Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Deloitte Says India Must Make Infrastructure Projects Investable
Deloitte surveyed people in India about building infrastructure.
They said the challenge is not just finding money.
Projects also need clear rules, good preparation, and plans that investors can understand.
Many respondents expect more funding from suppliers, development banks, and long-term investors.
They also pointed to roads, rail, clean energy, water, and digital networks as important areas.
The survey says a government-backed model has helped share construction costs and risks with private companies.
Many respondents expect technology such as AI and digital twins to change how infrastructure is planned and run.
They also said infrastructure needs stronger protection from cyberattacks.
Deloitte says India will need ready-to-invest projects, suitable financing, and technology to keep investment moving.
Deloitte’s 2026 survey says India’s infrastructure challenge increasingly involves making projects investable and ready to execute, not only raising capital.
Among Indian respondents, 42% cited complex policies and permissions as a barrier; 38% each cited limited private participation and budget constraints.
Respondents expect more vendor financing (71%), multilateral and development-bank funding (62%), and sovereign wealth and pension-fund participation (58%).
India respondents highlighted investment priorities including cybersecurity (93%), freight rail and mass transit (82%), public Wi-Fi (80%), and alternative energy (77%).
The survey found strong expectations for digital infrastructure: 91% said advanced technologies could significantly affect infrastructure and transportation operations.
- Who
- Deloitte and respondents to its Future of Infrastructure Survey 2026, including Indian respondents.
- What
- The survey says India must improve project preparation, financing structures, and execution readiness to attract infrastructure investment.
- When
- The findings are from Deloitte’s 2026 survey.
- Where
- India, with some comparisons to the Asia-Pacific region.
- Why
- Complex policies, limited private-sector participation, and budget constraints are barriers to infrastructure delivery.
- Policy and permissions barrier
- 42% of Indian respondents cited complex policies, regulations, and permissions.
- Other reported barriers
- 38% cited a lack of private-sector participation and 38% cited budgetary constraints.
- Expected funding sources
- 71% expect greater vendor and supplier financing; 62% expect more multilateral and development-bank funding; 58% expect greater sovereign wealth and pension-fund participation.
- Hybrid Annuity Model
- The survey says the model funds 40% of construction costs and balances public- and private-sector risks.
- Cybersecurity investment
- 93% of Indian respondents expect increased investment in cybersecurity.
- Digital technology outlook
- 91% expect advanced technologies including GenAI, digital twins, and predictive analytics to significantly affect infrastructure and transportation operations.
- AI preparation
- 79% of organizations are developing AI training programmes, 62% are building AI roadmaps, and 54% are improving data quality for AI adoption.