A digital twin policy for India can drive a 33% increase in infrastructure investment, helping the country achieve a USD 40 trillion economy by 2047, according to a study.

If all goes well, India's Infrastructure Sector will prove to be a $40 trillion economy by 2047. As per a significant study conducted by GeoSpatial World, the top think tank in space, geospatial, and digital twin technologies, advanced technologies more so, Digital Twin Technology will, therefore, be very instrumental in managing and developing infrastructure projects.

A study undertaken by GeoSpatial World and TechKnowMics under the aegis of the Think Tank on Digital Twin Strategy for Indian Infrastructure makes an undisputed case for an urgent National Digital Twin Policy. The policy thus conceptualized shall support ongoing deep tech strategies in space, geospatial, AI, and the Deep Sea Mission while amplifying their collective impact on productivity gains and sustainable, resilient infrastructure.

Touted as a game-changer for India's infrastructure development, this policy framework in harmony with Vision 2047 will also meet current and future challenges. Digital Twin technology shall be leveraged under the policy it is a real-time digital modeling of physical assets, processes, and systems, Bringing together advanced tools such as Geographic Information Systems, Building Information Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things.

"Against the monumental backdrop of infrastructure needs, a National Digital Twin Policy is no longer a vision but an imperative requirement", said Sanjay Kumar, CEO of GeoSpatial World. "According to our research, Digital Twin can make a remarkable contribution to the planning, construction, and maintenance of any infrastructure mission and bring forward the goal of our Honorable Prime Minister's 'Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure' and propels India to the global forefront in infrastructure innovation".

According to Kamal Kishore, assistant secretary general of UN Office on Disaster Risk Reduction, resilient infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable development. He pointed out that modern and disruptive technologies such as geospatial, BIM, and Digital Twin have to be mandated for use to provide a dynamic and integrated approach to infrastructure development.

The study outlines the overwhelming benefits that would result from a National Digital Twin Policy. Accurate site surveys and detailed 3D models can be constructed at the planning and design phases using Digital Twin technologies. High-resolution data from tools such as UAV-based LIDAR and radar interferometry will better site selection and management, potentially improving energy efficiency by 30% and reducing project reworks by 20%.

During the construction phase, Digital Twin technologies increase production by 10% and reduce downtime for asset management by 30%. The cross-phase efficiencies then continue into the operation and maintenance phases through the sustained management of assets and mitigation of risk using Digital Twins enabled by contemporary web-based GIS systems and advanced sensors.

Another significant benefit of the National Digital Twin Policy relates to sustainability. Digital Twins improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and promote clean designs through the simulation of several scenarios. For instance, the models for energy utilization patterns indicate ways of cutting carbon footprint from the infrastructure projects in alignment with the vision of 2047 as it relates to the goals concerning the environment.

Another critical benefit associated with the Digital Twin Policy is economic efficiency. The technology allows for predictive analytics that detect any risk at its very early stages, optimizes resource utilization, and eliminates additional project costs. Scenario simulations and risk assessments conducted accordingly make decision-making more effective, thus smoothing project execution.

The study gives a peep into the changing role of GIS in infrastructure planning. According to the study, by 2021-25, with the pace of urban development, the geospatial market would grow manifold to Rs 3,445 crore. Advanced sensors and scanners like LiDAR and GPR have a crucial role in terrain mapping and asset management. In this regard, due to transport infrastructure, the geospatial market is going to surge ahead and reach Rs 2,470 crore by the year 2025.

Additional Secretary Amit Ghosh of the Ministry of Social Justice said that there was a need for a long-term integrated infrastructure development strategy. The stakeholders would now have to canvass for an integrated strategy, breaking away from the earlier need-based and sectoral approaches to infrastructure planning in case the multi-dimensional infrastructure vision of the country had to be managed in an effective manner.

In these regards, according to Ananya Narain, VP Consulting, the huge challenges to be faced by the policy are those of the provisional regulatory frameworks and the land acquisition aspects, challenges brought along by the integration of new technologies and making sure that they are available. "The Digital Twin Policy will provide a platform for harnessing the benefits of strategic initiatives by the Indian government in space, geospatial, AI, deep sea, and drones. The policies would generate a plethora of data through innovative sensors in near real-time, and the digital twin policy would augment its holistic use for Indian infrastructure".

A National Digital Twin Policy will be a new journey for the Infrastructure Sector in India. In embracing this, therefore, India takes global leadership in innovative, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure development. This policy does not simply attempt to fulfill future demand but establishes a new benchmark of excellence in infrastructure management.