AI technologies are transforming construction sites in India for better efficiency and safety.
The construction and data centre industries in India are experiencing a significant transformation thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). AI-driven solutions enhance project management, improve quality assurance, and streamline operations in construction, while also supporting the rapid expansion of data centre facilities. With escalating demand for AI infrastructure, these sectors are likely to evolve further, establishing India as a key player in global AI and data centre services.
The construction and data centre sectors in India are undergoing a significant transformation propelled by artificial intelligence (AI). As the demand for precision, timely delivery, and adherence to constantly changing regulations increases, clients are now expecting flawless execution and zero-defect handovers in their construction projects.
AI is emerging as a foundational technology for enhancing project management systems within the construction industry. By deploying AI-enabled systems, companies can gain real-time insights that aid in precise planning, effective progress tracking, and seamless communication among all stakeholders. The implementation of AI spans the entire construction process, from pre-construction surveys through to post-completion reviews.
One of the key advantages of AI in the construction sector is its capability to monitor activities on-site. By flagging issues early, AI systems can help address potential snags, delays, or deviations promptly. These early interventions lead to a smoother construction process by helping project leaders maintain a clear view of on-site realities, thereby bridging the gap between field teams and management.
AI’s analytical capabilities extend to detecting micro-cracks and other hidden structural flaws that might escape manual inspections. As a result, issues can be identified and repaired in a timely manner, minimizing long-term damage costs and enhancing the overall quality of construction projects. This superior defect detection capability contributes significantly to quality assurance and reduces post-handover complaints, fostering greater client trust.
Furthermore, AI systems are designed to compare real-time progress with planned schedules. This feature keeps all involved parties aligned, ensuring swift actions in the event of any deviations. Moreover, AI can accurately quantify completed work to ensure that as-built conditions match the Good for Construction (GFC) drawings. In essence, the integration of AI into construction leads to a smoother, more transparent process that saves time, cuts costs, and enhances project quality.
Beyond mere advancements, AI represents a necessary evolution in construction practices, leading the industry toward smarter and safer methodologies. In the data centre sector, notable developments support this trend. For instance, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) recently launched a new data centre campus in Kolkata, designed to optimize and support AI innovations.
Spanning 5.59 acres, the Kolkata data centre campus is equipped to handle up to 25MW of power, with structures designed for high-density rack configurations and advanced cooling systems. This modular design allows for scalability, which is essential for accommodating evolving technological needs. The facility is viewed as a crucial gateway for accelerating AI innovation throughout Eastern India, supporting both startups and established enterprises that are implementing advanced AI solutions.
Sustainability is also a priority for this new facility, incorporating practices such as closed-loop cooling, rainwater harvesting, and greywater reuse. These methods align with the broader industry trend towards environmentally friendly operations. As the data centre industry in India looks to the future, a significant growth surge is forecasted between 2024 and 2026, with a projected requirement for 10 million square feet of data centre space by 2026, demanding an estimated investment of USD 5.7 billion.
The demand for AI-related infrastructure during this period is forecasted to reach between 650-800 MW, which will stimulate new investments and development projects. Major cities like Mumbai and Chennai are anticipated to see substantial real estate requirements to cater to this demand, with projections of 4.41 million square feet in Mumbai and 2.89 million square feet in Chennai.
From 2019 to 2023, India’s data centre capacity expanded significantly from 350 MW to 854 MW, thanks largely to increasing digital usage. As the capabilities of AI require more advanced computing and data management solutions, the demand for data centre services is poised to rise further. India’s current trajectory suggests it is becoming a global hub for data, further supported by government incentives and a skilled workforce.
Long-term investments from hyperscale companies highlight India’s potential leadership in the global data centre market. However, challenges remain, as demonstrated by a small fire at a government data centre in Kolkata during recent election counting, which resulted in no injuries and swift resumption of operations. Nevertheless, the outlook remains bright as innovations and investments continue to transform the landscape of construction and data centre industries in India.
News Summary The U.S. labor market shows resilience despite a slight increase in jobless claims,…
News Summary The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board is investing C$225 million into a significant…
News Summary Asheville is addressing its rental crisis with new affordable housing projects, including Starpoint,…
News Summary The Federal Reserve's choice to maintain interest rates has lowered hopes for a…
News Summary Procore Technologies has reported a significant revenue increase in its Q2 earnings, achieving…
News Summary The construction industry is undergoing a transformative shift as cloud technology plays an…