Kaushik Chakraborty, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific & Japan, Bentley Systems, shares with PRATAP PADODE, Editor-in-Chief, CW, how Bentley is reshaping infrastructure. Through AI, model-centric workflows and innovation, technology is helping deliver projects faster, greener and more efficiently across regions.How does Bentley’s global strategy ensure its solutions meet diverse infrastructure needs?Bentley’s technology is designed to scale globally. Projects large and small – from a hotel in Udevo to a 350-km highway in Australia – demonstrate that technology is no barrier. India’s engineering talent is highly capable; with the right tools and support, our solutions can deliver ambitious infrastructure projects efficiently. The key is combining global capabilities with local application.How does Bentley drive innovation amid growing project complexity?We leverage AI, interoperability and acquisitions to stay agile. AI in infrastructure isn’t as simple as chatbots; engineers make accountable decisions. Our Bentley Co-Pilot is trained on standard operating procedures, enabling new engineers to become productive in weeks instead of months. Model-centric workflows – moving beyond file-based processes – create a platform for innovation across the AEC industry.How does Bentley optimise project delivery while balancing sustainability and economic efficiency?“Technology drives efficiency and repeatability. India’s Vision 2047 anticipates a surge in projects, not companies. Bentley helps users manage increased workloads without compromising quality. Tools like our digital twin integration and Cesium geospatial context allow rapid conceptual alignment and automatic updates when designs change, reducing rework and improving economic and environmental outcomes.How does Bentley measure and demonstrate the impact of its solutions on performance and societal benefits?Users validate the impact daily. Large EPCs are pushing governments to rethink contracting – from penalising delays to incentivising on-time delivery. Our tools track project data, enabling measurable gains in time and cost savings. For instance, automatic alignment updates and integrated geospatial insights reduce delays from land acquisition challenges, a unique factor in India’s democratic context.What are Bentley’s priorities for scaling operations and introducing new technologies?We are committed to collaboration and co-innovation worldwide, including India. Through programs like ITVentures, we invest in startups to expand our ecosystem. All global innovations are available locally and our development centres in India support these efforts. AI4 innovation will be accelerated here in 2026, making infrastructure technology more accessible, efficient and self-sufficient for users.How does Bentley support companies in adopting its technology?It’s about making software intuitive. Bentley Co-Pilot helps users contextualise tools for specific projects. Indian engineers, being digital natives, adapt quickly. We augment learning with project-specific training – face-to-face, video-based or hybrid – and guide users on training their own Co-Pilot models, fostering self-sufficiency while remaining available for support.”QuoteAI in infrastructure is not about replacing engineers; it’s about making them productive faster, reducing rework and enabling smarter project decisions.