From small-town Ulhasnagar to managing large-scale projects in New York, Kunal Chhatlani’s journey reflects the growing impact of digital transformation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. As a BIM Manager at Hirani Group, Kunal has witnessed firsthand how Building Information Modeling (BIM) is reshaping the way projects are executed. "BIM allows architects, engineers, and contractors to collaborate on a 3D digital model, spotting issues early on, reducing mistakes, and optimizing project timelines," he explains. This shift is particularly beneficial for complex, large-scale projects like airports and metro lines, where coordination across multiple disciplines is essential.

The adoption of digital tools like BIM is not just accelerating in the West but also rapidly rising in India. With infrastructure projects like the Mumbai Metro Line 3 and Navi Mumbai International Airport, BIM is playing a pivotal role in managing project complexity and ensuring efficiency. Kunal notes, "India’s construction landscape is embracing these technologies to meet the demands of urbanization, tighter budgets, and sustainability goals." Over the next decade, technologies like robotics, 3D printing, and digital twins are expected to further streamline workflows and enhance decision-making, making construction faster, more efficient, and eco-friendly.