Civil Engineering in India by 2023

‘Scientists investigate that which already is; engineers create which has never been’ – Albert Einstein.

Civil Engineering is that branch of engineering – which strives for excellence in everything it engenders. In the process of developing buildings and infrastructure, civil engineering shapes a beautiful nation. In the words of Thomas Tredgold, ‘Civil Engineering is the art of directing the great sources of power in nature for the use and convenience of man’.

For a country like India, its rich infrastructural heritage is a matter of pride. From roadways, airports, water ways, dams, skyscrapers, metro, high speed rails and world class monuments, India has witnessed a phenomenal progress across various parts of the country in recent decades.

In addition to providing the required amenities to the society, civil engineering also enhances the beauty of a country. At the same time, civil engineers deal with people at multi-hierarchies across industry verticals, presenting their capabilities and learning key managerial skills. As Jones rightly states that, ‘managing people is a skill which is very, very useful and applies almost regardless of what you do’.

Civil engineering deals with the planning, analysis, design, construction, and maintenance of the roads, dams, bridges, tall buildings and all other manually or naturally built environments. Because of impactful civil engineering, and the art that engineers possess of combining Mathematics and Science with Aesthetics and Design thinking, India has come a long way.

Achievements:

India, on the grounds of infrastructural achievements, has reached great lengths. In the past four years, the total national highways length increased to 122434 km in FY18 to 92851 km in FY14. Number of airports increased to 102 in 2018, and India jumped from rank 137 in 2014 to rank 24 in 2018 on the world bank’s ease of doing business- ‘getting electricity’ ranking.

As a country, we are developing faster, especially when it comes to infrastructure. 40-50 years ago who would have thought that our civil engineers would come up with various innovative ideas to meet the modernized requirements, either it be metro rail or sea links.

Outreach:

Talking about the geographical boundaries, civil engineering is not just limited to India. As per an anonymous international report, it is expected to reach great heights globally as well. Civil engineering in India by 2023 is projected to reach the size of billions and trillions in all probability.

The main reason for this would be increase in population and urbanization. Working on sustainable infrastructure solutions, modernized requirements, urban planning, smart cities and green buildings would help civil engineering to reach its peak by 2023 in India. And with advancements of technology, interdisciplinary civil engineering is geared up towards making all the structures smarter; structures that, can sense the environment and adapt without undergoing much weathering. Latest green solutions are making use of waste materials and plastic to construct urban roads and footpath tiles.

Vision:

As per the announcements made in the Union Budget (2019-2020), India plans to spend US $ 1.4 trillion in the next five years on infrastructure. NHAI plans to generate revenue of INR 1 lakh crores, over the next five years, from tolls and wayside amenities. The Government of India has allocated INR 4.56 lakh only for the infrastructure sector, INR 8350 crores for telecom infrastructure, INR 83015.97 crores for road transport and highway, and INR 66.77 billion for Indian railways.

By 2023, the government of India is expected to invest highly in the infrastructure sector. The government is taking every possible action to boost investment in highways, urban transport, and renewable energy. Also, the government has suggested investment of INR 5,000,000 crores for railways infrastructure between 2018 and 2030. India is also planning to join hands with Japan and set up an India-Japan Coordination Forum for development of infrastructure in the North Eastern parts of India.

Favorable valuations, attractive opportunities, and increasing motivation to develop infrastructure of the country, is attracting major global players in the field of civil engineering. Now is the time to embrace our passion to be a civil engineer and shape that into a reality. Build your own magnificent future!