Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar has called for significantly accelerating the pace of construction in India to meet the demands of rapid urbanisation, while underlining the significance of quality, durability, sustainability and affordability in building infrastructure.

Addressing the inaugural session of the four-day Bharat Buildcon 2026 — held in association with NAREDCO at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi — Khattar said the event has brought together technology experts, construction professionals, policymakers, researchers and industry stakeholders from India and abroad on a common platform to deliberate on the future of the construction sector.

Welcoming participants and delegation from foreign countries, the Honourable Minister said Bharat Buildcon has emerged as a unique platform where contractors, builders, technology providers, material manufacturers, researchers and policymakers can collectively discuss future construction requirements and technological advancements.

Highlighting India’s infrastructure transformation over the past decade, he said the country has witnessed unprecedented growth in construction activity under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“India’s construction sector has reached new heights over the last 12 years. However, with urbanisation expanding rapidly, we must further increase the speed of construction to meet future demand,” he added.

The Minister noted that India’s urban population is expected to grow substantially in the coming decades, creating significant demand for housing, infrastructure and civic amenities. He stressed the need to build over one crore urban homes annually to keep pace with growing requirements.

He said buildings should be designed and constructed based on clearly defined durability standards and proposed a certification mechanism indicating the expected lifespan of every building.

According to the Minister, a durability certification system would provide confidence to consumers regarding the safety and quality of structures while encouraging higher construction standards across the industry.

He observed that while modern buildings are generally designed for 60-70 years, India should also explore technologies capable of delivering structures with significantly longer life spans wherever feasible.

At the same time, he underlined the importance of affordable housing across income categories.

The Minister said housing solutions must cater to all sections of society, including economically weaker sections, middle-income families and premium housing segments.

Calling for greater adoption of emerging construction technologies, Shri Khattar highlighted prefabricated construction systems, 3D printing, engineered bamboo and other innovative solutions capable of improving speed, quality and sustainability.

The Minister said the Government remains committed to supporting the industry in adopting advanced technologies and innovative construction practices.

Shri Khattar stressed that sustainable construction and environmental responsibility must remain central to future development.

He urged the industry to increase the use of recycled construction and demolition (C&D) waste in new projects and work towards creating zero-waste buildings.

Highlighting the Government’s infrastructure investments, Shri Khattar said infrastructure allocation has increased dramatically over the years, reflecting the Government’s commitment to nation-building.

He noted that the current fiscal year’s infrastructure budget allocation of Rs 12.2 lakh crore demonstrates the seriousness of the Government’s infrastructure agenda.

He said India today operates over 1,155 kilometres of metro rail network across 29 cities, while nearly 950 kilometres of additional metro lines are under development.

Referring to recent deliberations of the NCR Planning Board, Shri Khattar said efforts are underway to develop new urban centres and strengthen regional connectivity through roads, railways, metro systems and Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS) to reduce pressure on Delhi.

The Minister said the construction sector currently contributes around 8 percent to India’s economy and is expected to play an even larger role in the years ahead.

He noted that the sector generates significant employment and supports a vast ecosystem of MSMEs, startups, architects, engineers, designers and building material manufacturers.

Shri Khattar urged industry stakeholders to adopt responsible business practices, maintain financial discipline and focus on long-term sustainability.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, said Bharat Buildcon 2026 reflects the transformation of India into a globally respected economic and manufacturing power.

He said that over the last decade, India has emerged as a “New India” that is increasingly attracting global partnerships and investments.

According to Prasada, countries that once overlooked India are now eager to engage and collaborate because of India’s growing strengths in talent, manufacturing and innovation.

Emphasising the importance of quality, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision has made quality the defining characteristic of Indian manufacturing and products.

He noted that India today produces world-class products not only for domestic consumption but also for global markets.

He encouraged international participants to explore opportunities for long-term partnerships rather than viewing India solely as a market.

Shri Prasada stated that India’s expanding network of free trade agreements is opening global markets for Indian businesses, particularly MSMEs.

He added that with market access expanding across developed economies, Indian enterprises now have unprecedented opportunities to scale internationally.

The Minister also pointed our India’s growing capabilities in artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, design and packaging, stating that the country is building a self-reliant technology ecosystem aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Commending the technology solutions showcased at Bharat Buildcon, he noted that digital platforms are transforming the construction sector by simplifying processes and improving efficiency.

Assuring full support from the Government of India, Shri Prasada said India remains committed to enhancing ease of doing business and creating a seamless environment for global and domestic investors alike.

He expressed confidence that Bharat Buildcon 2026 would strengthen collaborations, accelerate innovation and contribute meaningfully to India’s infrastructure and economic growth journey.

Parveen Jain, President, NAREDCO, “NAREDCO welcomes the vision articulated by Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar ji. The focus on accelerating construction to meet the demands of rapid urbanisation, while ensuring quality, durability, sustainability and affordability, is both timely and essential for India’s growth trajectory.

As the apex body representing the real estate sector, NAREDCO believes that the adoption of advanced construction technologies, innovative building materials and sustainable practices will be critical to delivering the scale of housing and infrastructure required for a rapidly urbanising nation. The proposal for a durability certification framework for buildings is a progressive initiative that can strengthen consumer confidence, improve accountability and elevate construction standards across the industry.”