As India steps into 2026, infrastructure development is no longer just about concrete, steel, and capacity, it’s about collaboration, intelligence, and long-term resilience. Across logistics, railways, energy, defense, and public works, government bodies are increasingly partnering with private companies, startups, and academic institutions to modernize national infrastructure at speed and scale. From AI-powered rail logistics and indigenous defense training systems to expanded EXIM gateways and tech-driven bridge monitoring, these collaborations reflect a decisive shift toward a digital-first, self-reliant infrastructure model aligned with India’s broader economic and strategic ambitions.
In January, Allcargo Terminals Limited, a subsidiary of the Allcargo Group and an operator in India’s largest Container Freight Stations (CFS) and Inland Container Depots (ICD) network, are expanding its CFS near the Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP). The facility’s handling capacity has been almost doubled from 1,90,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) to 3,60,000 TEUs annually, a move that underscores Allcargo Terminals’ growth strategy and commitment to boosting India’s Export-Import (EXIM) trade infrastructure. The JNP capacity expansion forms a key pillar of Allcargo Terminals’ strategic three-year plan focused on scale, digitization, and infrastructure enhancement across its national network.
“By enhancing our yard space and warehousing infrastructure, we are strengthening our ability to handle increased cargo flows with precision and efficiency. With a digital-first operational approach and a robust facility network, Allcargo Terminals is well-positioned to support the evolving needs of customers and contribute meaningfully to the region’s logistic ecosystem” — Capt. Sunny Williams, Regional Head – West, Allcargo Terminals Limited
Capt. Sunny Williams, Regional Head – West, Allcargo Terminals Limited, said, “JNP is one of the most critical gateways for India’s EXIM trade, and our capacity expansion here is both strategic and timely. By enhancing our yard space and warehousing infrastructure, we are strengthening our ability to handle increased cargo flows with precision and efficiency. With a digital-first operational approach and a robust facility network, Allcargo Terminals is well-positioned to support the evolving needs of customers and contribute meaningfully to the region’s logistic ecosystem”.
Last month, Concord Control Systems Limited (BSE: CNCRD), an Indian manufacturer of embedded electronic systems and critical electronic solutions company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Advanced Rail Controls Private Limited, secured an order worth INR139.32 crores from Indian Railways for a locomotive wireless control system.
The order involves the supply, installation, and commissioning of locomotive wireless control system, a critical technology for enhancing locomotive operations. Indian Railways awarded the contract to Advanced Rail Controls Private Limited, with execution expected within 18 months from the commencement date.
“This landmark order for locomotive wireless control systems marks a transformative step in modernizing Indian Railways.” — Nitin Jain, Joint Managing Director of Concord Control Systems Limited
Nitin Jain, Joint Managing Director of Concord Control Systems Limited, “This landmark order for locomotive wireless control systems marks a transformative step in modernizing Indian Railways. It reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that enhances safety, efficiency, and reliability in rail operations, aligning perfectly with the nation’s infrastructure vision. We are proud to contribute to India’s rail transformation and look forward to executing this project with excellence.”
Also last month, Hindustan Power, an Indian integrated energy company led by Ratul Puri, signed a Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) through its subsidiary, MB Power (Madhya Pradesh) Ltd., for the supply of 130 MW of power from its Annupur plant. The agreement was executed under the Design, Build, Finance, Own and Operate (DBFOO) model.
“We are glad to contribute to Assam’s power requirements and its broader development priorities.” — Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power
Ratul Puri, Chairman, Hindustan Power, said, “We value the opportunity to partner with APDCL, which reflects our continued focus on supporting state utilities with a stable and efficient power supply. We are glad to contribute to Assam’s power requirements and its broader development priorities.”
In another development, Zen Technologies, an IDDM-compliant indigenous defense technology company, was awarded a contract from the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, totaling INR120 crores to set up India’s first Combat Training Node (CTN), at the Infantry School, the alma mater of the Infantry located at Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
Ashok Atluri, Chairman and Managing Director, Zen Technologies, said, “India’s first Combat Training Node isn’t just about 60+ training simulators and solutions—it’s proof that indigenous R&D can deliver world-class capability when policy supports it. Late Manohar Parrikar got it: companies with R&D DNA and combat-proven systems are national strategic assets, not just vendors. The CTN will deliver what every defense procurement should: faster readiness, lower costs, and home-grown technology that gives India an edge. This is what Atmanirbhar Bharat looks like when you prioritize IP over just manufacturing. The CTN represents a shift in how India approaches defense training, from importing foreign systems to building battle tested indigenous capability that can be exported globally. With rapid feedback cycles, companies like Zen can iterate based on operational lessons, something foreign vendors constrained by ITAR restrictions and commercial considerations simply cannot match.”
“India’s first Combat Training Node isn’t just about 60+ training simulators and solutions—it’s proof that indigenous R&D can deliver world-class capability when policy supports it.” — Ashok Atluri, Chairman and Managing Director, Zen Technologies
In November, Indian Railways awarded a contract to ROQIT, an AION-Tech Solutions Limited Company, to design and deploy an AI-powered parcel logistics platform. AION-Tech Solutions is also pioneering sustainable multimodal transportation solutions through its subsidiary ETO Motors. The pilot phase of ROQITs solution with Indian Railways will launch with South Central Railway in early 2026, paving the way for a nationwide rollout of a fully digital, sustainable, and customer-centric lightweight to medium-weight parcel small parcel delivery ecosystem.
“Our collaboration with Indian Railways marks a transformative milestone in building India’s next-generation, end-to-end logistics ecosystem—one that combines the scale and sustainability of rail with intelligent first- and last-mile mobility solutions.” — Pavan Chavali, CEO, ROQIT
Pavan Chavali, CEO, ROQIT said, “Our collaboration with Indian Railways marks a transformative milestone in building India’s next-generation, end-to-end logistics ecosystem—one that combines the scale and sustainability of rail with intelligent first- and last-mile mobility solutions. In the pilot phase, we are leveraging ETO Motors, our electric fleet subsidiary, to power seamless parcel pick-up and delivery, ensuring a truly integrated, zero-emission movement of goods. Through ROQIT, we are bringing real-time transparency, AI-driven intelligence, and green mobility together to create a future-ready, point-to-point parcel transportation network aligned with India’s Net-Zero vision.”
Also, Bihar’s Road Construction Department has been partnering with IIT Delhi for an AI-driven bridge design and maintenance training program. The program aims to train over 100 engineers in AI/ML analysis for bridge health monitoring and resource planning. Bihar will also establish an in-house Bridge Design Cell and is discussing training proposals with the Indian Academy of Highway Engineers.
“The future of infrastructure lies in technology and self-reliance,” — Bihar Public Works Minister Nitin Nabin
“The future of infrastructure lies in technology and self-reliance,” said Bihar Public Works Minister Nitin Nabin, “This training will enable our engineers to independently manage all state bridges using cutting-edge AI tools. By 2026, our goal is to conduct 100% of routine inspections internally and design all bridges under 250 metres without external support. This is a cornerstone of our mission for self-reliant, tech-driven public infrastructure governance.”
Taken together, these initiatives signal a fundamental change in how India builds. The state is no longer just a regulator or buyer, but an active co-creator, de-risking innovation, enabling scale, and embedding technology deep into public infrastructure. As 2026 unfolds, this tight coupling between government vision and private-sector execution is set to accelerate efficiency, strengthen self-reliance, and position India’s infrastructure not just to support growth, but to actively shape it.
