India’s highway network is entering a new era of transformation, says Dheeraj Panda, Managing Director of Ammann India. According to him, roads are no longer just about moving vehicles — they are becoming part of an intelligent, connected mobility ecosystem.
Under national programs like the PM Gati Shakti Plan, infrastructure development has become faster and more coordinated. What makes this phase different, Panda explains, is the emphasis on durability, sustainability and futuristic design. “It’s important to plan for the next 20 years, not just the next five,” he adds.
The upcoming expressways will support electric, connected and even autonomous vehicles. Corridors such as the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway already include charging stations every few kilometres, laying the foundation for EV-friendly travel.
Advanced materials are also shaping the future of construction. Self-healing concrete, geopolymers and recycled asphalt are being widely adopted. Ammann India has achieved recycling rates of up to 60 percent in asphalt, cutting raw-aggregate use and enhancing sustainability.
Digital technology is transforming how roads are built. Construction sites now use sensors to monitor temperature and compaction in real time, predictive analytics to avoid delays and training programs to improve precision. Panda calls this a shift from labour-intensive to data-driven construction.
With renewable-powered equipment, AI-based monitoring and circular-materials usage, India’s expressway network is set to become smarter, greener and more efficient. “Our mission is to make India’s roads faster to build, longer lasting and cleaner,” Panda concludes.
