India, home to the world’s second-largest road network, is a hub of top-notch road construction companies. These companies play an instrumental role in shaping the country’s infrastructure and boosting its economy. But with so many players in the field, it can be hard to identify who stands out from the crowd.
Let’s delve into the world of road construction and explore some of India’s leading firms. From enhancing connectivity between cities to ensuring smoother commutes for millions of Indians, these ten companies are making significant contributions towards progress and development.
Whether you’re interested in understanding more about this industry or seeking potential business partnerships, having insights about these key players will prove invaluable. So buckle up as we take you on a journey through India’s top 10 road construction companies that are truly paving the way forward.
Road Construction Industry in India
Apart from road construction, other industries like shipping, paper manufacturing, and water treatment also contribute significantly to India’s infrastructure.
- India has a vast road network of about 63.73 lakh km, with the pace of National Highways (NH) construction increasing consistently between 2014-15 and 2021-22.
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has an ambitious highway development program called Bharatmala Pariyojana, which includes the development of about 65,000 km of national highways.
- The India construction market size was valued at $701.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to achieve an AAGR of more than 6% during the period 2024 to 2027.
- The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) accomplished the construction of 3,979 km of national highways in the financial year 2019-20, which is the highest-ever highway construction achieved in a financial year by MoRTH.
- In 2014-15, the pace of NH construction was about 12 km/day, which increased to about 29 km/day in 2021-22.
Road Construction Companies in India
Here are the top 10 road construction companies in India:
- Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
- Dilip Buildcon
- Afcons Infrastructure
- IRB Infrastructure Developers
- HG Infra Engineering Limited (HGIEL)
- Hindustan Construction Company (HCC)
- Tata Projects
- Lanco Infratech Limited
- Centrodorstroy (India) Pvt. Ltd.
- Uchit Expressways Private Limited
These companies have been recognized for their exceptional quality, efficiency, innovation, and volume of construction in the road and highway sectors. They have been involved in major projects such as the Golden Quadrilateral, National Highways, and various BOT (Build, Operate, Transfer) projects
1. Larsen and Toubro (L and T)
Setting the bar high in India’s road construction industry is Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a powerhouse of engineering, construction, manufacturing and technology solutions. This multinational conglomerate, headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, has its fingers firmly on the pulse of global infrastructure development.
With a staggering revenue (TTM) of $22.50 billion as of 2023 and a year-over-year growth rate of 17%, it’s clear that L&T is not just surviving but thriving in the competitive marketplace.
The company’s diverse portfolio includes key clients like Western Railway, Bombay Municipal Corporation and ACC. Their services have consistently been sought after for notable projects such as Mumbai International Airport and The Baha’i Temple to name but a few.
For insights into other industries such as aquaculture and consumer durables, similar to the versatility of L&T, click here.
| Revenue | Year-Over-Year Growth |
|---|---|
| $22.50 billion | 17% |
Born out of the entrepreneurial spirit of two Danish engineers back in 1938, L&T continues to uphold its founders’ commitment to quality and innovation. The company constantly strives to enhance its products and services through dedicated innovation centres.
They’ve been ranked No.1 in the Capital Goods Sector by Businessworld magazine, amongst many other accolades including the ‘Best Capital Projects & Infrastructure Risk Management Award’ at CNBC TV18’s India Risk Management Awards event.
FICCI Quality Systems Excellence Awards for Industry also recognises them for their relentless pursuit towards excellence:
- No.1 ranking in the Capital Goods Sector
- Ranked No.17 among Top 50 Most Sustainable Companies in India
Underpinning these achievements is a network of subsidiaries that include L&T Infrastructure – extending their reach across various sectors and ensuring they stay ahead in this fast-paced industry.
2. Dilip Buildcon
Let’s talk about Dilip Buildcon Limited (DBL), a significant player in the construction and infrastructure development sector in India. Hailing from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, this company was established by Mr. Dilip Suryavanshi way back in 1987. DBL carries out projects on an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) basis that often involve special bridges and tunnels.
When it comes to financials, DBL’s performance is commendable. The firm posted revenues of ₹2,921.00 crores as of Q1FY24 — a growth of 1.28% from ₹2,884.00 crores year on year. Their consolidated net profit during the same period is a solid ₹12.00 crores.
With a workforce numbering up to 34,262 employees as of March 2021, you can tell they’re serious about their business.
DBL’s portfolio is diverse — spanning roads and bridges to transport corridors; from subways and water sanitation systems to irrigation facilities; not forgetting their undertakings in industrial, commercial and residential buildings.
Their client base predominantly consists of government entities along with special purpose vehicles promoted by the company itself. Explore the scope of road transport and jewellery sectors, akin to the diversity in DBL’s projects.
You’ll find DBL’s headquarters at Plot No. 5 Inside Govind Narayan Singh Gate Chuna Bhatti Kolar Road Bhopal Madhya Pradesh 462016 India.
Now let’s delve into something interesting- Dilip Buildcon holds the title for being both the largest and fastest-growing road company in India, boasting a revenue growth CAGR of 17.80% over ten years. They’ve managed to execute approximately 90% of their projects before time earning them an early completion bonus totalling ₹5,717 million between 2012 – 2023.
Some noteworthy projects under their belt include the Bhopal Metro Rail Project Zuari Bridge Churhat Bypass Tunnel-Rewa-Sindhi Indore Metro Rail Project Overburden Khairagura OCP among others.
To top it all off DBL’s been recognised for its outstanding performance snagging awards like “Best Performance Award” from Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation’s Bhopal Sub Regional Office for compliance under EPF & Miscellaneous Provisions Act ’52 Additionally they’ve also been certified by Wirtgen Group as being Vogele Pavers’ biggest fleet owner in India.
3. Afcons Infrastructure
Let’s delve into the world of Afcons Infrastructure Limited, one of India’s leading construction companies. This company has carved a niche for itself in the competitive infrastructure sector, with impressive figures and milestones that set it apart.
In terms of financial performance, the company reported a total income of INR 9,153.82 crores for the financial year 2020-2021. Despite seeing a slight decline of 3.7% compared to its previous revenue in fiscal year 2021 at INR 10,130.69 crores, Afcons remains a formidable player in the industry.
The workforce behind this success is relatively compact yet powerful; around 61 employees keep this giant running smoothly.
Their primary focus is on constructing vital infrastructure projects such as viaducts, flyovers, metros, bridges and roads. They’re also involved in port development and oil & gas projects.
Their clientele list boasts big names like The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals and Jawaharlal Nehru Port which speaks volumes about their reputation within the industry.
Based out of bustling Mumbai in Maharashtra state, Afcons has built an impressive portfolio over time. Their achievements include constructing the world’s longest highway tunnel above an altitude of 10,000ft located in Rohtang (Himachal Pradesh) and completing India’s first underwater Metro tunnels for the East-West Metro project in Kolkata within just 67 days.
With notable projects under its belt such as Atal Tunnel and Chenab Railway Bridge amongst others; it’s clear that Afcons means serious business when it comes to infrastructure development. The construction of roads and highways involves various materials and equipment, including tyres and jute, which are critical for such large-scale projects.
A peek into their past reveals that they were born way back in 1959 as a civil construction firm initially partnering between Rodeo Foundation Engineering Limited (Switzerland) and Hazarat & Company (India). Later on they transitioned to Afcons Infrastructure Ltd with Shapoorji Pallonji & Company Pvt Ltd acquiring majority stakes.
On top off all these accomplishments, they’ve been lauded for their innovative approach towards knowledge management by bagging prestigious awards like the Most Innovative Knowledge Enterprise (MIKE) award not once but several times at the Global level including Asia & India from years 2018 through till date.
4. IRB Infrastructure Developers
Let’s dive into the world of IRB Infrastructure Developers, one of India’s top road construction companies. Operating out of Mumbai, Maharashtra, they’ve become a major player in the Indian infrastructure sector since their inception in 1998.
A glance at their financials reveals some interesting figures. In Q1 of fiscal 2024, they reported a net profit of ₹134 crore – although this was a decline by 63% compared to the same quarter last year. Their revenue also saw a dip by around 15%, falling to ₹1,634 crore.
| Fiscal Quarter | Net Profit | Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2024 | ₹134 crore (-63%) | ₹1,634 crore (-15%) |
Under the leadership of key personnel such as CEO Ajay P. Deshmukh and Founder Virendra Mhaiskar, IRB Infrastructure has grown to be an influential entity in the industry. The company is primarily known for its roadways and highways construction projects including BOT (build, operate and transfer) ventures.
Their main client is none other than the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) which speaks volumes about their credibility and scale of operations. They’ve even signed a whopping ₹2,100 crore contract with NHAI for a six-lane project spanning Rajasthan and Gujarat.
They’re innovators who executed India’s first ever BOT road project and are now among the largest operators within that space.
Amongst their numerous accolades are Maharashtra’s Best Employer Brand in the Infrastructure sector for 2022 from the World HRD Congress and Young Turk of the Year award bagged by Virendra D. Mhaiskar at CNBC TV 18 India Business Leader Awards back in 2010.
Despite being ranked as low as #200 on Fortune India’s list back in 2020, don’t let it fool you about their capabilities! From setting industry benchmarks to pioneering new standards for quality & efficiency – IRB Infrastructure has done it all.
5. HG Infra Engineering Limited (HGIEL)
Let’s delve into the details about HG Infra Engineering Limited, one of India’s top road construction companies. HGIEL, founded in 2003 by Shri Hodal Singh, has swiftly grown into a leading provider of infrastructure construction services.
Starting off with a focus on highways, roads, and bridges, they’ve since expanded their scope to include civil construction projects and water pipeline projects. Their expertise doesn’t stop there; they’re also involved in land development, rehabilitation and upgradation services.
It won’t come as a surprise that such an expansive portfolio attracts high-profile clientele. A mix of government bodies and private sector giants like NHAI, MoRTH, Tata Projects, IRB and Adani Group are some notable clients served by HGIEL.
Based out of India itself, HGIEL has seen impressive growth figures in recent years. Q1FY24 saw them reporting revenues of ₹13,512 crore – a sizeable 22.2% increase from the same period in the previous year! Not only that but their net profit grew by an outstanding 37% YoY to ₹1,504 crore in the same quarter.
| Quarter | Revenue (₹ Crore) | Net Profit (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|
| Q1FY24 | 13,512 | 1,504 |
The company didn’t rest on its laurels after these achievements; instead it continued its upward trajectory with a robust 44% YoY increase in consolidated revenue from operations in Q4FY23. Their EBITDA margin improved by a solid 120 basis points to reach 19.3% during this timeframe.
With all these facts at hand you can see why HGIEL stands tall among India’s leading road construction companies
6. Hindustan Construction Company (HCC)
Let’s turn our attention to the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), one of India’s leading engineering and construction firms. Based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, HCC has been a pivotal player in India’s infrastructure development since its inception by industrialist Seth Walchand Hirachand back in 1926.
In terms of financial performance, HCC reported an impressive revenue of ₹11,152 crore (US$1.4 billion) and a profit of ₹399.56 crore (US$50 million) in 2022. The company is backed by a dedicated workforce that comprised 1,105 employees as of last year.
You’ll find HCC actively executing infrastructure projects across various sectors including transportation, hydropower and nuclear power generation. They’re also involved with water supply management, marine structures, buildings as well as integrated townships and environment sectors.
Here’s a snapshot of their key clients:
- Public sector
- Private sector
- Government departments
Beyond this broad client base lies some truly noteworthy achievements for HCC. In fact:
- They’ve executed nearly 29% of India’s total hydropower capacity.
- Over 65% of India’s nuclear power generation capacity was developed by them.
- Their handwork can be seen on 3,800 km worth of roads and expressways along with 375 bridges across the country.
- Complex tunneling, they’ve dug through over 337 km worth!
Among their subsidiaries are HCC Infrastructure Co. Ltd and Steiner AG, further extending their reach within the industry.
7. Tata Projects
Looking for a company that’s proven its excellence in the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) space then Tata Projects is one you should definitely have on your radar. Known for providing sustainable solutions, this company has made its mark in executing complex urban and industrial infrastructure projects.
With an annual operating revenue exceeding INR 500 crore, it’s clear that they’re no small player in the industry. However, it’s important to note that they reported a net loss of INR 619.93 crore in the year ending March 2022. We’ll dive deeper into their financials:
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Net Loss | INR 619 Crore |
| Operating Revenue | Over INR 500 Crore |
Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Tata Projects employs around 5,300 employees who work tirelessly across various sectors such as power generation and distribution; railways; water and wastewater management; metals and minerals; quality services; oil, gas and hydrocarbons.
Their key clients hail from diverse fields like power, water, and mineral processing industries – demonstrating their versatility as an EPC provider. It’s also worth mentioning that they’ve executed projects spanning over 110 countries globally – testimony to their international reputation.
Now let’s touch on some of their major achievements:
- They’ve established a strong presence, particularly in refineries and petrochemical plants.
- Their portfolio boasts an array of completed projects ranging from power plants to commercial buildings.
- They’re recognised for delivering innovative solutions by leveraging cutting-edge technologies.
Tata Projects was founded back in 1979, making them one of India’s largest EPC service providers with more than four decades under their belt.
Their commitment to safety and quality has been acknowledged with numerous awards. This dedication is led by key executives: Vinayak Pai (Managing Director), Ganesh Chandan (Chief Human Resource Officer), and Himanshu Chaturvedi (Chief Strategy & Growth Officer).
8. Lanco Infratech Limited
When you dive into the world of Indian road construction, it’s hard to ignore Lanco Infratech Limited. This was a substantial Indian conglomerate that made its mark in sectors such as construction, power, real estate and more. Unfortunately, this once mighty entity became insolvent in 2017.
Let’s take a closer look at some key aspects:
- Revenue and Profit: The financial year 2016-17 saw Lanco Infratech reporting gross sales of ₹1,634.90 crores. However, this represented a significant drop – specifically, a 38.8% decrease compared to the previous year.
- Number of Employees: At its peak, over 3,734 individuals were proud to call themselves part of the Lanco team.
- Main Products or Services: The company’s portfolio was quite diverse – Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), Power, Solar Energy solutions Natural Resources Management and Infrastructure development.
The company had its headquarters nestled in Gurgaon; just a stone’s throw away from New Delhi in India. Here they orchestrated their operations on both local and national levels.
In terms of major achievements for Lanco Infratech, well there are many but one worth highlighting is when it earned the title as ‘largest private power provider’ within India during 2011.
It also spearheaded numerous notable projects including constructing power plants and highways which reflects their expertise in infrastructure development.
Founded by Lagadapati Amarappa Naidu along with his nephew Lagadapati Rajagopal back in 2006 – the company aimed to unify Lanco Group’s various ventures under one brand name.
A nod must be given for recognition too; being acknowledged as an elite member among top “200 Global Growth Companies” by the World Economic Forum speaks volumes about their contribution to the global economy.
9. Centrodorstroy (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Diving into India’s top road construction companies, you’d find it hard to overlook Centrodorstroy (India) Pvt. Ltd., also widely recognised as CDS Infra Projects Limited. Incorporated in 2004, this leading construction firm is a specialist when it comes to constructing rigid and flexible pavements for roads, highways, and airfields. Their expertise doesn’t stop there; they’re also adept at building bridges, flyovers and embankments with reinforced earth.
When looking closely at their financials, it’s evident that Centrodorstroy has been on an impressive growth trajectory over recent years. The company’s operating income escalated from INR 333.66 crores in FY16 to a whopping INR 800.52 crores in FY19 – that’s a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 34%.
Let’s delve a bit more into the company specifics:
- Employees: They have between 501 and 1000 employees working diligently across India.
- Services: Not just limited to road construction, they offer comprehensive infrastructure construction services which include general contracting for constructing bridges, tunnels and other related projects.
- Headquarters: You’ll find their headquarters nestled in New Delhi, the heart of India.
A bit of history about Centrodorstroy: It started its journey as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centrodorstroy Russia back in 2004 – one of Russia’s leading contractors in the field of road and airfield construction. However, by 2013 Centrodorstroy Russia exited the company.
With such robust growth figures and diverse offerings under their belt, it’s clear why Centrodorstroy holds its place among the top road construction companies within India.
10. Uchit Expressways Private Limited
Based in the bustling city of Mumbai, Uchit Expressways Private Limited is a name synonymous with quality road construction in India. Incorporated on October 10, 2016, this private company has carved its niche in the infrastructure sector, with a strong focus on roads and highway projects.
It’s noteworthy that Uchit Expressways reported an income of INR 151 crore during the financial year of 2022. However, it also faced some financial challenges as evidenced by a net loss of INR 63 crore for the same period.
Here are several key facts about Uchit Expressways:
- Main Services: The company primarily deals with the construction of roads and highways.
- Location: You’ll find their registered office located at Elphinstone Building, on the second floor at Veer Nariman Road in Mumbai.
- Notable Partnerships: An interesting fact about Uchit is that it serves as a special-purpose vehicle for TRIL Roads Pvt Ltd. This is significant because TRIL happens to be the holding entity for all road project portfolios under Tata Realty and Infrastructure Ltd (TRIL), which itself is owned entirely by Tata Sons Ltd.
- Company History: Since its incorporation back in October 2016, Uchit has been making strides towards establishing itself as a reliable name within India’s infrastructure sector.
The journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Uchit Expressways. Despite being backed by robust entities such as TRIL Roads Pvt Ltd and Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd (TRIL), they’ve had to weather financial hurdles along the way.
Despite these challenges though, there’s no denying their commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions across India. It’s this dedication that continues to position them among top players within India’s road construction landscape.
Conclusion
Having delved deep into the world of road construction, it’s clear that India is home to an array of impressive companies. These organisations are not only pillars of their industry domestically but also command a significant presence on the international stage.
The top 10 road construction companies discussed throughout this article have demonstrated remarkable resilience and ingenuity. They’ve weathered economic storms, embraced innovative technologies, and consistently delivered high-quality projects.
You now have an overview of India’s elite when it comes to road construction companies – here’s hoping this information serves as a useful guide on your journey!
In addition to road construction, other sectors like electric vehicle manufacturing and transportation are also shaping India’s infrastructure landscape.
FAQs
What are the top 10 road construction companies in India?
The Top 10 Road Construction Companies In India Are Larsen & Toubro, Dilip Buildcon Limited, Afcons Infrastructure, IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd, H.G., Afcons Infrastructure, NCC Infra, And The Hindustan Construction Company.
Which Is The No 1 Road Construction Company In India?
Larsen & Toubro Frequently Ranks As The No 1 Road Construction Company In India Due To Its Vast Portfolio Of Roads, Elevated Corridors, And Runways Projects.
What Types Of Projects Do These Road Construction Companies Undertake?
These Companies Undertake A Wide Variety Of Projects Including Roads, Highways, Elevated Corridors, Runways, And Other Infrastructure Projects.
Are These Road Construction Companies Operational Throughout India?
Yes, These Companies Operate Throughout India, Constructing Roads And Other Infrastructure Projects Across The Country.
Apart From Construction, Are These Companies Also Involved In The Development Of Infrastructure Projects?
Yes, Companies Like IRB Infrastructure Developers And NCC Infra Are Widely Known For Their Roles Both In The Construction And Development Of Infrastructure Projects.
