDAN (as of Mar
aviation infrastructure development.
2023).
• Create 20 new airports, autonomous
• Over 2.15 lakh UDAN flights oper-
Airports cargo terminals, and advanced drone
ated, benefiting 1.1 crore passengers
facilities.
(Nov 2022).
• Realize India’s potential as a top sports
• NMP identifies 25 AAI airports for
nation by providing a vibrant air sports
asset monetization (2022-2025).
ecosystem.

• Approximately 13.7 million slum • Enable multimodal transit within 10


households across India, housing minutes’ walk in urban areas.
Urban Sector 65.49 million people. • Enhance public transport speed and
• 65 percent of Indian cities have connectivity and promoting tri-modal
adjoining slums. access in cities.

8  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


Challenges and Pain Points Faced by the Infrastructure Sector in India
India, as the world’s seventh-largest country by land area and the second-most populous nation,
confronts a spectrum of challenges within its infrastructure landscape. The escalating demands for infra-
structure advancement are fueled by rapid urbanization, population expansion, and the imperative to
sustain economic endeavors. However, the sector contends with multifaceted hurdles impeding its prog-
ress and impinging upon the nation’s holistic advancement.

Infrastructure Gaps

Inadequate transportation networks, power shortages, and limited access to essentials like
water and sanitation hinder economic progress and overall development.

Funding Constraints

Adequate funding remains a pressing challenge, with a projected requirement of INR


375 lakh crore (USD 4.5 trillion) by 2040 for infrastructure development. Insufficient
investments lead to project delays, impacting timely delivery and economic growth.

Skill Shortage

The Indian infrastructure sector lacks skilled professionals in engineering, project


management, and construction. Limited access to quality education and training programs
hampers effective project execution and meeting escalating demands.

Regulatory and Policy Hurdles

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

Integrating digital technologies into existing infrastructure systems requires careful


planning, investment, and adaptation. Challenges include legacy system integration, data
security concerns, skill gaps, and ensuring equitable access to digital services.

Source: GW Consulting Analysis

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 9


Need for Digital Transformation
In the context of the imperative for Digital Transformation, the government’s vision for India’s future, as
articulated in the inaugural budget of the Amrit Kaal and for the fiscal year 2023-2024, underlines the
nation’s shift towards a technology-driven and knowledge-based economy. A series of ongoing initia-
tives are being undertaken to promote sustainable practices, spanning green fuel, renewable energy,
eco-friendly agriculture, sustainable transportation, environment conscious construction, and energy-effi-
cient technology adoption across diverse sectors of the economy.

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: -

Value Proposition of Digital Technology Adoption in Infrastructure Projects

30% Improvement in energy efficiency

20% Reduction in reworks

10% Increase in production output

30% Reduced downtime in asset


management

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.

10  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


2 Geospatial Technologies
Geospatial Technologies inclusive of GNSS and Positioning, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Earth
Observation and Sensors and Scanners, highlights the importance of geography as a common language
for improving performance, increasing collaboration and project integration through the entire infrastruc-
ture lifecycle. Geospatial + Engineering Solutions provide a broader context to the infrastructure segment
by integrating spatial information and content with geospatial and built-environment data.

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.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 11


Application of Geospatial Technology Across 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

• Survey using GNSS, 3D scanning tools (LiDAR, Total Stations,


Surveying GPR, etc.), aerial photography (Drones and UAVs) and multi-
temporal satellite imagery
• Digital Terrain Models and Digital Elevation Models (DTMs and
DEMs)
Construction 3D Modelling • Building Information Modelling (BIM) database along with
geospatial database
• Integration of BIM and GIS datasets in a Common Data
Environment (CDE)
Construction • 3D Printing tools to create ready-spatial models for
construction

Asset Tracking and Maintenance

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

Purpose of Geospatial Adoption and Implementation


While the use of geospatial for sustainable and resilient solutions in the realm of the infrastructure sector
has been amply demonstrated, there are challenges that need to be addressed, mainly around interopera-
bility, scalability, inclusion, and openness.

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.

12  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


Geospatial + Engineering Solutions: Purpose of Implementation

• 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

Geospatial Market in Indian Infrastructure Projects (2025-F)

INR 3445 INR 2825 INR 2470


Crore Crore Crore

Geospatial Market Geospatial Market in Geospatial Market


in Urban Development Utilities Sector (Electricity/ in Transport Infrastructure
Telecommunications)

Source: GW Consulting

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 13


GEOSPATIAL INDUSTRY VALUE CHAIN:
Geographic Information System (GIS) Spatial Analytics
A geographic information system (GIS) Spatial analysis is a process of modeling, examining, and interpreting
is a system that creates, manages, model results useful for evaluating suitability and capability, for
analyses, and maps all types of data estimating and predicting, and for interpreting and understanding.

Location Intelligence Map Content


Location Intelligence (LI) is the Map Content are the geographic
methodology of deriving insights container for the data layers and
from location data to answer spatial analytics that organizations work
questions, and solve specific problems with in their workflows
across various industries
Enhance
Ecosystem PNT - Indoor Positioning

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

A navigation system is a device that has the Internet of


capability of knowing your current position and
allows you to determine your destination. d
Clou
e/
Augmentation enc
Enable Intellig rning
l Lea
An augmentation is any system that aids GPS/ ficia
Innovation Arti achine
triggered Growth GNSS signals by providing accuracy, integrity, M
lite Ob Ear
availability, or any other improvement to tel m) s e th
positioning, navigation, and timing that is not
a
S rea rva
ns
t tion
inherently part of GPS itself. Inclusive of GNSS o w
(D
tre lite

Receivers, anti-jamming and spoofing solutions


)
ps tel
am
(U Sa

Fligh ’s/
ts

Drones/UAVs
raft

/UAVs
Airc

UAV imagery is a natural “bridge” between fine scale


field measurements and coarse scale (but spatially
Drones

expansive) satellite remote sensing.


Enhance
Accessibility Aircraft’s/Flights
and Economies Mounted on the belly of the aircraft the Earth
of Scale observation sensors captures images of the
ground underneath along the flight path

Satellite (Upstream) Satellite (Downstream)


Source: GW Consulting

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

Locat Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use


ion- of computers (or workstations) to aid in
bas the creation, modification, analysis, or
Improve
ed optimization of a design.
Seamless
Se
rvi Collaboration
ce
s Geotechnical
s
lytic
GIS

Ana ial
t

Geotechnical software is defined as


Spa

software designed especially in order


ell on
nc
Int cati
ige

to deal with geotechnical issues such


Spat GIS a
Lo

t as slope stability, seismic analysis,


ial nd nten foundations, etc.
An p Co
aly Ma
t i cs
Artificial Intelligence
oor
T Ind ing
N
P ition The scientific field of
Innovate
Pos geospatial artificial intelligence
(geoAI) combines innovations in New Digital
Business Models
trial PNT spatial science with the rapid growth
Terres of methods in AI and big data.
Positioning
G N SS a n d

Satellite PNT Cloud


(LEO) The Cloud refers to servers and
applications that are accessed over the
PNT Na
v Internet, and enable easy, and efficient
System igation
s (Fleet/ visualization of data, make analysis and
Vessel/
Aircraft explore geographic(or any) information.
)
Aug
me Digital Twin
nta Improve
tion
A digital twin is a virtual model of a Productivity and
d
s an LiD physical object in near-real time. Compliance
r rs AR
n

so
Sen canne
ctio

S
tru

Metaverse
RA
D

ns
AR

A single, shared, immersive,


GPR

Co

persistent, 3D virtual space where


SONAR

an
humans experience life in ways they
d

ng could not in the physical world.

eeri
Engin Automation and Robotics

itecture, A software technology that makes it easy to Develop


Arch build, deploy, and manage software robots
that emulate human's actions interacting
Capacity and
Efficiency
with digital systems and software.

Sensors and Scanners


Sensor and Scanners coverts paper maps into digital
format by capturing features as individual cells, or
pixels of both above and under the surface producing
an automated image

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.

Challenges and benefits of Geospatial Adoption in Infrastructure Projects

Challenges Project Workflow Value Proposition Benefits

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

Workflow Reduced Reworks


Digitalization   & Cost
Lack of digitalization Monitor project data
of documentation Construction Sustainable Project for compliance of
and log of all the & Assembly delivery with GIS & BIM design from concept
information that they stage to as-built
process, capture and
communicate
Optimal Asset
Asset Tracking and Management
Monitoring Asset Lifecycle Multi-disciplinary Project GIS and BIM solutions
Manual inspection Management Information Management for virtual monitoring
and inconsistent and predictive
maintenance drives of maintenance for
infrastructure assets assets

Source: GW Consulting

16  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

“Important to look at GIS, BIM and Digital Twin


together as a holistic concept to bring high levels of
efficiencies in infrastructure projects”
Agendra Kumar
Managing Director, Esri India

construction to operations. These higher efficiencies will, in


turn, lead to higher savings in time and cost.

What is the role of GIS technology in advancing


the idea of creating a digital twin for the
infrastructure sector in the country?
GIS technology has a very important role in advancing the
idea of creating Digital Twins for the infrastructure sector
in the country. Any Digital Twin of a fixed asset or real-
world system benefits directly from including GIS data
about the asset or system and its geographic context. Not
only can GIS be used to create Digital Twins of natural and
built environments, but it also can be used to integrate
many different digital representations of the real world.

GIS data also powers many simulations of real-world


dynamics and behaviors. 3D GIS provides dynamic, easy-
to-use experiences in a web browser for simple analyses.
For complex analyses, advanced geoprocessing workflows
may be used to simulate changes in large utility networks
and then to see those changes in a simple dashboard.
Using GIS, one can map the utilities running near the
What will be the impact of the National Geospatial project site, both over and under the ground, and tackle
Policy in advancing geospatial technology adoption them effectively during construction. It also helps in
in India’s infrastructure sector? What are the new handling other tasks like finding optimal routes for raw
opportunities that this policy will unravel? material deliveries and disposing of construction waste
and excess material. These decisions can be taken easily
The National Geospatial Policy (NGP) 2022 has clearly using the techniques of GIS.
established geospatial technology as the key enabler
of India’s ‘$5 trillion economy’ vision. It provides a Digital Twins that are based on GIS have features that are
framework for using geospatial technologies and geo-referenced. These georeferenced features make the
data in all sectors of the Indian economy, including Digital Twins powerful tools for analyzing, visualizing, and
the infrastructure sector. The Government strongly simulating geospatial data and phenomena, enabling better
focuses on building the country’s infrastructure, understanding and decision-making in various domains
including highways and tunnels, roads and bridges, such as urban planning, infrastructure management,
and new airports. In most of these projects, geospatial environmental analysis, and emergency response.
technologies have a vital role.
What will be the role of geospatial-powered data and
Earlier, a lot of restrictions existed on the collection and solutions in strengthening technology integration
sharing of geospatial data. This was slowing down the
for developing India’s infrastructure sector?
adoption of geospatial technologies. With those restrictions
out of the way due to enabling policies like NGP, it will Geospatial data provides valuable insights for spatial
be easier for AEC companies to adopt more geospatial planning and design of infrastructure projects. By
technologies. This adoption will help them bring more integrating geospatial data with infrastructure planning
efficiency in the whole construction cycle from design to software, decision-makers can analyze factors such as

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 17


land suitability, environmental impact, transportation sensitive areas. By overlaying geospatial data layers
networks, and population distribution. This integration such as habitat maps, protected areas, and biodiversity
enables more informed decision-making, optimized hotspots, decision-makers can identify locations with
resource allocation, and improved project outcomes. a lower environmental impact and prioritize preserving
Geospatial technologies, especially GIS, can transform natural resources. GIS can help identify parks, water
how AEC firms plan, design, build, and operate in the bodies, trees, etc., existing near the construction site.
built and natural environment. GIS helps them achieve Accordingly, actions can be taken to preserve these
more effective outcomes in all project stages, including before executing the project.
site characterization, field data capture, environmental
impact assessment, site and project analysis, design and GIS also can look at some of the basic things important
engineering, project management, and project delivery. for sustainability, for instance, assessing the shadow
impact. Using ArcGIS, engineers, and energy consultants
GIS also integrates with BIM, the foundation of digital can evaluate shadow effects on buildings and outdoor
transformation in the AEC industry to new levels by spaces to identify suitable locations for solar energy
providing real-time data about an asset’s existing installations and assess their potential energy
environment. Integrating BIM and GIS leads to creating generation. ArcGIS provides several workflows to assess
a robust model where geographic and infrastructural the impact of shadows in different seasons and times of
design information is put together. This information the day for solar installations.
helps designers and engineers to explore and evaluate
the designs and construct more effectively. By combining GIS can also facilitate comprehensive environmental
GIS and BIM data, GeoBIM allows users to incorporate and impact assessments (EIAs) for construction projects. It
use data from multiple systems, access project data for allows for integrating and analyzing various geospatial
a common experience, collaborate and share information data layers, including vegetation cover, water bodies,
with stakeholders, and minimize costly data conversions. wildlife habitats, and soil types. These assessments
For example, integrating Revit or the Construction Cloud help identify potential impacts, assess risks, and
of Autodesk with Esri’s ArcGIS can provide the facility to develop mitigation measures to minimize ecological
exchange data seamlessly from the BIM model to GIS and disturbances.
vice versa. This integration is real-time such that if you
make any changes to your BIM model, the changes will Do you think India needs the Digital Twin policy
get reflected in the GIS at the same time. This helps in for the infrastructure sector? Will it drive the
better visualization and more efficient project designs. adoption of technologies in the sector? What
should be the key highlights of the strategy?
Thus, by utilizing geospatial data and solutions in
construction projects, stakeholders can make informed India needs a Digital Twin policy for the infrastructure
decisions, minimize environmental impacts, and promote sector. This technology is important for building
sustainable practices. functionally usable and aesthetically pleasing
infrastructure. We must look at GIS, BIM, and Digital
How can the infrastructure stakeholders Twin together as a holistic concept, as the integration
between these technologies can bring high levels of
effectively leverage geospatial-powered
efficiency in infrastructure projects. Many countries
technology and solutions to facilitate sustainable
have mandated using Digital Twins in large construction
project delivery in India’s infrastructure sector? projects for the numerous benefits this technology
Construction projects that use GIS are better positioned provides.
to consider environmental and social impacts in the
design. GIS-powered Geodesign combines geography For instance, if we have a BIM Model and a Digital Twin
with design by providing designers with robust tools that for a project, future performance can be more easily
support rapid evaluation of design alternatives against evaluated and improved. If any changes are brought
the impacts of those designs. Geodesign infuses design into the design, they get reflected in the BIM model and
with a blend of science and value-based information to transported to the Digital Twin, making visualizing the
help designers, planners, and stakeholders make better- effects of the changes easier. This way, design flaws
informed decisions. can be detected early, and higher efficiencies can be
achieved in the project.
GIS aids in selecting construction sites and planning
land use to minimize disturbance to ecologically

18  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


CASE STUDY: URBAN PLANNING

GIS implementation in Municipal Corporation


of Greater Mumbai
Location
Mumbai, India

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 Challenges Value Proposition


• Need of a local spatial database • With the launch of Mobile Application, citizens can view
• Requirement of a common base map all the details of the plot/DP reservations. It has also
• Unavailability of attribute and department GIS data become a Common Application platform.
• Lack of end to end GIS data management. • A common platform is helping citizens to request
• Changes required in business processes for services in an easier and faster manner. The
• Challenges of significant and continuous technology Municipality is in a better position to service its citizens,
changes better monitor and control its activities and introduce
Customer Relationship Management concepts;
resulting in tangible and visible increase in the quality
of services for the average citizen.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 19


CASE STUDY: URBAN PLANNING

Esri ArcGIS transforms Kanpur Metropolitan


Location
Kanpur,
Uttar Pradesh

Project Stakeholders
Project Owner - Kanpur Municipal
Corporation and Kanpur Smart City
Limited

Project Details Solution


Kanpur metropolitan sprawling over an area of 260 Sq.
• Esri India together with 6Simplex Software
Kms., is the biggest city and main centre of commercial,
Solutions Pvt. Ltd. started by setting up KSCL’s
industrial and educational activities in the State of Uttar
enterprise GIS portal. The new geodatabase
Pradesh. Kanpur’s proposal envisions to retrofit 1475
helped capture spatial data related to mapping
Acres adjacent to the south bank of Ganga to a vibrant
of various components in the smart city
24x7 destination.
• The various GIS tools and functionalities
As a signature intervention reflecting the city’s image, the
included in KSCL GIS solution are basemap
area needs to be:
selection, layer selection module, map module
• An economic engine providing a pro-business navigation, and scale tool.
environment and supporting the region’s knowledge
industry.
• A walkable, well-connected mixeduse area with public Software Used:
realm investments visible in its streets, public spaces Esri ArcGIS
and buildings.
• A model for achieving social equity by planning with
‘citizen first’ city governance.
• A model of sustainable infrastructure development for Value Proposition
future proofing. • Helped gather various smart city assets inclusive of
• Creating a low-impact carbon neutral model for a citizen amenities, education, emergency facilities, travel
healthy environment. and transport, healthcare facilities, smart parking and
create a geodatabase which serves as the backbone of
the KSCL GIS solution.
Project Challenges • Provide secure, Single Sign On (SSO) based web
• Gathering authenticated data form Kanpur Municipal access to all its spatial and non-spatial data and
Corporation, designing a geodatabase for Kanpur services.
Smart City Limited (KSCL) with the available spatial • View all their verticals such as visual sign boards,
data has been a formidable challenge for the city. traffic cameras, number plate detectors, location of
• Providing the GIS solution access based on educational institutions, hospitals, etc.
hierarchical roles.

20  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


3 Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Building Information Modelling, is the foundation of digital transformation in the architecture, engineering,
and construction (AEC) industry. It is the holistic process of creating and managing information for a built
asset. Today, based on an intelligent model and enabled by a cloud platform, BIM integrates structured,
multi-disciplinary data to produce digital representation of an asset across its lifecycle, from plan and
design to construction and operations.

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.

BIM for Sustainable Infrastructure Lifecycle and Management


BIM supports infrastructure life cycle to achieve sustainability on a larger scale by developing a sustainable
approach to design, asset creation and management. BIM data generated during design and build phases
enables faster, safer, less wasteful construction for more cost-effective, and sustainable information.

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

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 21


Sectoral Value Proposition of BIM
BIM offers compelling value proposition that benefits sectoral infrastructure projects in multiple ways.
The following image captures an analysis performed by GW Consulting which is an attempt to capture the
quantitative RoI received by transportation infrastructure and urban development projects in India.

Benefits of BIM across Construction and Infrastructure Projects

Business Sustainability Risk Reduction Operational Efficiency


Benefits Benefits Benefits Benefits

• Improved client • Exceeded • Improved ability to • Improved Team


satisfaction performance manage complexity Collaboration
Architects • Improved requirements • Reduced errors and • Improved Data Handover
design quality • Better ability reworks • Increased Workload
• Increased to consider • Better ability to meet Capacity
recognition as environmental customer and design
an Industry impact during design requirements
Leader • Reduced material
usage

Business Quality Cost Control Schedule Health &


Benefits Benefits Benefits Benefits Safety Benefits

• Increased • Reduced • Improved cost • Improved • Reduced


percentage number of control schedule control number of
of successful constructability • Improved • Improved person-hours
Contractors projects issues on-site forecast accuracy resource on-site
• Improved • Reduced • Improved planning • Improved safety
stakeholder rework during subcontractor • Optimized awareness
engagement construction qualification schedule • Reduced
• Expanded • Improved duration incident
service handover frequency rate
offerings experience

Business Benefits Quality and Cost-Control Benefits


Asset
Managers/ • Improve client satisfaction • Improved efficiency and faster project delivery
Operations & • Expand service offerings • Cost Savings at both delivery and operation stages
Maintenance
• Improve stakeholder engagement • Greater project predictability and early modification

Source: Dodge Data and Analytics Report; and GW Consulting Analysis

22  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


Strategic Return on Investment (RoI) of using BIM in Transport Infrastructure and
Urban Development projects

Average Average Average Resource


Design Time Construction Project Cost Hours
Saved Time Saved Saved Saved

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.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 23


THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

“By implementing a Digital Twin strategy for the


infrastructure sector, India can provide a structured
and coordinated approach to the adoption of BIM and
Digital Twin technologies”
Kamalakannan Thiruvadi
Regional Executive, South Asia, Bentley Systems Inc

consultants with a variety of software applications that


helps with design, analysis, construction, handover,
operations, and maintenance of infrastructure.
Additionally, Bentley has also partnered with many
leading academic institutions to set up the Bentley
Centre of Excellence for Education and Training that
benefits both students and working professionals, who in
turn are involved in these projects.

What are the big risks and challenges in India’s


infrastructure sector today?
One of the key challenges for the sector is securing
adequate and timely financing for infrastructure projects,
despite efforts to attract private investments and
promote public-private partnerships. Land acquisition for
infrastructure projects can also be regarded as a major
pain point that is affecting the growth of infrastructure
development in this country, in turn, leading to impeding
project timelines and increasing costs. The sector also
faces challenges related to multiple regulatory approvals,
environmental clearances, and bureaucratic red tape,
which slow down project implementation. Added to that,
What is your view of India’s infrastructure growth and frequent changes in regulations, unclear policies, and
how is your organization contributing to this growth? inconsistencies across different states create challenges
for infrastructure developers and investors, leading
India has been making significant efforts to boost its to a cautious investment environment. Moreover, the
infrastructure growth in recent years. The government rapid pace of technological advancements, such as
recognizes that robust infrastructure is crucial Building Information Modelling (BIM), Internet of Things
for sustaining economic development, attracting (IoT) devices, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) present a
investments, creating job opportunities, and improving challenge for the sector to keep up and leverage these
the overall quality of life for its citizens. The government technologies for improved project delivery and asset
has launched a comprehensive plan – the National management.
Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) which provides a long-term
vision and framework for infrastructure development How can technologies such as BIM and Digital Twin
that encompasses both greenfield (new projects) and aid in solving these risks?
brownfield (existing projects) investments across
different sectors. BIM enables the creation of digital 3D models that
provide a comprehensive and accurate representation of
Bentley Systems has been a key player in infrastructure infrastructure projects. Using BIM, project stakeholders
engineering for almost four decades, and supports can visualize the project in detail, identify potential
various organizations, including government clashes or design flaws, and make informed decisions
department/public sector undertakings, and private before construction begins. Accurate visualization

24  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


reduces delays, rework, and cost overruns. BIM also other hand, provide a virtual representation of physical
helps facilitate better collaboration among project infrastructure assets, allowing for real-time monitoring,
teams, thus enabling seamless information exchange, analysis, and optimization of their performance. By
coordination, and communication. integrating sensors, IoT devices, and data analytics,
digital twins enable energy optimization, predictive
On the other hand, Digital Twin technology complements maintenance, and efficient resource utilization. As a
BIM by creating a real-time virtual replica of physical result, assets can reduce energy consumption, improve
infrastructure assets, thus enabling continuous operational efficiency, and lower their carbon footprints.
monitoring, analysis, and optimisation of asset By leveraging these technologies effectively, India can
performance. By integrating sensor data, IoT devices, accelerate its transition to a low-carbon and sustainable
and analytics, Digital Twins provide insights into infrastructure sector, aligning with net-zero targets and
asset health, predictive maintenance, and operational contributing to global climate goals.
efficiencies. These insights reduce downtime, enhance
asset lifespan, and optimize maintenance schedules. By Do you think India needs a Digital Twin policy for
leveraging BIM and Digital Twins, India’s infrastructure the infrastructure sector? What should be the key
sector can overcome challenges, improve project highlights of the strategy?
delivery, enhance asset performance, and ensure
sustainable infrastructure development. Yes, the implementation of a Digital Twin policy for the
infrastructure sector in India can have significant benefits
How are BIM and Digital Twin solutions key to in driving the adoption of BIM and Digital Twin technologies
advancing sustainable and resilient infrastructure by providing coordinated and unified approach to the
in India? implementation and utilization of these technologies across
the sector.
BIM integrates sustainability principles into the design
and construction process. It enables the analysis of The policy should outline a clear vision for the digital
energy performance, daylighting, thermal comfort, transformation of the infrastructure sector, highlighting
and other environmental factors during the design the objectives it aims to achieve, such as, improving
phase. By optimizing designs for energy efficiency project delivery, enhancing asset management, promoting
and environmental impact, BIM helps reduce resource sustainability, and enabling data-driven decision-making.
consumption and carbon emissions, leading to more It should also establish a supportive regulatory framework
sustainable infrastructure. BIM and Digital Twin that encourages the adoption and implementation of BIM
contribute to the development of resilient infrastructure and Digital Twin technologies. Moreover, the policy should
by simulating and analysing various scenarios. They
prioritize capacity building and skill development programs
can assess infrastructure vulnerability to natural
to ensure an adequate workforce capable of effectively
disasters, climate change impacts, and other risks. By
utilizing BIM and Digital Twin technologies. Additionally,
incorporating resilience measures in the design and
planning stages, infrastructure can be better prepared it should also emphasize on the development of a robust
to withstand and recover from shocks and stresses, data infrastructure to support the implementation of BIM
ensuring long-term sustainability. and Digital Twin technologies. This data infrastructure
should include data governance, data quality standards,
What is the potential of BIM and Digital Twins for data sharing protocols, and secure storage and access
decarbonizing India’s infrastructure development mechanisms. It should also promote the use of open data
processes to achieve net-zero targets? standards to facilitate interoperability and data exchange
among different stakeholders.
BIM enables the integration of sustainability principles
into the design and construction process. It allows By implementing a Digital Twin policy for the infrastructure
for the analysis of energy performance, daylighting, sector, India can provide a structured and coordinated
thermal comfort, and other environmental factors during approach to the adoption of BIM and Digital Twin
the design phase. By optimizing designs for energy technologies. This approach would drive innovation, enhance
efficiency, renewable energy integration, and low-carbon project outcomes, improve asset management, and
materials, BIM helps reduce carbon emissions associated accelerate the digital transformation of the infrastructure
with infrastructure development. Digital Twins, on the sector in the country.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 25


CASE STUDY: RAILWAYS

Western Dedicated Freight Corridor of India,


CTP-14 Integrated Package
Location
Project Cost
Gautam Buddha Nagar,
INR 3700 Crores
Faridabad, Mewat,
Gurgaon-Haryana

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

• Decreased resource hours by about 15 percent by


creating a single repository for the free flow of accurate
Project Recognition/Awards information

Bentley -YII 2019 Awards-Finalist in Rail and


Transit Category

26  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


CASE STUDY: BRIDGES AND TUNNELS

Chenab Rail Bridge


Location
Project Cost
Reasi District, Jammu
INR 1200 Crores
and Kashmir, India

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.

Project Recognition/Awards Software Used:


MicroStation, STAAD, ContextCapture, OpenRail
Bentley YII 2018 Finalist under Reality Designer, Tekla Structures
Modelling Category.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 27


CASE STUDY: RAILWAYS

Dehradun Railway Station - Yard Remodelling and


Development of Facilities
Location
Project Cost
Dehradun
INR 7 Crores
Uttarakhand, India

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

• Enabled completion of project three months ahead of


schedule, increasing revenues by an estimated INR 370
crores

28  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


CASE STUDY: ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

Mumbai Coastal Road Project (South) Package – Ii


Location
Project Cost
Mumbai
INR 120 Crore
-Maharashtra

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

• Increased collaboration among different project teams


allowed efficient project coordination
• Clash detection and better project understanding
helped the engineering team give an accurate and Project Recognition/Awards
optimized design thus improving the project output
quality and saving the construction costs. Bentley YII 2020 Finalist in Roads and
• 3D model helped in paced quantity calculation to Highway Category
furnish exact quantity of materials needed in a fraction
of the time with significantly less effort
• The dynamic nature of the 3D model helped save
approximately 50 percent time spent on design
modifications
• Saved 90 percent of drafting efforts as compared with
conventional drafting methods
Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 29
CASE STUDY: ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

Mumbai Vadodara Expressway - Package I


Location
Project Cost
Vadodara,
INR 1425 Crore
Gujarat

Completion Year
2020

Project Stakeholders
Project Owner: National Highway Authority of
India
Design & Construction: Larsen and Toubro -
Transportation Infrastructure IC

Project Details Solution


Larsen & Toubro Ltd under its specialized vertical L&T • The team adopted OpenRoads Designer, which was
Transportation Infrastructure (L&T TI IC) has took up combined with OpenBridge Modeler, Storm CAD and
the design and construction for part of the Mumbai to MicroStation. To develop the complete picture of the
Vadodara stretch, which is package I of this stretch, being road corridor, allowing L&T to fix the cross-drainage
developed under NHDP – phase VI. L&T TI IC’s scope for structures and longitudinal toe drains.
the project was to design, and construct the expressway • The mesh analysis of the topographical data provided
of 23.740 km, with two interchanges, six flyovers, nine the right location for cross drainage structures, which
vehicular underpasses, eleven pedestrian underpasses, was highly important since not every deep point along
two road over bridges (above railway line) etc. the alignment could be considered as discharge point.
• The interdependency of various alignments within
Project Challenges interchange design required a holistic view which
• Major stretch of the site passes through a ravine was well resolved with the dynamic approach of
and the land is unstable in nature dictating need for OpenRoads Designer. The two interchanges, one
accurate, optimized, and safe design partial cloverleaf and another trumpet were designed
successfully.
• Merging and diverging of loops and ramps, part of the
existing highways and expressways were challenging • Open Roads Designer’s single platform for design
due to land constraints and length restrictions due to and drawing production helped to carefully design
existing structures on crossroads the road embankment slopes by creating and testing
multiple end conditions. The part of embankment
slopes and toe drains were then suitably protected for
Value Proposition erosion measures.
• Reduced earth fill volume by approximately 3.3 percent • The Dynamic design features of OpenRoads Designer
• Saved INR 6.6 crores by optimising the vertical alignment provided better control over interchange alignment
design with multiple options at the design stage and corridor designs.
• Reduced man hours utilized for project by 25 percent
with automated reporting and drawing production
Software used:
directly from the design model OpenRoads Designer, Storm CAD, MicroStation
• Good for Construction design drawings were delivered
in a period of 4.5 months compared to the estimated
period of 6 months with conventional practice, leading Project Recognition/Awards
to an approximate savings of INR 10 Lakhs towards
highway design resources and helped in acceleration of Bentley YII 2021 Finalist in Roads and
associated designs such as drainage & structures Highway Category.

30  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


CASE STUDY: BRIDGES AND TUNNELS

Versova Bandra Sea Link


Location Project Cost
Mumbai, INR 699 Crore
Maharashtra

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.

Project Challenges • For the demonstration of the entire 17 km sea


link bridge to the various internal and external
• Due to proximity to the seacoast region, the project
stakeholders, a highly integrated walkthrough
had to abide by the government, taking substantial
of the sea link bridge 3D model along with the
time in environmental clearances
topography was created. Databases from iModels
• The Covid-19 pandemic largely affected the project and topography were integrated in Synchro and
progress because of the heavy impact of global supply a walkthrough of the entire 17 km sea link for the
shocks understanding of various diversified audience was
• Lack of interoperability among software used for created.
simulating schedules and mapping of KPIs configured
• Using ProjectWise, the project teams generated
with pertinent structures
around 1077 transmittals and these transmittals
were being exchanged among all the internal and
external stakeholders driven by their respective
Value Proposition roles and responsibilities in the VBSL project.

• 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

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 31


CASE STUDY: AIRPORT

Kempegowda International Airport’s


Second Terminal
Location Project Cost
Bengaluru INR 3220 Crore

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

32  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


CASE STUDY: BUILDING AND CAMPUSES

The India International Convention and Expo


Centre (IICC)
Location Project Cost
New Delhi INR 30000 Crore

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

Project Details Solution


The India International Convention and Expo Centre
The BIM Engineers, one of the design consultants
(IICC) in New Delhi is a unique, multipurpose convention
on the project, deployed the latest technological
center developed under the smart city initiative of
know-how in BIM to build the dynamic facilities of
the Government of India with a vision to be an icon of
IICC. The consultants challenged the conventional
India and to obtain a platinum certification from the
method of designing the structure, by transitioning
Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). With a total area
from in-silos data in AutoCAD to collaborative
of 1,000,000 sq m, IICC is India’s largest convention
Revit models to efficiently control and develop the
and exhibition complex with large exhibition halls, an
design and coordination process. By transitioning
auditorium, and multi-arena facilities.
from CAD to BIM, the plan-to-design, design-
to-construction, and construction-to-handover
Project Challenges processes became more accessible and
robust. The focus of the structural design was on
• Expansive scale and complex nature of the project sustainability – through developing the building
• Difficulty in coordination between the ASMEP services envelope, general installations, energy efficiency,
• Continuously evolving design expectations from the and control systems, among other things.
client
• Spatial coordination issues leading to delay in Software Used:
construction processes
AutoCAD, Revit
• Software compatibility issues resulting in reworks
• Delays and breaks in workflow due to the COVID-19
pandemic Value Proposition
• Improved collaboration for design coordination, and
document management
• Early clash detection using Autodesk Navisworks
• Seamless spatial and built environment data exchange
leading to minimal data losses
• Better time, cost, and quantity estimates
• Better control over site inventory and project plans
• Improved construction quality using value-engineered
decisions using Autodesk Revit

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 33


THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

“Mandates by the owners will drive the adoption of


BIM and Digital Twin in Infrastructure Projects”
Rajan Aiyer
Managing Director, Trimble India

What are the big risks/challenges prevailing in


India’s infrastructure sector today – and how can
geospatial powered solutions, BIM and Digital
Twin technologies solve these risks?
The industry is struggling with time delays, cost
overruns, and quality challenges. These have severe
adverse impact on the environment as well as O&M
costs. Trimble helps in addressing these challenges
through the digital delivery process. Trimble enables the
various stakeholders across the workflow to operate
out on a single source of truth at all times via connected
data driven outcomes and in the process capture the
metadata and as-built condition of the built environment.
This results in a living Digital Twin of infrastructure for
asset performance management during the operations
and renewal cycle.

What is the potential of BIM and Digital


Twin in advancing sustainable and resilient
infrastructure in India?
BIM is maturing in India and it means different to
different people, but often limited to modelling and
getting a clash free GFC drawing. Connected data,
workflows, field solutions, people, material and
machines management is the evolution in construction.
They provide the answer to the industry challenges
around productivity, quality and profitability. The most
What is your view of the India’s infrastructure
important thing around sustainability and resilient
growth story and how is your organization infrastructure is doing the things right first time, using
contributing to this growth? material as per the design (and not under/over), doing
India’s Infrastructure growth is fastest in the world; having more with automated systems to remove biases/errors
a pipeline of ~ two trillion dollars with a very aggressive during quality checks, thereby reducing the fuel and
timeline of delivery, and limited human resources. Trimble material usage. While constructing an asset takes two
is a Construction technology company and is actively to three years, it will be in operations (for 50 to 60 years
transforming the way the Indian Infrastructure Industry consuming most of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
works. Trimble is bridging the gap between concept, A living Digital Twin plays the most important role in this
design and construction, and connecting the workflows, phase of life cycle of the infrastructure. India will need
stakeholders, material and machines. Our solutions Data driven connected outcomes such as Digital Twin
enable seamless transition between Physical and Digital which is the need of the hour. But it will need cultural
worlds. This enables faster, less costlier, environmentally shift from BAU. Data from a single source of truth is the
friendly, safe construction and O&A. Today Trimble latest currency.
Technology is being used on almost all critical
Infrastructure projects in India – National High Speed Rail, How can reality capture technologies help in
Dedicated corridors, Airports and Highways/Expressways better management of infrastructure assets,
are some of the key verticals. information, and records?

34  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


Reality capture is a continuous process right from the The biggest challenge is siloed approach by each
start of the project. For greenfield project, it starts with stakeholder in a very fragmented infrastructure
converting digital information to physical asset, and development and its lifecycle management. While
as the asset gets built, the meta-data gets captured everybody is responsible for their individual task, in
to enrich the digital information with the changes reality nobody is responsible for the collective success
that physical asset brings in reality due to site driven and as a result quality, cost, timeline are the casualties.
changes. This meta data (record) is captured through The reason is that information generated by one
reality capturing devices (camera, scanners, material trade in the workflow continuum does not seamlessly
changes, compaction values through automated enhance the value of the next phase. Trimble plays a
systems. This is all integrated with real time data very important role connecting data, workflows, people,
recording enabling analytics on this real time data material and machines to drive data driven outcomes.
resulting in meaningful information and project control. Trimble interoperates with all industry standard data
Single source data is the only truth and helps in the formats, uniquely addresses machine automation and
lifecycle management of the asset. thereby provides ability to do more with same resources
and less skilled workforce or repurposing the workforce.
What role do you see of Connected Construction In some cases the process reduces or eliminates need
technologies in strengthening the built of certain tasks done by human resources. There
environment and powering BIM and Digital Twin are examples of more than doubling the productivity
implementation? keeping the quality intact on marquee projects in India.

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.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 35


CASE STUDY: BUILDING AND CAMPUSES

Statue of Unity: The World’s Tallest Statue


Location Project Cost
Gujarat
INR 2,989 crore

Completion Year
2018

Project Stakeholders
Contractor: Eversendai Construction
Private Limited

Project Details Solution


The statue is built on an islet, Sadhu Bet, around 3.5 • Tekla software made multi-nodal real-time teamwork
kilometres downstream from the Sardar Sarovar dam in possible, which not only eliminated the clashes at an
Gujarat’s Narmada district. Apart from being the world’s early stage but also contributed to completing the
tallest sculpture, the 182 metre Statue of Unity also project two months before the scheduled timeline.
holds the distinction of being among the fastest to be
• Tekla’s constructible 3D BIM model helped to easily
completed in just 34 months. Two structural concrete
identify conflicts between the steel structure &
cores were used to anchor the Statue of Unity, which
the tertiary members (bronze cladding support)
supports the steel framework (cast from scrap which was
and around 70 of those issues or conflicts were
sourced from all over India) attached to the 2,000 tons
discovered and resolved before fabrication, helping
of exterior bronze panelling. A viewing gallery has been
us achieve big savings in time and cost and avoid any
constructed at 135 metres, at the chest level, from where
rework.
200 visitors can enjoy the breath-taking views of the
Narmada dam and other surrounding landmarks. • The constructible 3D BIM model generated on Tekla
enabled the engineers to accommodate the fabricated
manufacturing within a specific size of the galvanizing
Project Challenges bath tub, thus completing the job accurately and
• Design of this structure was multifaceted since the within the stipulated time frame.
structure had to be reconstructed as a magnified
replica of a real-life photograph of Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel. This made it imperative for the designers and
fabricators to make connections at every node.
Value Proposition
• Ensuring the balance of the 182 metre tall statue was Tekla software benefitted the Eversendai Team
• 
one of the biggest challenges, and that was further in several qualitative ways, such as zero-error
aggravated by its design of being in a walking pose in fabrication, ease of project execution and
with 6.5 metres gap between the two legs. management, reduced wastage and improved safety
in the construction workflow and processes.
• The statue had to be engineered to withstand wind
speeds of almost 180 kilometres/hr. The challenge was The constructible 3D BIM models enabled the team
• 
the wind blowing against the statue and the suction to identify and rectify at least 70 clashes before
effect it could create at the back of the statue. the fabrication stage, helping save time & cost and
• The location of the statue lies in an earthquake-prone avoid rework.
zone. It was a daunting task for the engineers to
The project was completed two months ahead of
• 
prepare the structural design to survive earthquakes
schedule with 25 percent overall efficiency gains.
measuring up to 6.5 on the Richter scale

36  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


CASE STUDY: EXPRESSWAYS AND HIGHWAYS

Bundelkhand Expressway (Package -3)


Location Project Cost
Bundelkhand, INR 15,000 Crore
Uttar Pradesh

Completion Year
2018

Project Stakeholders
Project Owner - Uttar Pradesh Expressway
Industrial Development Authority
(UPEIDA).
Contractor - Ashoka Buildcon Limited (ABL)
(Package -3)

Project Details Solution


Ashoka Buildcon Limited (ABL), a leading building and • Using the conventional staking system method,
infrastructure contractor in India was able to deliver
ABL was able to grade 90‒100m³ per hour.
on timelines and technical accuracy parameters set by
the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development
With Trimble GCS900 3D Grade Control
Authority (UPEIDA) for its prestigious project, the System, the result now is 180 to 200 m³ per
Bundelkhand Expressway. Ashoka was able to meet hour.
targets, achieve greater grading accuracy, save on
materials and improve job site output. • The Trimble system did not require a highly
skilled operator, which helped ABL in saving
cost and resource hours.
Project Challenges
Technology Used
• The Indian building and infrastructure industry is not
Trimble GCS900 3D Grade Control System,
exactly known for embracing new technology, it is
often deemed too complex to be used by workers with Trimble SPS986 GNSS Smart Antenna.
basic skills.
• Multiple structures on the 4-lane highway which
means work had to be done in parcels, this slowed
Value Proposition
down our overall output. • Use of the Trimble system reduced operational costs.

• Trimble system helped in increasing the hourly


production without any rework, which increased
efficiency and utilization of assets and crew

• With the use of the Trimble GCS900 Grade Control


System, construction output was doubled.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 37


4 Digital Twins
Digital Twin in the infrastructure sector today is no more a shiny new object but a game-changing tech-
nology that promises to help to solve some significant challenges across the design, construction, oper-
ations, and maintenance phases of an asset’s life. Regarded as one of the industry’s most exciting recent
developments, Digital Twin technology uses multiple data sources and machine learning algorithms to in a
dynamic way, going beyond a simple collection of 3D models of the design phase of a project.

Definition of Digital Twin


1 National Geospatial Policy 2022
The Digital Twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, process or service that lies at the core of the new
digital revolution.

2 buildingSMART International (bSI)

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.”

Digital Twin Drivers across Infrastructure Sector


 igital Transformation: Advancements in technology, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS),
D
Building Information Model (BIM), Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud
computing have made it easier to implement Digital Twins in the AEC sector. The maturity of this transfor-
mation today provides the essential infrastructure and tools to gather, analyze and visualize data,
increasing the value proposition of each individual technology in isolation.

 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.

38  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


Key Characteristics of a Digital Twin
Digital Twin technology is revolutionizing the way industrial facilities operate by providing a virtual replica
of a physical plant or system that can be used to monitor, control, and optimize its operations. However,
to maintain and optimize operational efficiency it is quite important that a Digital Twin possesses the
following key characteristics

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.

Interoperability refers to the ability of a Digital Twin to seamlessly integrate and


communicate with other systems, software, devices, and data sources. It involves the
establishment of standardized protocols, interfaces, and data formats to enable the
exchange of information and interoperability between different components of the
Digital Twin ecosystem. Interoperability is crucial because it allows for the integration of
diverse data sources, sensors, IoT devices, and software applications that contribute to
the Digital Twin’s functionality. Further, it enables the Digital Twin to receive data inputs
from various sources, such as building automation systems, sensors, weather stations,
Interoperability or maintenance databases, and to provide data outputs to other systems for further
analysis or control.

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.

A Digital Twin should be designed with a strong focus on cybersecurity to protect


against cyber threats, data breaches, and other security risks in the physical plant or
system. This requires a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes measures
such as network segmentation, access controls, data encryption, and regular security
assessments.
Security

Synchronization, as a characteristic of Digital Twins, refers to the process of main-


taining consistent and up-to-date data between the physical asset and its digital
representation. It ensures that the Digital Twin accurately reflects the current state and
behavior of the physical asset in real-time.
Synchronization

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 39


Stakeholder-wise Capabilities of Digital Twin
Digital Twin provides a multidimensional view of how a facility is planned, constructed, and operating over
the course of its existence. Digital twin technology offers a range of capabilities that cater to different
stakeholders involved in its implementation and usage. The following image illustrates breakdown of these
capabilities based on different stakeholders:

Stakeholder Capabilities Outcomes

Digital Twin creates an integrated design and


 Predictive Analytics construction process leading to lower costs,
 Immersive Visualization improved productivity, efficiency, and compliance.
Owner  Asset Planning and Manage- The analytics derived from Digital Twin simulations
ment allows owners to achieve practical and financial
 Construction Management goals while simultaneously mitigating risks.
 Energy Management

 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

The Digital Twin when connected to a built assets


 Real-time Monitoring of Assets system continuously collects asset performance data
 Predictive Maintenance and system model to perform simulation. Owners and
Operations  Remote Operations and Control
and Operators are able to use the Digital Twin platform to
Maintenance  Energy Management monitor and perform facility management, tune energy
 Compliance and Regulatory consumption and carbon emissions and realize the
Monitoring asset’s lifetime value.

40  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


Benefits of Digital Twin Adoption across Infrastructure Lifecycle

Phases of Operations and Restoration and


Construction Design and Engineering Construction Maintenance Refurbishment

 Optimised overall design


process
 Effective design collab-
oration
 Sustainability in project
design
 Improved design information delivery
 Ensure effective project planning
Concept-
oriented  Ease transition to digital transformation
 Improved materials selection
 Real-time data visualization

 Optimised construction
process
 Reduced construction cost
 Enhanced prefabrication
of assets
 Reduced non-fatal injuries

 Safety risk management


Product-  Improved product quality
oriented  Effective stakeholder collaboration
 Better project management

 Real-world accurate
asset management
 Improved project opera-
tions’ efficiency

 Enhanced predictive maintenance


 Reduced operational costs

Operational-
success  Enhanced environmental monitoring
 Enhanced energy management
 Continued asset monitoring and management

 Enhanced building retrofit


 Improved renovation works
 Accurate preservation of
cultural heritage

Preservation-
oriented

Benefits across phases of construction

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 41


Levels of Digital Twin Maturity
Digital Twins for infrastructure projects can operate at different levels of sophistication or maturity. These
levels of maturity is dependent on the level of details and type of data that is collected and fed in the plat-
form. While the lowest level of Digital Twin model can be regarded as the real world visual replica of the
infrastructure assets, the most advanced model is capable of performing predictive analysis and creating
real-time ‘what-if’ scenarios. The following image captures the different attributes of the five levels of
digital twin maturity and the different technologies adopted across these levels.

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.

Digital Twin Maturity Model in Infrastructure Project Life-cycle

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

Level 01 Twin operational


comprehensive through artificial
data for
insights twin leverages intelligence,
Descriptive Additional advanced while using
Twin operational
The predictive modelling and
and sensory advanced
data twin captures simulation for algorithms for
A visual replica
real -time data, potential future simulation and
with real time, The informative contextual data, scenarios as well 3D visualization.
editable design twin uses and analytics to as prescriptive
and construction improved identify potential analytics and
information, integration with issues . recommendations.
including 3D sensors and
models and BIM operations data
for insights at
any given time. Augmented
Operations

lmmersive
What- if Simulations Training

Predictive Autonomous
Optimization
Maintenance Operations

Asset Information Asset Performance Virtual to Physical


Management Remote Diagnosis
Management Convergence

Real-time Data Remote Simulation


Virtual/Digital Model Real -time Analytics
Integration Collaboration Al Twins

Source: Inspired by the Verdantix’s five-level maturity model

42  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


Future of Digital Twin
Digital Twins have revolutionized how we utilize data in everyday life, from buildings to utilities
or transportation. This digital revolution has made data easily accessible to Project owners,
consultants, and contractors. In the near future, full implementation of an Autonomous Digital
Twin across the infrastructure lifecycle might includethe following components as part of its
solution package.

Predictive Analysis and Simulation: Digital Twins will leverage data


collected from sensors and other sources to enable predictive analysis
and simulation. This will allow stakeholders to model various scenarios,
assess performance, optimize designs, and identify potential issues
before they occur. It will facilitate data-driven decision-making and
improve project outcomes.

Lifecycle Integration: Digital Twins will play a central role in integrating


the entire lifecycle of a built asset, from design and construction to
operation and maintenance. A single, comprehensive Digital Twin model
will capture and connect data throughout the asset’s lifespan, enabling
better-informed decision-making, efficient maintenance, and improved
performance.

Advanced Analytics and AI: Digital Twins will leverage advanced


analytics and artificial intelligence to extract actionable insights from
vast amounts of data. Machine learning algorithms will enable predictive
modeling, anomaly detection, and optimization, leading to more efficient
designs, better resource allocation, and enhanced operational perfor-
mance.

Digital Twin Standards: For the future advanced implementation of


Digital Twin, technology companies need to collaborate and invest in
developing infrastructure Digital Twin standards. Technology providers
should work collaboratively with AEC firms, owners, and operators to
define and optimize the benefits of deploying Digital Twin standards.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 43


DATA Digital Twin Platform
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
Geospatial Data
Infrastructure Project Lifecycle Phases
GIS, Maps, Terrains, TINs

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

Geotechnical Data Unreal Apps

44  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


Soil boring logs, Foundations, Compliance

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

GEOSPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE


Common Data Environment (CDE) • Simulations
• Events

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

Data Creation & Manipulation Tools Visualization

Design Tools Construction Engineering Analytics Data Visualization


• 2D/3D Modelling • Construction Planning • Document Control • Performance Monitoring • Power BI Reports
• Datasheet Management • 4D Construction Simulation • Asset Configuration • Condition Monitoring • Dashboards
• Resource Management • Asset Register • Linear Asset Analytics • Analytics Dashboards
• Project Asset Register
• Contracts & Budgets • Component Catalogue • Predictive Analytics • Model Viewer
• Project Asset Metadata

PRESENTATION
• VR/AR
• Reports, Extracts

Digital Twin Platform Services*

DIGITAL TWIN SERVICES


Data Sources

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

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


*As shown in the Digital Twin Platform in Page 44

45
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

“City-scale Digital Twins will empower Government


and Private entities to make infrastructure process
more efficient, effective, and, more importantly,
sustainable.”
Sajid Malik
Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Genesys International Corp. Ltd.

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.

What is your vision of Geospatial Infrastructure and


National Digital Twin?
At the heart of our vision lies a robust Geospatial
Infrastructure and a National Digital Twin for India.
Genesys, as a pioneering force, has developed a
transformative 3D Map / Digital Twin platform that
harnesses the potential of cutting-edge surveying tools
and technologies, such as LiDAR, to generate unparalleled
engineering-grade datasets. These datasets, meticulously
crafted to ensure precision, serve a singular purpose i.e. to
faithfully represent real-world assets in a comprehensive
3D digital medium.

In the realm of 3D representation, our approach spans


various Levels of Detail (LoD) of the infrastructure
datasets, aligning with industry best practices and tailored
to the needs of diverse users. A guiding principle of our
endeavour is adherence to universally accepted data
models and proven standards. This common foundation
ensures that stakeholders across the spectrum can
What’s your take on Indian Geospatial Policy? seamlessly connect with a shared operational perspective.

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,

46  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


are far-reaching, with the potential to substantially boost How will Digital Twin serve/contribute towards
the nation’s GDP. We are the architects of a platform that national mission mode projects with a particular
revolutionizes the landscape. Our 3D Digital Twin program focus on city management and infrastructure
spearheads a comprehensive national mapping initiative. development?
By our technological innovation with a forward-looking
perspective, we are primed to tackle the challenges that Digital twin technology has the potential to support a wide
define India’s growth trajectory. range of national projects in India. Some examples of how
digital twin technology can be used to help Indian national
How has technology innovation been powering projects includes city management and infrastructure
geospatial content capture and processing development. For instance, Digital twins can model
capabilities? and simulate different urban planning and development
scenarios such as the impact of new buildings or
The company’s vision for Atma Nirbhar Bharat is to transportation infrastructure on traffic and air quality. They
create a future-proofed, highly digital, and resilient India can also be used to monitor and optimize the performance
capable of leading the way in digital transformation. of existing city systems such as energy and water supply
Genesys is doing this by utilizing its sophisticated sensor networks.
technologies, AI/ML capabilities, and commitment to
building a secure, resilient digital infrastructure. This On the other hand, on the infrastructure development side,
creates a socially, economically, and environmentally Digital twins can be used to plan, design, and construct
sustainable India. new infrastructure projects, such as bridges, roads, and
airports, by simulating their performance and identifying
Genesys is deploying the world class technology to capture potential issues before construction begins. They can also
highly accurate data at a speed and scale needed for this be used to monitor and maintain existing infrastructure,
project. Genesys leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and such as identifying structural defects or predicting
Machine Learning (ML) advancements to improve the equipment failures.
accuracy and efficiency of geospatial data processing and
analysis, such as image and data classification, pattern How important is a Digital Twin policy for Indian
recognition, and predictive modeling The availability of Infrastructure Development?
drones and mobile sensors has made data collection
possible at a much more detailed level and with much A Digital Twin policy is critical for infrastructure
more frequent updates than before. development. With liberalization of geospatial data
collection and distribution in the country, the country is
We have now taken a step ahead with Genesys ready to achieve our true potential, giving us as a company
Constellation, which provides the most extensive swath of a much-needed boost in terms of products and solutions
sensors worldwide. Genesys constellation is India’s most we can offer. City-scale Digital Twins will empower
comprehensive range of aerial, mobile, and terrestrial Government and Private entities across India to improve
sensors. their execution, efficiency, and strategizing capabilities
using the 3D data, making the infrastructure process more
Artificial Intelligence, Cloud computing, and high- efficient, effective, and, more importantly, sustainable.
performance computing resources have also played a A Digital Twin policy will make India a world leader in the
crucial role in enabling the processing of large amounts global Digital Twin space for infrastructure projects. The
of data in a timely and cost-effective manner. This has Digital Twin policy proposed as part of this report identifies
led to faster and more accurate data analysis, leading to corresponding milestones with palpable objectives and a
improved decision-making, better planning, and the ability pragmatic timeline. Such a strategy and policy approach
to predict future changes. makes Digital Twin promising realistic, and achievable.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 47


Non-Executive Think Tank
on Digital Twin Strategy for
Indian Infrastructure
5 (Draft)
The Outline of the Proposed Digital Twin Policy for Indian
Infrastructure
1 PREAMBLE
1.1. Geospatial, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twin technologies lie at the core of the
infrastructure sector. While geospatial-powered BIM makes planning and design process simpler; Digital
Twins makes it easier to construct, and manage complex infrastructure spaces both physically and virtually.
Digital Twins, thus, enables infrastructure assets to become dynamic throughout the infrastructure lifecycle.
While Geospatial data is now widely accepted as a critical national infrastructure and information resource
with proven societal, economic and environmental value [as stated in the “National Geospatial Policy” dated
28th December 2022, issued by Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India; and
hereto referred to as NGP 2022]; the importance and relevance of Digital Twin for unlocking efficiencies
and productivity through geospatial-data and 3D BIM led simulations is steadily gaining relevance.

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.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 49


1 .4.4.  Establish and operationalize a Digital Twin architecture for integrated and coordinated planning of
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 VISION AND GOALS


2.1.1. To make India a global leader in infrastructure development over the next 25 years using best-in-
class Digital Twin technology solutions.

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.

2.1.6. To nurture a thriving Digital Twin industry.

2.1.7. To develop superior-quality infrastructure to meet the demands of the growing economy.

Following are the goals identified to realize the aforesaid vision -

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

2.2.10 Establish a National Unified Infrastructure Digital Twin platform by 2040.

50  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


3 STRATEGY AND APPROACH
3.1. The proposed Policy focuses on making Digital Twin an agent of transformation for development of
resilient and sustainable infrastructure in India, facilitating effective decision-making, delivering efficient,
safe, and environmentally conscious infrastructure, and instilling accountability and transparency across
infrastructure projects in the country.

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.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 51


4 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK: DIGITAL TWIN PROMOTIONAL BOARD
4.1. The government shall constitute 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 implementing Digital Twin in Indian infrastructure projects. The Digital Twin Promotional
Board will play a key role in empowering all Infrastructure Ministries/Departments to develop their sectoral
Digital Twin implementation framework to make it more effective with advancements in the Digital Twin
technology ecosystem.

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.

 .3.5. Encourage mutually beneficial engagements with commercial/private sector organizations to


4
enhance the adoption of Digital Twin across infrastructure projects.

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.

5 ESTABLISHING DIGITAL TWIN ARCHITECTURE


5.1. Geospatial Data Infrastructure

 .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.

5.2. Mapping Infrastructure

 .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.

52  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


5.3. Digital Twin Architecture

 .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.

5.3.4. Role of Private Sector

 .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-

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 53


nantly be served by the private sector with the Digital Twin Promotional Board, GDPDC and Infrastructure
Ministries/Agencies in a facilitative role. The private sector will also play a key role in evolving discussions
on Digital Twin architecture and the updation so required to meet the vision and goals as laid out in the
proposed Policy.

6 DIGITAL TWIN EDUCATION AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT


6.1. The proposed Policy will strengthen the Geospatial Education and Skill Development as per the provi-
sions mentioned in Section 6 of the “National Geospatial Policy”, dated 28th December 2022, issued by
Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

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 DIGITAL TWIN INDUSTRY


7.1. The proposed Policy will develop an enabling ecosystem for industry, academia and research with ease
of doing business, and proactively engage in various spheres of geospatial, BIM, and Digital Twin domain
for employment generation and contribution the national economy. Proactive steps will be taken for stim-
ulating innovations in Digital Twin and supporting the growth of Small-and-Medium-Sized Enterprises
(SMEs-MSMEs) for the development of the Digital Twin industry in the country. Measures would be taken
to promote the use of geospatial, BIM, and Digital Twin, for infrastructure projects in India.

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-

54  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


structure Ministries including Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Road, Transport and High-
ways (MoRTH) Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Science and Technology and Depart-
ment of Revenue, among others. It would be assisted by eminent members from the geospatial, BIM and
Digital Twin industry who would provide valuable inputs to the Board for advancing the implementation and
development of the Digital Twin Policy and Architecture for Indian Infrastructure Projects. The Digital Twin
Promotional Board, would assist and advice the GIDB, the GDPDC, and Infrastructure Ministries related to
Digital Twin industry.

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.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 55


ANNEXURE I
Definition of 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

Sl. No. Responsibility Nodal Organization

Geodetic Reference
1 • Department of Science & Technology (Survey of India)
Frame

• Department of Science & Technology (Survey of India)


2 Ortho-imagery
• Department of Space (National Remote Sensing Centre)

3 Administrative Boundaries • Department of Science & Technology (Survey of India)

Geographical Names
4 • Department of Science & Technology (Survey of India)
(Toponymy)

• Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (Inland Water)


5 Elevation and Depth
• Ministry of Earth Science (Ocean & Sea)

56  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


• Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
6 Water Rejuvenation
• Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)

• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways


7 Transportation Networks • Ministry of Railways
• Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Ministry of Civil Aviation

• Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (Urban)


8 Buildings and Settlements
• Ministry of Panchayati Raj (Rural)

• Department of Space (National Remote Sensing Centre)


9 Land Cover and Land Use • Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (Forests) (Forest
Survey of India)

• Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (Urban)


10 Physical Infrastructure
• Ministry of Panchayati Raj (Rural)

• Department of Land Resources (Rural)


11 Land Parcels
• Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (Urban)

• Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (Urban)


12 Addresses
• Ministry of Panchayati Raj (Rural)

• Ministry of Mines (Geological Survey of India)


13 Geology and Soils • Department of Agricultural Research and Education (National
Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning)

• Ministry of Home Affairs (Office of the Registrar General & Census


14 Population Distribution
Commissioner, India)

15 Innovation • Department of Science and Technology

Satellite-related Earth
16 • Department of Space
Observation Infrastructure

17 Sub-surface Infrastructure • Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

• Department of Space
18 PNT Infrastructure
• Department of Science and Technology

19 National Digital Twin • Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Geospatial Education and


20 • Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Skill Development

• 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

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 57


6 Working Group Updates
Working Group 1: Public Policy and Industrial Development Strategy
Members

RK Pandey Swaraj Dutta P.V. Rajasekhar Kasturi Srinivas Ananya Narain


NHAI (Chair) Gupta Survey of India Bentley Systems Geospatial World
CDCPIndia

Think Tank Secretariat

Titas Roy | Geospatial World (Convenor) Mohit Sharma | Geospatial World

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.

58  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


Working Group 2: Digital Twin Architecture
Members

Dr. Madhu R. Teotia Kamalakannan Thiruvadi Arunkumar Shambhu Nikhil Bagalkotkar


MoHUA (Chair) Bentley Systems CDCP India Autodesk

Viraj Voditel Dr. Aniruddha Roy Ananya Narain


Techture Genesys Geospatial World

Think Tank Secretariat

Titas Roy | Geospatial World (Convenor) Abhishek Verma | Geospatial World

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.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 59


Working Group 3: Standards and Specifications
Members

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

Think Tank Secretariat

Titas Roy | Geospatial World (Convenor) Mohit Sharma | Geospatial World

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.

60  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


Working Group 4: Capacity Development and Training
Members

Prof. Sudhir Swaraj Datta B.P. Mohit


Misra Gupta Awasthi Bradoo
IIT Kanpur (Chair) CDCPIndia Railway Board Bentley Systems

Think Tank Secretariat

Titas Roy | Geospatial World (Convenor) Archana Pal | Geospatial World

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.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 61


Non-Executive Think Tank on Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure
CHAIRS
Kamal Amit Kumar Rahul Sanjay
Kishore Ghosh Kapoor* Kumar
Member Secretary Additional Secretary Joint Secretary Founder and CEO
National Disaster Ministry of Road Ministry of Housing and Geospatial World
Management Authority Transport and Highways Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
(NDMA) (MoRTH)
CHAIR CO-CHAIR CO-CHAIR CONVENOR

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

BP Lt. General Girish Viraj Dr. Vishal Singh, BS Kaushik Geetha


Awasthi Kumar Voditel PhD Mukund Chakraborty Ramamoorthi
Executive Director Advisor Founder and Director Associate Professor Head – Building Information Vice President Managing Director
Railway Board Government of Haryana and Techture IMPACT4IMPACT Lab Centre Modeling (BIM) APAC KBR India
Former Surveyor General for Product Design & L&T Construction Bentley Systems
of India Manufacturing
Survey of India Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore

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)

Swaraj Datta Varunkumar Alok Parveen Dr. Sanjay Kolte Ananya


Gupta Sagarkar Sharma Sharma CEO Narain
President Director CEO Pune Smart City Vice President - Consulting
Director of Digital
CDCP India Architecture Engineering The BIM Engineers Development Geospatial World
Engineering
and Construction (AEC) Corporation Limited
Desapex Engineering
Consultants Autodesk

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
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Glossary of Terms for Digital Twin
Architecture
• Accessibility: Extent to which products, systems, services, environments, and facilities can be used by
people from a population with the widest range of user needs, characteristics, and capabilities to achieve
identified goals in identified contexts of use. [Source: ISO 9241-11:–, 3.1.14]
• Aerial Systems: A term that encompasses both manned aerial system (MAS) and unmanned aerial
system (UAS), also known as Drones. These systems include a wide range of aircraft, from traditional
manned airplanes and helicopters to unmanned aerial vehicles, carry payload of various sensors like
optical, LiDAR, thermal etc. used for various applications including survey and mapping.
• ALIM - Asset Lifecycle Information Management: A process or system that involves the collection, orga-
nization, and management of information related to the entire lifecycle of assets within an organization.
• API: Application Programming Interface for software communication. A set of protocols, routines, tools,
and definitions that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. APIs define
how different software components should interact, specifying the methods and data formats that appli-
cations can use to request and exchange information. They enable developers to create applications that
can leverage the functionality of existing software services or libraries without needing to understand
their internal workings, promoting interoperability and efficiency in software development.
• Augmented Reality (AR): Overlays digital data onto real-world view.
• Availability: Property of being accessible and usable upon demand by an authorized entity. [Source: ISO/
IEC 27000: 2016, 2.9]
• BIM (Building Information Modelling): Digital representation of building characteristics.
• Citizen: <of a city> person who lives and/or works, within a city.
• CMMS: Computerized Maintenance Management System: A software system that helps organizations
manage and track maintenance activities, work orders, equipment, and maintenance histories.
• Composability: The ability to combine discrete components into a complete system to achieve a set of
goals and objectives. [Source: ISO/IEC 30141: 2018, Modified]
• Confidentiality: Property that information is not made available or disclosed to unauthorized individuals,
entities, or processes. [Source: ISO/IEC 27000: 2016, 2.12]
• Coordinate System: Reference framework for spatial positions.
• Data Acquisition: The process of collecting raw data from various sources, such as sensors, instruments,
or devices, in real-time or near-real-time. Data acquisition involves capturing data points or measure-
ments and converting them into digital format for further processing, storage, and analysis.
• Data Capture: The action or process of gathering data for storage, communication, and processing.
• Data Classification: Process of organizing data by relevant categories for efficient use and protection.
• Data Collection: The systematic process of gathering, assembling, and organizing data from various
sources, which can include manual recording, surveys, observations, and automated data acquisition.
Data collection aims to accumulate relevant information to address specific research, analysis, or informa-
tional needs and often involves careful planning, standardization, and validation to ensure data accuracy
and reliability.
• Data Governance: Collection of practices and processes for formal data asset management.
• Data Integration: Combining data from various sources into a unified dataset.
• Data Interoperability: Ensuring compatibility between software systems and datasets.
• Data Privacy: Rights and obligations regarding the collection, use, and disposal of personal information.
• Data Quality: State of qualitative or quantitative information being suitable for intended uses.
• Data Transformation: Process of converting data from one format or structure to another.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 67


• Data Variability: Changes in transmission rate, format, semantics, or quality of datasets.
• Data Variety: Range of formats, models, timescales, and semantics of a dataset.
• Data Velocity: Rate of flow at which data is created, transmitted, stored, analyzed, or visualized.
• Data Veracity: Completeness and/or accuracy of data.
• Data Volatility: Characteristic of data pertaining to the rate of change over time.
• Data Volume: Extent of relevant data impacting computation and storage resources.
• Data Warehouse: A system used for reporting and data analysis.
• Datum: Reference specifications of a measurement system.
• Digital Elevation Model (DEM) - The representation of continuous elevation values over a topographic
surface by a regular array of z-values, referenced to a common datum. DEMs are typically used to repre-
sent terrain relief.
• Digital Infrastructure: Support for IT, communication, and digital systems in a city or region.
• Digital Twin: A Digital Twin is a dynamic, digital replica of a physical object, process or system that
provides up to real-time status and performance monitoring from sensors and observations – which aid
decision-making processes, planning and predictive capabilities. [Source-WGIC, 2022]
• Digital Twin Platform: Integrated services for implementing digital twin systems.
• Digital Twin Services: Subsystems providing value through the digital twin.
• Digital Twin System: System-of-systems implementing a digital twin.
• Digitalization: Automating business operations with ICT and digital technologies.
• Digitization: Creating a digital representation of a continuous signal.
• Discoverability: Endpoint's ability to be found and report services and capabilities.
• Dynamic Updating: Continuously updating digital twin with real-time data.
• EDMS: Engineering Document Management System: A software system designed to manage and control
engineering documents and information throughout their lifecycle.
• Emergence: Principle that entities' properties are meaningful only attributed to the whole.
• Extendable: Ability to expand a system's capability over time.
• Flexibility: Capability of a system to provide a varied range of functionality based on context.
• Functional View: Architecture view from the functional viewpoint.
• GCP: Ground Control Points used for georeferencing.
• Geographic Distribution: Spread of a system/component across a large area.
• Georeference: An operation in which an image (such as an aerial photo/satellite image/radar images/
scanned maps) is aligned to a known coordinate system so it can be viewed and analyzed with other
spatial data.
• Geospatial Data: Information relating to geographic location and features.
• GIS (Geographic Information System): System for capturing, storing, and analyzing geospatial data.
• Heterogeneity: Difference arising from different descriptions of the same concept.
• Infrastructure: Facilities, equipment, and services for operation.
• Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC): Centralized hub for managing various smart solutions
across a city.
• IoT (Internet of Things): A network of interconnected physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and other
objects that collect and exchange data through embedded sensors, enabling them to interact with each
other and the environment.
• ISO: International Organization for Standardization: A non-governmental international organization that
develops and publishes international standards for various industries, products, services, and systems.
ISO standards provide specifications and guidelines to ensure consistency, safety, quality, and efficiency
in processes, products, and services worldwide. These standards cover a wide range of topics, including
technology, manufacturing, healthcare, environmental management, information security, and more.

68  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


• IT/OT Platform: IT and Operational Technology infrastructure for digital twin subsystems.
• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Method for creating accurate 3D representations.
• Manageability: Addressing device, network, and system management aspects.
• Map: A graphical representation of geographical or spatial information, typically depicting features such
as landforms, roads, cities, and boundaries. Maps provide a visual way to understand the layout and rela-
tionships of locations on the Earth's surface or other environments.
• MRO - Maintenance, Repair, and Operations: A category of activities and supplies within an organization
that pertain to the maintenance, repair, and operational needs of its facilities, equipment, and assets.
• Metadata: Data about data. Metadata describes how and when and by whom a particular set of data was
collected, and how the data is formatted. [Source: OGC, CDB Terms and Definitions, V3, 2017]
• Model: Digital representation of features or objects in a synthetic environment. A Model is a digital repre-
sentation of physical and functional aspects of infrastructure projects, buildings, or assets. It encom-
passes 2D and 3D geometry, data, and metadata, providing a comprehensive and interactive view of a
project's lifecycle.
• Model-LOD: Specific level of detail of a modelled feature.
• OASIS: Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards: A nonprofit consortium
that develops and promotes open standards for the security, privacy, cloud computing, content technolo-
gies, and other areas of information and communication technologies.
• Odata: Open Data Protocol is an ISO/IEC approved OASIS Standard that defines a set of best practices for
building REST (Representational State Transfer) APIs
• OGC: Open Geospatial Consortium - An international organization that develops and promotes open stan-
dards and guidelines for geospatial and location-based services, including GIS, GPS, and remote sensing.
• Point Cloud: 3D coordinate data representing object/environment surfaces.
• Real-time Capability: System's ability to perform actions during external processes.
• Real-to-virtual synchronization: Synchronization reflecting new real-world observations.
• Remote Monitoring: Monitoring physical assets remotely using sensors.
• Resilience: Ability of a system to reduce likelihood of failure, to absorb effects of such failure if it occurs
and to recover quickly after failure. [Source: ISO 13824 : 2020, 3.8]
• Safety: Freedom from risk, danger, or injury.
• Scalability: Characteristic of a system to continue to work effectively as the size of the system, its
complexity, or the volume of work performed by the system is increased. [Source: ISO/IEC 30141 : 2018]
• Semantic 3D Modelling: Assigning meaning to components in a 3D model.
• Sensor Data: Real-time data collected from physical environment sensors.
• Simulation and Visualization: Computer-generated models for scenario simulation.
• Smart City: City where improvements in quality of life, services, sustainability, inclusion, and resilience are
accelerated by the effective integration of digital, physical, and social systems and the transformative use
of data and technology.
• Spatial 3D Digital Twin: Digital representation combining 3D geospatial data and contextual info.
• Tag Manager: A tag management system (TMS) that allows you to quickly and easily update measure-
ment codes and related code fragments.
• Terrain: Representation of Earth's surface shape, elevation, and characteristics.
• Unified Digital Infrastructure: Interconnected and integrated digital infrastructures from a collection of
diverse entities and organizations, working seamlessly together to present a logically unified, digital view
for the collective.
• UTM: Universal Transverse Mercator: A coordinate system used for accurate mapping and navigation,
divided into multiple zones.
• Virtual Reality (VR): Immerses users in a digital environment.
• Virtual Representation: Information-rich digital representation of a subject.

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 69


List of Abbreviations
2D - Two-Dimensional EDFC - Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor

3D - Three-Dimensional EDMS - Engineering Document Management


System
4D - Four-Dimensional
EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment
4IR - Fourth Industrial Revolution
EPC - Engineering, Procurement, and
5G - Fifth Generation
Construction
AAI - Airport Authority of India
EPU - Economic Planning Unit
ABL - Ashoka Buildcon Limited
ESG - Environmental, Social, and Governance
AEC - Architecture, Engineering, and
EU - European Union
Construction
FDI - Foreign Direct Investment
AI - Artificial Intelligence
FY - Fiscal Year
ALIM - Asset Lifecycle Information Manage-
ment GCP - Ground Control Points

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

AR - Augmented Reality GIS - Geographic Information System

BAU - Business As Usual GNSS - Global Navigation Satellite System

BEP - BIM Execution Plan GPR - Ground Penetrating Radar

BIM - Building Information Modelling GPS - Global Positioning System

BIS - Bureau of Indian Standards GW - Geospatial World

BRO - Border Roads Organisation HRIDAY- Heritage City Development and


Augmentation Yojana
CAD - Computer-Aided Design
HSR - High-Speed Rail
CAGR - Compound Annual Growth Rate
ICCC - Integrated Command and Control
CAM - Computer-Aided Manufacturing
ICT - Information and Communication Tech-
CDE - Common Data Environment
nology
CEO - Chief Executive Officer
IFC - International Foundation Class
CGWB - Central Ground Water Board
IISc - Indian Institutes of Science
CMMS - Computerized Maintenance Manage-
IIT - Indian Institutes of Technology
ment System
INR - Indian Rupee
CPWD - Central Public Works Department
IPD - Integrated Project Delivery
DEM - Digital Elevation Model
ISO - International Organization for Stan-
DFC - Dedicated Freight Corridor
dardization
DST - Department of Science and
IT - Information Technology
Technology

70  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


KPI - Key Performance Indicators NSWS - National Single Window System

LiDAR - Light Detection and Ranging OGC - Open Geospatial Consortium

KSCL - Kanpur Smart City Limited PMAY - Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana

LOD - Level of Detail PNT - Positioning, Navigation, and Timing

MAS - Manned Aerial System PPP - Public-Private Partnership

MCGM - Municipal Corporation of Greater PWD - Public Works Department


Mumbai
ROI - Return on Investment
ML - Machine Learning
SCM - Smart Cities Mission
MoRTH - Ministry of Road Transport and High-
SDG - Sustainable Development Goals
ways
SME - Small and Medium Enterprise
MRO - Maintenance, Repair, and Operations
SSO - Single Sign-On
MSME - Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
STAAD - Structural Analysis and Design
MSRDC - Maharashtra State Road Development
TCO - Total Cost of Ownership
Corporation
TMS - Tag Management System
NBIMS-US - National Building Information Model
Standard-United States UAS - Unmanned Aerial System

NGP - National Geospatial Policy UPEIDA - Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial


Development Authority
NH - National Highway
USD - United States Dollar
NHAI - National Highways Authority of India
UTM - Universal Transverse Mercator
NHDP - National Highways Development
Project VBSL - Versova Bandra Sea Link

NICMAR - National Institute of Construction VR - Virtual Reality


Management and Research
WDFC - Western Dedicated Freight Corridor
NIIF - National Investment and Infrastructure
WG - Working Group
Fund
WGIC - World Geospatial Industry Council
NIP - National Infrastructure Pipeline

NMP - National Master Plan

NPTEL - National Programme on Technology


Enhanced Learning

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 71


List of Citations
[Report] [online] ITcon (2021), Min Deng, Carol C. Menassa, Vineet R. Kamat, From BIM To Digital Twins: A
Systematic Review of The Evolution of Intelligent Building Representations in the AEC-FM Industry
<https://www.itcon.org/papers/2021_05-SI-ITcon-Deng.pdf>

[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/>

[Report] [online] The IET (2020), Digital twins for the built environment
<https://www.theiet.org/media/8762/digital-twins-for-the-built-environment.pdf>

[Website] [Online] The BIM Field Trip


<https://bimlearningcenter.com/the-bim-field-trip/>

[Website] [online] Trimble (2022), What Is a BIM Execution Plan and What Should It Include?
<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/>

[Website] [online] Assemble: An Autodesk Company (2016), 5 Major Benefits to Using a BIM Execution Plan
<https://assemblesystems.com/blog/benefits-of-bim-execution-plan/>

[Policy paper] [online] GOV.UK (2020), Government Construction Strategy: 2016-2020


<https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-construction-strategy-2016-2020>

[Policy paper] [online] GOV.UK (2017), Common Minimum Standards for Construction
<https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/common-minimum-standards-for-construction>

[Report] [online] HM Government, Industrial strategy: government and industry in partnership


<https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/
file/34710/12-1327-building-information-modelling.pdf>

[Website] [online] NBIMS-US (2020), The Future of The National BIM Standard – United States
<https://www.nationalbimstandard.org/>

[E-Submission] [online] BCA (2015), Deadlines for Projects Requiring Mandatory BIM (Building Information
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>

[Report] [online] GSA (2007), GSA BIM Guide Series 01


<https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/GSA_BIM_Guide_v0_60_Series01_Overview_05_14_07.pdf >

[Report] [online] GSA (2015), GSA BIM Guide Series 02

72  Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure


<https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/GSA_BIM_Guide_02_Version_2.0.pdf>

[Report] [online] GSA (2006), GSA BIM Guide for Spatial Program Validation
<https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/GSA_BIM_02_Appendix_v09.pdf >

[Report] [online] GSA (2009), BIM Guide For 4D Phasing


<https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/BIM_Guide_Series_04_v1.pdf>

[Report] [online] GSA (2016), BIM Guide 07 Building Elements


<https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/BIM_Guide_07_v_1.pdf>

[White paper] [online] MTHojgaard (2018), The strength of the local BIM efforts in a larger perspective
<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 >

[Report] [online] AEC (UK) (2009), AEC (UK) BIM Standard


<https://aecuk.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/aecukbimstandard-v1-0.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>

[Report] [online] HM Government, Industrial strategy: government and industry in partnership


<https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/
file/34710/12-1327-building-information-modelling.pdf >

[Standards Framework] [online] (2022), UK BIM Framework: Standards in 2022


<https://www.ukbimframework.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/UK-BIM-Framework-UpcomingStan-
dards_FINAL.pdf >

[Report] [online] FMTDI (2015), Road Map for Digital Design and Construction
<https://www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/EN/publications/road-map-for-digital-design-and-construction.pdf?__
blob=publicationFile >

[Report] [online] Urban Agenda for The EU (2018), Digital transition action plan
<https://ec.europa.eu/futurium/en/system/files/ged/digital_transition_action_plan_for_dgum_300818_final.pdf>

Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure 73


Contact the GW Secretariat
Geospatial World supports the Secretariat of the
Non-Executive Think Tank on Digital Twin Strategy for Indian
Infrastructure. The Think Tank Secretariat has prepared
the Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure under the
esteemed guidance of the Think Tank members and after
virtual and residential meetings held amongst the members
to discuss the value of Digital Twin in Indian construction
and infrastructure projects. Team Geospatial World
coordinates with all member organizations and other relevant
agencies and will continue to engage with them to create
a national perspective driven by a common purpose and
collective vision for developing a Digital Twin Policy for India
Infrastructure.

For input on the Digital Twin Strategy for Indian


Infrastructure, please contact the authors –
Ananya Narain – ananya@geospatialworld.net
Titas Roy – titas@geospatialworld.net
Constituted by

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