Global Construction Technologies making inroads in India

01 Mar 2019 CW Staff

Apart from conventional systems of building with beam and slab, “there are technologies like precast, monolithic and shear wall technology by using aluminium formwork, which have become popular in India as well,” says PNVS Murthy, Vice-President (Tech), NCC.

Technology-driven offsite construction company Katerra is among the participants at the Global Housing Technology Challenge, where it will showcase its expertise at delivering end-to-end building solutions. “Using the concept of ‘design for manufacturing and assembly’ (DfMA), all our building components are designed to be modular, while not compromising on design excellence,” says Nejeeb Khan, Head - Design & Business Development, Katerra. “These components are then manufactured offsite in a factory-controlled, production assembly line, using robotics and automation technology. Finished modules and components are then transported and assembled onsite. Our projects are hence completed 50 per cent faster than traditional construction and bring in quality and cost-efficiency by ensuring less material usage.”

The firm has been using this technology for several housing projects it has completed in the US. In India, it is working with Infosys, Embassy, Lulu Mall, Bosch, KMCH Hospitals, GEMS Schools, etc, to deliver solutions for commercial and industrial buildings, hospitals, malls, and schools, and is also breaking ground on a new residential project with Vaishnavi Builders. Across the globe, DfMA, modular construction, offsite manufacturing, intelligent buildings and construction software are gaining prominence. “These new solutions need to be adapted to suit the Indian market and its unique needs,” adds Khan. “India’s infrastructure needs cannot be fulfilled by using traditional construction methods. We need to focus on local R&D and combine it with global technology to develop sustainable solutions. The use of such an approach is critical to delivering quality and affordable homes with speed—this is what India needs.”

- SERAPHINA D’SOUZA

Developers are increasingly turning to newer technologies to shrink the time taken to develop a floor or unit. “India’s real-estate sector is slowly adopting newer technologies or processes such as insulating concrete formwork, which is used for construction on a larger scale in the western world as it is efficient and makes the construction process faster,” says Rohit Poddar, Managing Director, Poddar Housing & Development.Apart from conventional systems of building with beam and slab, “there are technologies like precast, monolithic and shear wall technology by using aluminium formwork, which have become popular in India as well,” says PNVS Murthy, Vice-President (Tech), NCC.Technology-driven offsite construction company Katerra is among the participants at the Global Housing Technology Challenge, where it will showcase its expertise at delivering end-to-end building solutions. “Using the concept of ‘design for manufacturing and assembly’ (DfMA), all our building components are designed to be modular, while not compromising on design excellence,” says Nejeeb Khan, Head - Design & Business Development, Katerra. “These components are then manufactured offsite in a factory-controlled, production assembly line, using robotics and automation technology. Finished modules and components are then transported and assembled onsite. Our projects are hence completed 50 per cent faster than traditional construction and bring in quality and cost-efficiency by ensuring less material usage.” The firm has been using this technology for several housing projects it has completed in the US. In India, it is working with Infosys, Embassy, Lulu Mall, Bosch, KMCH Hospitals, GEMS Schools, etc, to deliver solutions for commercial and industrial buildings, hospitals, malls, and schools, and is also breaking ground on a new residential project with Vaishnavi Builders. Across the globe, DfMA, modular construction, offsite manufacturing, intelligent buildings and construction software are gaining prominence. “These new solutions need to be adapted to suit the Indian market and its unique needs,” adds Khan. “India’s infrastructure needs cannot be fulfilled by using traditional construction methods. We need to focus on local R&D and combine it with global technology to develop sustainable solutions. The use of such an approach is critical to delivering quality and affordable homes with speed—this is what India needs.”- SERAPHINA D’SOUZA

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..