Hyderabad, December 5, 2024 — The AEC Forum 2024commenced today in Hyderabad with a resounding call to action under the theme, ‘Advancing Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure’. The event brings together global thought leaders, industry pioneers, and policymakers to address India’s critical infrastructure challenges, with a focus on sustainability, technological innovation, and resilience.

In his opening remarks, Sanjay Kumar, CEO of Geospatial World, underscored the urgent need for resilient infrastructure to combat the increasing frequency and severity of climate-induced disasters. Highlighting the impacts of cyclones and unprecedented floods, Kumar emphasized the importance of integrating advanced technologies such as Geospatial, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Digital Twin to revolutionize infrastructure planning and development.

“Resilience is not just an option but a necessity,” Kumar stated. He stressed that leveraging cutting-edge technologies throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure projects is key to mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring sustainable growth.

Nirmala Jagga Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation, highlighted state-led initiatives under the leadership of Honorable Chief Minister Mr. Revanth Reddy Garu. She discussed the establishment of a sub-committee aimed at driving unprecedented industrial growth in Telangana, enhancing economic progress and employment opportunities.

Reddy also emphasized the significance of environmental sustainability, urging industries to proactively protect natural resources and secure a livable planet for future generations.

The opening plenary also featured a keynote address by David Tan, Assistant CEO of JTC Corporation, Singapore. He shared practical insights on harnessing technology for sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including:

• LiDAR platforms for construction monitoring and comparison.
• Open Digital Platforms (ODP) for seamless integration and management of construction tools.
• Robotics and real-time data, transforming efficiency and outcomes in construction.
• AI and machine learning, which are enhancing decision-making processes for smarter infrastructure.

 Eric DesRoche, Director of Infrastructure Business Strategy at AEC Design, Autodesk, echoed the call to embrace digital transformation. He highlighted the unprecedented global demand for construction, with 2.6 trillion square feet of new buildings required every month for the next 40 years, and $1.2 trillion allocated for transportation infrastructure in post-COVID recovery efforts.

However, he noted challenges such as workforce shortages, with 80% of firms reporting staffing gaps and over half declining projects due to limited resources.

DesRoche outlined the future of BIM as Outcome-Based BIM, driven by AI tools that enhance design processes by incorporating environmental factors like heat, wind, and cold. While optimistic about AI’s potential, he cautioned against over-reliance, emphasizing the need for accuracy to avoid costly errors.

The plenary set the tone for AEC Forum 2024, establishing a clear vision of leveraging collaboration, innovation, and sustainability to transform India’s infrastructure landscape.

Saurabh Rai – CEO Arahas Technologies said, “Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries hold the blueprint for India’s sustainable future. Climate change is not just a crisis; it’s a call for innovation. Urban heat islands, carbon-intensive construction, and inefficient energy use are challenges that demand bold, immediate action. By embracing renewable energy, sustainable building materials, and green urban planning, the AEC sector can turn India’s cities into beacons of resilience. India is the birthplace of zero—let it also be the birthplace of net-zero. The cost of inaction could displace millions and burden the economy by ₹85 trillion by 2050. This is the time for the AEC industry to lead the charge, rewrite the rules, and build not just structures, but hope for generations to come. The future is ours to design—sustainably”.