Decarbonisation initiative in Highway construction- Need of the times
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JAGDISH KADAM,
CMD Rajpath Infracon Pvt. Ltd. & Vice-Chair of CII National Committee – Road & Highways
Decarbonisation in the Indian road construction sector has become a priority with our government, industries, and communities working with a holistic approach toward reducing the environmental impact of infrastructure development. The sector, traditionally associated with high energy consumption and carbon emissions, is now adopting innovative strategies to transition toward low-carbon and sustainable practices.
Energy efficiency is a key focus at Rajpath Infracon. Opting for newer and modern construction equipment with improved fuel efficiency, hybrid or electric machinery is under consideration, and optimized fleet management systems help lower emissions at project sites. Moreover, the integration of renewable energy—such as solar-powered lighting, site offices, supports our shift toward greener operations.
Sustainability-driven practices also emphasize resource conservation and circularity. Material reuse, waste minimization, and water and food recycling systems ensure that environmental impact is minimized throughout the project lifecycle. Our green procurement policies encourage the selection of vendors who adhere to sustainability benchmarks. Environmental stewardship is further supported by practices such as mandatory roadside plantations, biodiversity protection, and soil erosion control.
Stepping up with digital technologies include learning to apply Building Information Modelling (BIM) effectively. We are effective with drones, and IoT-based monitoring systems with AI applications to help improve design accuracy, reduce material wastage, and enhance overall project efficiency. Such tools are enabling our effective planning and decision-making, translating into lower emissions and reduced ecological footprints.
Having implemented the above, we are voluntarily taking up the initiative to construct a structured, regulatory environment, setting the foundation for ESG adoption.