DePIN & Blockchain’s Real-World Impact: Why India Can Lead Decentralized Infrastructure

Digital Desk

Imagine a world where citizens, not just corporations or governments, build and manage essential infrastructure. This vision is becoming reality through Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), a movement redefining how physical assets are created, owned, and maintained using blockchain.

Projects like DeCharge, a decentralized EV charging network, embody this transformation. It allows individuals and microbusinesses to install and maintain chargers, automatically track usage via blockchain, and directly earn from users.

Recognized at India Blockchain Week, DeCharge surpassed one million minutes of charging by 2024-end and raised $2.5 million in early funding. The model decentralizes ownership, promotes clean mobility, and circulates profits within local communities.

The global DePIN ecosystem is expanding rapidly. Messari estimated over $5 billion locked in DePIN projects by 2023, with projections exceeding $50 billion by 2030. The World Economic Forum expects the broader decentralized infrastructure sector to reach nearly $3.5 trillion by 2028, accelerated by new innovations like Decentralized Physical AI (DePAI). For India, this evolution aligns with the goals of Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Digital India, empowering citizens and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Other notable DePIN initiatives include Aethir, a network where individuals rent out unused GPUs to support AI and gaming services, backed by partners like NVIDIA, and Dabba Network, which runs decentralized WiFi hubs across India using Solana blockchain. Both models strengthen local connectivity while rewarding participants.

For India, DePIN offers a community-first pathway to close infrastructure gaps. While telecom and mobile coverage are robust, issues persist with broadband access and EV charging in semi-urban and rural zones. Blockchain-enabled community networks could bridge these divides, combining efficiency with equitable profit-sharing.

To realize this potential, India must craft clear policies around taxation, regulation, and security. Predictable tax structures, regulatory sandboxes, and interoperability standards will reduce uncertainty and attract global investment. Additionally, safety frameworks for hardware and on-chain governance standards can build trust and protect users.

As Web3 and DePIN ecosystems grow in Bengaluru and beyond, India stands poised to lead this revolution. DePIN can democratize physical infrastructure the way blockchain democratized finance—turning everyday citizens into stakeholders in the nation’s digital future.