Data driver

The Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has, under the guidance of Professor A Thillai Rajan, Department of Management Studies, has launched a data platform called Integrated Database on Infrastructure Projects (IDIP). The data platform is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of infrastructure development in India and to enable effective decision-making among different stakeholders involved in the sector. Professor Rajan is the principal investigator of the project, which will provide comprehensive infrastructural data on 250 roads across India. While the database will expand to cover other infrastructure in the country as well, the initial focus of IDIP would be on the road sector, which has received the highest private investment among all sectors. That said, the platform will be working to include infrastructure projects on ports, airports and power sectors as well. With such a platform in place, we hope India is set to write its next chapter in quality data available of infrastructure projects.