- "I have no interest in working 90 hours a week." says Mayank Agrawal, CEO of Gallant Group of Industries.
- "Technology is key to building sustainable, resilient cities of the future." – Mayank Agrawal, CEO, Gallant Group of Industries.
Mumbai: Spotlighting the need for sustainable urbanization and development at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, Mayank Agrawal, CEO of Gallant Group of Industries, highlighted the role of technology in reshaping infrastructure, making construction more efficient, cost-effective, and future-ready. He also emphasized the importance of AI-driven solutions, long-term planning, and innovation in building smart cities that enhance convenience rather than create new challenges.
Sharing his insights in the session "Building Sustainably – Cities of the Future," Agrawal stated, “India's growing population and rising demand for housing require smarter solutions. AI is already playing a significant role in construction by predicting future equipment needs based on past data. Given that construction is labour-intensive, technology can drive cost-effectiveness and improve efficiency.”
Talking about infrastructure collapses, he stressed that technology has drastically improved construction quality. "We can now supervise projects through apps, ensuring better oversight. Technology will be crucial in building sustainable and resilient infrastructure." He also highlighted how countries like Japan have leveraged technology for efficient urban planning, citing their traffic regulation system as an example.
On the vision for Viksit Bharat, Agrawal envisioned a future with smart, sustainable infrastructure that enhances convenience rather than creating new challenges. However, he noted that India’s planning mindset remains short-term. "We don’t think beyond two years. We need long-term master planning like Chandigarh and Dubai, where development is structured and future-ready. Chandigarh was planned well, and it runs smoothly without constant revisions. We need that kind of foresight."
When asked about the recent statement by L&T’s Chairman advocating a 90-hour workweek, Agrawal dismissed the idea, saying, "I have no interest in working 90 hours a week."
Overall, he remained optimistic about India's self-reliance, stating, "India is not dependent on any other country to shape its growth story. Our future is strong, and we are progressing at a good pace."
The ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements like AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas by global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.