Innovation key to future-ready construction sector: Experts at Constro 2026

Pune, 11th January 2026: Innovation and sustainable practices are critical to securing the future of India’s construction industry, experts said during a panel discussion titled ‘The Future of Construction in India’ at the four-day 20th international exhibition Constro 2026, being held at the International Exhibition Centre, Moshi.

Addressing the session, Yusuf Inamdar, CEO of J Kumar Defence and Aerospace, highlighted the environmental challenges posed by excessive cement consumption. “If the construction industry has to remain sustainable, innovation must be embraced to address existing problems. Pune alone consumes nearly eight million tonnes of cement annually, which places enormous stress on the environment. Alternatives such as fly ash should be promoted to reduce this burden,” he said. Inamdar also emphasized the importance of using treated wastewater instead of potable water and noted that advanced technologies could help complete projects in shorter timeframes.

The exhibition is jointly organized by the Pune Construction Engineering Research Foundation (PCERF), the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Constro 2026 chairman Jaideep Raje, Shubham EPC director Archana Bader, former India Plumbing Association president Subhash Deshpande, Precast India International MD Ajit Bhate, and PCERF vice-president Jayant Inamdar were among those present.

Deshpande said stricter government regulations would make the use of treated sewage water unavoidable. “Developers are now required to submit a water balance sheet. Greater adoption of siphonic piping systems and new flow-control technologies can significantly reduce water consumption,” he said.

Tracing the industry’s evolution, Bader noted that Indian construction had moved from labour-intensive methods to automation and was now entering a real-time, technology-driven phase. “Adapting to change is essential to achieve speed, quality, and durability,” she said.

Jayant Inamdar advocated the use of structural steel, stating that it could increase carpet area by nearly 40%, save time, and allow 80–90% material reuse. Bhate emphasised that precast columns and walls help save time while ensuring consistent quality.

The session drew a large audience of young engineers, engineering students, and industry professionals. Manoj Deshmukh moderated the discussion.