Afcons Infrastructure
Afcons Infrastructure Limited is an Indian multinational engineering, procurement, and construction company headquartered in Mumbai, founded in 1959 as a civil construction firm and now specializing in complex infrastructure projects across sectors including marine works, highways, bridges, tunnels, railways, metro systems, and oil and gas facilities.[1][2][3] As the flagship infrastructure arm of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, it has executed over 350 projects in more than 25 countries with a focus on on-time delivery of technically demanding assignments, maintaining an order book exceeding ₹31,000 crore as of mid-2024.[4][5] The company holds prominent global rankings, including 7th in marine and port facilities and 16th in bridges per the Engineering News-Record survey, and has been recognized for engineering feats such as the Chenab Rail Bridge—the world's highest railway arch bridge—and the Atal Tunnel, India's longest high-altitude road tunnel, which have enhanced connectivity in challenging terrains like the Himalayas.[6][7][8] Recent accolades include the Global Most Innovative Knowledge Enterprise Award in 2024 and Fastest Growing Construction Company in the ultra-large category for 2025, underscoring its emphasis on precision execution amid India's infrastructure expansion.[9][10] While involved in occasional contractual disputes typical of the sector, such as arbitration over project tenders and environmental compliance penalties, Afcons maintains a reputation for tackling high-risk, large-scale developments that drive economic and logistical progress.[11][12]Company Overview
Founding and Ownership
Afcons Infrastructure Limited originated in 1959 as a civil construction partnership between Rodio Foundation Engineering Limited, a Swiss firm specializing in foundation engineering, and Hazarat and Company, an Indian entity.[13] This collaboration leveraged Swiss technical expertise in specialized foundation work with local construction capabilities, marking the company's entry into infrastructure projects primarily focused on civil engineering.[13] In 1976, the partnership was formalized as Asia Foundations and Construction Limited, transitioning to a corporate structure under Indian law.[13] The company underwent another rebranding in 1996 to Afcons Infrastructure Limited, reflecting its evolving scope in construction and infrastructure development.[13] Ownership shifted significantly in 2000 when Sterling Investment Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group—a construction conglomerate established in 1865—acquired a majority stake, integrating Afcons into the group's portfolio.[13] [14] Afcons has since operated as the flagship infrastructure arm of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, with promoter entities including Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Private Limited, Goswami Infratech Private Limited, and Floreat Investments Private Limited holding approximately 50.17% of shares following its initial public offering in October 2024.[15] [16] The group provides strategic oversight, while Afcons maintains operational independence in executing large-scale projects.[14]Core Business and Expertise
Afcons Infrastructure Limited operates primarily as an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm specializing in complex infrastructure projects across multiple sectors. Its core business focuses on delivering end-to-end solutions for transportation infrastructure, including highways, bridges, metro rail systems, railways, and tunnels; marine and port facilities; hydroelectric and power projects; and urban development initiatives such as elevated corridors and smart city components. The company emphasizes execution of challenging projects requiring advanced civil engineering techniques, with a track record of over 350 completed initiatives in more than 25 countries spanning Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the CIS region.[17][13] In marine works, Afcons holds expertise as a global leader, ranking sixth worldwide in marine and port facilities according to Engineering News-Record (ENR) assessments, with over 190 specialized projects executed, including jetties, breakwaters, and offshore structures. Bridge construction represents another key competency, where the firm has delivered more than 150 bridges, viaducts, flyovers, and arch structures using methods such as cast-in-situ, precast, prestressed concrete, cable-stayed, and structural steel designs; it ranks 21st globally in the bridges sector and 12th based on FY2023 international revenue data. Tunneling capabilities include both road and rail variants, with over 12 tunnels constructed, encompassing India's longest highway tunnel at approximately 10,000 feet in length and high-altitude feats like the Atal Tunnel at 13,000 feet elevation.[17][18] Urban infrastructure forms a significant pillar, with Afcons having built over 120 kilometers of elevated and underground metro networks since 1979, including 32 stations across nine Indian cities and pioneering elements like India's first undersea tunnel for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor. In hydroelectric and power sectors, the company undertakes dams, barrages, and powerhouses, integrating expertise in geotechnical engineering and heavy civil works. Road projects exceed 4,500 lane kilometers, often incorporating innovative solutions for terrain challenges. These competencies are supported by in-house design capabilities, procurement of specialized equipment, and a focus on on-time delivery, as evidenced by active involvement in 67 ongoing projects as of recent reports.[17][18]Historical Development
Inception and Early Expansion (1959–1990)
Afcons Infrastructure traces its origins to 1959, when it was established as Rodio Hazarat & Co., a joint venture between Rodio Foundation Engineering Limited of Switzerland and Hazarat & Company of India, with a 51:49 ownership split favoring the Swiss partner.[13][19] The entity specialized in civil foundation engineering, applying advanced piling techniques to support urban development in Mumbai, including foundational works for prominent structures such as the Reserve Bank of India building, Air India Tower, and Express Towers in the Nariman Point district during the 1960s.[20] This inception capitalized on post-independence India's infrastructure needs, importing Swiss expertise in geotechnical engineering to address challenging soil conditions in coastal regions.[21] Expansion accelerated in the mid-1960s with entry into marine construction in 1966, enabling projects involving offshore foundations and waterfront structures.[21] The 1970s saw further diversification into bridge building and an initial overseas foray in Iraq, reflecting growing technical capabilities and international demand for specialized civil works.[21] In 1976, Rodio Foundation Engineering withdrew from the Indian operations, prompting a rebranding to Asia Foundations and Construction Limited (Afcons), which preserved the firm's focus on foundations while asserting greater autonomy in the Asian market.[13][19] By the close of the 1980s, Afcons had established a track record in domestic civil infrastructure, laying groundwork for subsequent debt financing from institutions like ICICI in the early 1990s, though operations remained centered on engineering-intensive projects amid India's regulated economic environment.[22] This period solidified the company's reputation for reliability in foundation and structural works, unencumbered by the conglomerate affiliations that would later emerge.[7]Growth Phase and Diversification (1991–2010)
In the wake of India's economic liberalization in 1991, Afcons capitalized on increased infrastructure investments, accelerating its expansion from foundational civil works into specialized segments such as transportation infrastructure, including roads and bridges, alongside continued emphasis on marine construction.[20] This period marked a shift toward leveraging policy reforms that spurred public-private partnerships and foreign investment in core sectors, enabling the company to secure larger contracts amid rising demand for connectivity and industrial facilities.[21] By the mid-1990s, Afcons diversified into LNG tank construction and other industrial structures, responding to growing energy infrastructure needs driven by domestic industrialization and global energy trade.[21] In 1997, the company rebranded as Afcons Infrastructure Limited to align with its evolving focus on comprehensive infrastructure engineering, a change formalized with a certificate from the Registrar of Companies on November 11.[23] To support this growth, Afcons raised debt financing from ICICI Bank during the decade, which converted into equity, culminating in ICICI holding a 47% stake by 1998.[24] A pivotal ownership transition occurred in 2000 when Sterling Investment Corporation Limited, an entity of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, acquired a majority stake, including the purchase of ICICI's 47% holding for approximately Rs 70 crore.[13][24] This infusion of capital and strategic oversight facilitated further diversification, with entry into hydro power and underground construction segments by 2002.[21] Key domestic projects during this phase included the Barakhamba underground station for the Delhi Metro, executed using a top-down construction methodology that allowed completion ahead of schedule while minimizing surface disruptions.[21] International operations expanded significantly, with Afcons undertaking marine and port projects in countries including Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Madagascar by the early 2000s, often earning bonuses for early delivery such as in the Ambattovy Jetty project completed in January 2010.[21] Toward the decade's end, the company ventured into offshore oil and gas EPC in 2008, exemplified by the Shell Hazira marine project, which adhered to stringent international safety standards and generated US$300,000 in performance incentives.[25][21] By 2010, Afcons secured its inaugural underground metro tunneling contract for Kolkata, marking deeper specialization in urban rail infrastructure amid India's rapid urbanization.[26] These developments positioned Afcons as a versatile player across marine, industrial, energy, and transportation domains, with operations spanning over a dozen countries by 2000.[20]Modern Era and Global Scaling (2011–Present)
Since 2011, Afcons Infrastructure has experienced accelerated growth, marked by substantial increases in revenue and order book expansion into complex EPC projects across infrastructure verticals including marine, urban transport, and surface infrastructure. By 2013, the company's total income exceeded ₹30,000 million, doubling to over ₹60,000 million by 2017, reflecting robust domestic execution and strategic diversification.[13] This period saw Afcons strengthen its capabilities in high-altitude tunneling and bridge construction, exemplified by the completion of the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh in October 2020—a 9.02 km highway tunnel at elevations exceeding 3,000 meters, reducing travel time between Manali and Leh by several hours and enhancing strategic connectivity in challenging Himalayan terrain. Global scaling intensified post-2011, with Afcons extending operations to over 25 countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, leveraging expertise in rail, ports, and water infrastructure. Key international projects include the Tema-Akosombo Railway Line in Ghana, a 237 km standard-gauge rail connecting coastal ports to inland economic hubs, and the Lusaka City Decongestion Project in Zambia, aimed at alleviating urban traffic through road and drainage enhancements.[27] In Mozambique, Afcons constructed the Tica to Buzi Road, improving connectivity in flood-prone regions, while in Tanzania, it executed the Lake Victoria Water Supply Scheme, involving extensive pipeline networks for regional water security.[27] These ventures underscore Afcons' adaptation to diverse geopolitical and environmental contexts, with a focus on turnkey solutions in resource-constrained markets. The company's international prowess has earned it prominent rankings, including a position among the top 140 global contractors by Engineering News-Record (ENR) in 2024, with 12th place in bridges and 14th in marine and ports categories based on international revenue.[28] Domestically, Afcons contributed to the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest rail arch bridge at 359 meters above the river bed, integral to the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link and nearing completion by 2025 to bolster Jammu and Kashmir's connectivity.[17] Ongoing projects like the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme in Telangana, one of the world's largest multi-stage lift irrigation systems, further demonstrate scaled engineering capacity, with phases delivering water to over 18 lakh acres of farmland since initial commissioning in 2019.[13] This era positions Afcons as a key player in India's infrastructure push while establishing a competitive edge in global EPC markets.Operational Scope
Domestic Infrastructure Sectors
Afcons Infrastructure maintains a strong presence in India's domestic infrastructure sectors, encompassing surface transportation, urban infrastructure, marine works, hydro and underground engineering, and oil and gas projects. These operations account for approximately 79% of the company's government-contracted work, leveraging engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) expertise to execute complex, large-scale initiatives that enhance national connectivity and resource development.[29][17] In surface transportation, Afcons focuses on highways, bridges, and railways, delivering over 5,100 lane kilometers of roads and 150 bridges, viaducts, and flyovers. Key projects include the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world's highest single-arch rail bridge at 359 meters above the river bed, forming part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link to integrate Jammu and Kashmir with India's rail network. The company also constructed segments of the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, India's longest sea bridge at 21.8 kilometers, operational since January 2024 and reducing Mumbai-Panvel travel time from two hours to 20 minutes. Additionally, Afcons contributed to the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System and the Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, India's longest expressway spanning 701 kilometers.[17][30][17] Urban infrastructure efforts center on metro rail and related developments, where Afcons leads in underground and elevated systems. The East West Metro Corridor in Kolkata features India's first underwater metro tunnels beneath the Hooghly River and the deepest station at Howrah, advancing urban mobility in densely populated areas. The company has also executed phases of the Nagpur Metro Rail Project, incorporating elevated viaducts and stations to alleviate traffic congestion in the city. These projects underscore Afcons' capability in navigating challenging urban terrains and integrating advanced tunneling technologies.[17][17] Marine works constitute a core domestic strength, with expertise in ports, jetties, and coastal structures. Afcons developed the Fourth Container Terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai, featuring a 1,000-meter quay length to boost cargo handling capacity and support India's maritime trade. The firm has built India's longest jetty and contributed to deep-water port facilities, enhancing logistical efficiency for import-export activities.[17][17] Hydro and underground sectors involve tunnels, dams, and barrages, exemplified by the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang Pass, a 9.02-kilometer highway tunnel at 3,000 meters above sea level, inaugurated in October 2020 to slash Manali-Leh travel time by four hours and ensure all-weather access. Afcons is also advancing the Raghavpur Multipurpose Project in Madhya Pradesh, a dam and irrigation initiative granted environmental clearance in April 2025 to support water management and agriculture in the region. These endeavors highlight the company's role in mitigating geographical barriers and fostering sustainable resource infrastructure.[17][31]International Operations and Presence
Afcons Infrastructure maintains a transnational footprint across 28 countries, primarily in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, where it undertakes engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects in sectors such as marine works, ports, highways, railways, and water infrastructure.[27] The company has executed overseas operations since the 1970s, beginning with Middle Eastern ventures in countries including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, and Ethiopia.[32] Its international activities are supported by subsidiaries and joint ventures in markets such as Kuwait, Gabon, Kazakhstan, and Singapore, facilitating localized execution of complex projects.[33] In Africa, Afcons operates in 15 nations, including Ethiopia, Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, and Benin, focusing on transportation and resource-handling infrastructure.[27] Notable projects include the Tema-Akosombo Railway Line in Ghana, spanning 97.7 km to enhance freight connectivity; the Tica to Buzi Road and associated rehabilitation works in Mozambique; a bauxite material handling system in Guinea; and water transmission initiatives in Tanzania, such as the Lake Victoria Supply Scheme pipeline.[27][34] The Middle East accounts for six countries of operation—Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, and Yemen—with emphasis on marine and port facilities, where Afcons holds a global ranking of 14th according to the 2024 Engineering News-Record (ENR) survey.[27][9] In Asia, presence spans seven countries including Bhutan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, encompassing road, rail, and urban connectivity projects.[27] Key examples include the completion of the Addu City development in Maldives in 2025 and ongoing work on the Greater Male Connectivity Project, alongside recent awards for two 20.5 km highway packages on Croatia's A1 Motorway valued at ₹4,535 crore in July 2025, marking expansion into Europe.[35][36] Globally, Afcons ranks among the top 140 international contractors, 12th in bridges, and 14th in marine and ports per ENR's latest assessments, reflecting its specialization in challenging overseas EPC contracts.[9] This presence underscores the company's capability in delivering first-of-its-kind infrastructure amid diverse geopolitical and environmental conditions.[37]Key Projects and Achievements
Major Indian Projects
Afcons Infrastructure has executed numerous high-profile infrastructure projects in India, specializing in challenging terrains and urban developments such as tunnels, bridges, and metro systems. Key endeavors include the Atal Tunnel, contributions to the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), and extensive metro rail constructions in cities like Nagpur and Kanpur. These projects demonstrate the company's expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for surface transport and urban infrastructure.[17] The Atal Tunnel, a 9.02 km-long highway tunnel beneath the Rohtang Pass in the Himalayas at an elevation exceeding 3,000 meters, represents one of Afcons' flagship achievements. Constructed as part of a joint venture, it provides all-weather connectivity between Manali and Lahaul-Spiti, reducing travel distance by approximately 46 km and time by over five hours compared to the previous Rohtang Pass route. Inaugurated on October 3, 2020, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the tunnel features advanced safety systems including ventilation, fire-fighting, and escape passages, making it the world's longest above 10,000 feet.[38][39] In railway infrastructure, Afcons advanced the USBRL project by achieving the breakthrough of Tunnel T49, India's longest railway tunnel at 12.77 km, on February 15, 2022, facilitating connectivity to Kashmir through difficult Himalayan geology. The project encompasses the Chenab Rail Bridge, the highest rail arch bridge globally at 359 meters above the river bed, enhancing strategic and economic links in Jammu and Kashmir.[40] Afcons has also led urban metro developments, constructing over 120 km of elevated and underground networks across India. In Nagpur, the company built a 5.3 km double-decker viaduct for Metro Phase I, including a four-level multi-modal corridor with an 80-meter steel span erected over active railway tracks, operational since 2019. Similarly, the Kanpur elevated metro viaduct and stations were completed in under two years despite the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring efficient execution in dense urban settings.[41][42][18]Significant Overseas Projects
Afcons Infrastructure has established a presence in over 25 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, executing projects in sectors including transportation, water supply, and marine infrastructure.[27] The company ranks among the top global contractors in bridges (12th) and marine/port facilities (14th per ENR survey), reflecting its expertise in complex overseas assignments.[28] In fiscal year 2025, Afcons completed more than 60 overseas projects, including over 5,100 lane kilometers of roads.[43] A notable recent expansion into Europe includes two road construction packages on Croatia's A1 Motorway, awarded in July 2025 and valued at ₹4,535 crore, spanning 20.5 kilometers with a 42-month completion timeline.[36] Additionally, in the same month, Afcons secured the lowest bid for a €677 million (approximately ₹6,800 crore) railway project in Croatia, marking its third major order there within a week.[44] [43] In the Maldives, Afcons completed the Addu City Project in July 2025, contributing to urban development, while the Greater Malé Connectivity Project advanced rapidly, with piling works finished ahead of schedule; this involved installing 264 piles across 68 locations, including 75 marine piles.[35] Key African projects include the extension of Tanzania's Lake Victoria Water Supply Project, a 603-kilometer pipeline network completed in 2020, which provides 24/7 water access to approximately 60,000 villagers initially and is projected to benefit 300,000 by 2035; the initiative incorporated five ground water reservoirs, five elevated service reservoirs, and 303 kiosks, employing horizontal thrust boring to expedite road crossings.[45] In Ghana, Afcons is constructing the Tema-Akosombo Railway, noted as one of the country's longest rail lines.[27] Other African engagements encompass the Bauxite Material Handling System in Guinea and road construction from Tica to Buzi in Mozambique.[27] In the Middle East, Afcons maintains operations in countries such as Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE, with historical projects in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Yemen focusing on marine works, roads, and oil/gas infrastructure; the company is pursuing bids like the $22 billion Dubai Sewerage Project through local partnerships.[32] [46]Financial Trajectory
Revenue Growth and Profit Metrics
Afcons Infrastructure Limited's consolidated revenue grew from ₹9,376 crore in FY21 to ₹12,548 crore in FY25, reflecting a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.5%, driven by execution of large-scale infrastructure projects despite challenges like the COVID-19 disruptions in earlier years.[47] [48] Revenue increased steadily post-FY21, reaching a peak of ₹13,268 crore in FY24, before declining 5.5% year-over-year in FY25 amid execution delays linked to Indian general elections and site handovers.[48] [49] Profitability metrics have shown resilience, with EBITDA expanding from ₹870 crore in FY21 to ₹1,361 crore in FY25, maintaining margins around 10-11% amid cost controls and operational efficiencies.[48] Net profit after tax (PAT) demonstrated stronger growth, rising from ₹170 crore in FY21 to ₹487 crore in FY25—a five-year CAGR of 14%—supported by higher-margin projects and improved working capital management.[48] In FY25, PAT margins stood at approximately 3.9%, up from prior years, reflecting better profitability despite revenue softness.[48] The following table summarizes key annual metrics:| Fiscal Year | Revenue (₹ crore) | YoY Revenue Growth (%) | EBITDA (₹ crore) | PAT (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY20 | 9,934 | - | 821 | 248 |
| FY21 | 9,376 | -5.6 | 870 | 170 |
| FY22 | 11,019 | 17.5 | 943 | 358 |
| FY23 | 12,637 | 14.7 | 1,333 | 411 |
| FY24 | 13,268 | 5.0 | 1,377 | 450 |
| FY25 | 12,548 | -5.5 | 1,361 | 487 |