The infrastructure sector is experiencing a renaissance driven by innovative ideas and sustainable practices. EPC projects are at the forefront of this revival, breathing new life into traditional development methods.

How has the EPC landscape in India evolved over the past decade, particularly in response to technological advancements?
Over the past decade, the EPC landscape in India has transformed significantly, driven by technological advancements and changing market dynamics. The government has played a crucial role by implementing policies like the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and various initiatives to ease business operations. These reforms have encouraged investments and improved the viability of projects.

For the past 75 years, we have been at the forefront of India’s infrastructure development, contributing to some of the country’s most prestigious projects. Our commitment to technological innovation has always been a driving force. We were the first in India to successfully execute double lake tapping at the Koyna project, and we take pride in having constructed the country’s first RCC dam, recognised at the time as the 10th fastest dam to be completed globally.

Our dedication to progress extends beyond our past achievements. We have implemented SAP across all project sites, enhancing our ability to monitor projects and control costs more effectively. Additionally, we have introduced a concrete tower belt system at one of our sites, which helps us reduce costs and aligns with our goal of promoting environmental sustainability.

At another hydropower project site, we have integrated Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for fuel and fleet management, significantly boosting our fleet’s efficiency and productivity while reducing fuel expenses. These technological advancements reflect our commitment to operational excellence and sustainability in the infrastructure sector.

With the government’s focus on renewable energy, we have expanded our portfolio to include more hydroelectric projects. This shift has brought greater project complexities and tighter timelines, making adopting advanced technologies a necessity. By leveraging cutting-edge energy generation technologies and eco-friendly construction practices, we align ourselves with national sustainability goals while continuing to deliver on our long-standing tradition of excellence.

How does Patel Engineering approach the EPC model to enhance project efficiency and client satisfaction?
We take a comprehensive approach to the EPC model, strongly emphasising integrating processes throughout the entire project lifecycle. This holistic method allows us to enhance operational efficiencies, optimise project outcomes, and ultimately elevate client satisfaction. By ensuring seamless coordination across all stages of a project, we are able to deliver timely and effective results.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our rigorous project planning, stringent quality control measures, and proactive stakeholder engagement. These practices help us make the best use of available resources while strictly adhering to budget constraints and maintaining high-quality standards. Through careful coordination and collaboration with all involved parties, we ensure that each project is delivered to meet, if not exceed, expectations.

We apply innovative design solutions and strong risk management techniques, leveraging advanced technology and data-driven decision-making. This ensures that our projects not only fulfil our client’s immediate needs but often go beyond, creating lasting relationships built on trust and mutual success. By combining innovation with practical risk management, we consistently deliver projects that stand the test of time.

What strategies do you employ to manage risks associated with large-scale EPC projects?
For large-scale EPC projects, we implement a multifaceted approach to risk management that includes thorough risk assessments and feasibility studies. Our in-house design and tendering team carefully examine project complexities before we even bid, enabling us to identify potential vulnerabilities early on. This proactive insight allows us to develop and implement mitigation plans, addressing issues before they escalate.

We prioritise transparent communication with all stakeholders, from clients to subcontractors. By holding regular meetings and providing consistent updates, we foster collaboration and ensure everyone remains aligned on project objectives and potential risks. Our teams consist of seasoned professionals with a strong record of managing complex projects. Their expertise equips us to navigate challenges effectively and make well-informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.

How do you ensure that projects are completed on time while maintaining high-quality standards?
We develop comprehensive project plans that encompass realistic timelines, resource allocation, and clear milestones. By integrating SAP and other digital tools, we ensure that progress across all sites is consistently tracked against our schedules. This level of oversight allows us to maintain control over the project timeline and adapt as needed to stay on course.

Our team ensures that the right resources, such as manpower, materials, or equipment, are always available and optimally utilised throughout the project’s lifecycle. This approach helps us prevent bottlenecks and ensures workflow continuity, keeping each project phase moving smoothly. Investing in ongoing training for our workforce is another priority, as we are committed to equipping our teams with the latest skills and knowledge in construction techniques and quality standards. A well-trained team is essential for maintaining the quality and precision that our projects demand.

We also prioritise feedback throughout the project to continuously identify areas for improvement. This interative approach allows us to refine our processes and maintain high-quality standards while staying on schedule. Additionally, we observe that clients make quicker decisions, contributing to faster project progression. To support this, clients appoint independent engineers at project sites, facilitating timely decision-making and helping us ensure the swift, efficient completion of our projects.

What sustainable practices are you implementing in your projects, particularly hydropower and infrastructure development?
At our project sites, we focus on implementing innovative designs and technologies that minimise ecological disruption, ensuring that our work respects and preserves the surrounding environment. Effective waste management is our key priority, emphasising recycling and reusing materials wherever possible. This approach reduces landfill waste and conserves resources, helping us significantly reduce our environmental impact.

We actively engage with local communities where we operate, ensuring their needs and concerns are taken into account throughout the project lifecycle. This commitment extends to creating employment opportunities, supporting local sustainability initiatives, and contributing to the livelihood of nearby communities through various CSR activities. Our approach fosters a positive impact beyond the project, promoting sustainable development that benefits both the environment and the local population.

Could you elaborate on the recent order worth ₹ 240.02 crore from NHPC and its significance for Patel Engineering?
The recent order from NHPC holds substantial importance for us as it enhances our project portfolio and underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions within the hydropower sector. This project, located in the South District of Sikkim and expected to be completed within 18 months, adds to our growing portfolio in the Northeast region, where we have a strong track record of ongoing and completed projects.

We have established a dominant presence in the hydropower segment, constructing 12,000 MW of hydropower capacity, representing 25 percent of India’s total 46,000 MW installed capacity. Out of the 18,000 MW of hydropower under construction in India, we are proud to contribute to over 8,000 MW in projects under development. This new project award further solidifies our standing in the hydropower sector, allowing us to continue our commitment to advancing India’s energy infrastructure.

How are you leveraging technology to enhance project efficiency in constructing the Teesta-V Power Station?
We recently declared the Lowest Bidder (L1) for the Teesta-V project, which involves modifying the diversion tunnel into a tunnel spillway arrangement, covering both civil and hydro-mechanical works. We are also currently working on the NHPC Teesta VI HEP (Lot-2) project near Singtam town in Sikkim, located roughly 30 km from this new project site.

This proximity between project sites allows us to use our manpower and machinery efficiently, maximising project efficiency and ensuring optimal resource allocation. This advantage will enable us to maintain high productivity levels and streamline operations across both projects, reinforcing our commitment to delivering quality and efficiency in all aspects of our work.

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