The companies may now need to focus more on a plug and play solutions like prefabricated ducts and utilities, etc. to improve the quality and speed of execution says Prakasan TP, CEO, MEP Business, Sterling and Wilson Pvt Ltd.

In view of current market dynamics, what kind of forecast you have for the construction and infrastructure segment for the year 2020?
The Indian construction sector has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is expected that the disruption in economic activities will result in a modest revenue slide in the last quarter of FY2020. With construction activities mostly stalled during the lockdown, which extends from March second week to midMay, companies will see a major impact on their Q1-FY2021 earnings. A report by GlobalData has revised downwards the forecast for the construction sector growth to 2.8 per cent.

The emergency necessitates social spending, keeping that in view what measures need to be taken to ensure promised infrastructure projects are delivered on time too?
Post-lockdown the construction sector will play a catalytic role in the recovery of the Indian economy. The sheer size, and the large workforce that it employs, makes it critical for the Indian economy. The package announced by the Government of India to deal with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic includes relief measures for the construction industry. Additionally, the state governments have been directed to utilize the welfare fund with a corpus of Rs 31,000 crore, provide relief for the construction workers. Reserve Bank of India’s decision to cut lending rates by 75 basis points, lower returns from mutual funds and stocks, etc., are also expected to aid in the recovery of the sector.

The Government of India’s decision to allow limited construction activity from April 20 onwards has provided succour to the labour-intensive sector. Though the construction firms have more challenges at hand due to social distancing and restrictions on mobility, which has resulted in huge productivity loss, yet the move would kickstart recovery and help the construction companies recoup from the shock induced by the coronavirus pandemic.

What measures have you taken to ensure worker safety during ongoing execution of projects?
The safety of workers is the utmost priority of Sterling and Wilson. The company has adopted a slew of measures that have been laid down as a safety protocol at the sites. We have undertaken a host of activities to prevent the disease from spreading, such as sanitization of the workplace, daily screening, social distancing, site-fumigation, mandatory use of sanitisers, face masks, and personal protective equipment.

Additionally, we strictly adhere to any advisory/ guidelines issued by the central and state governments, local authorities and other bodies appointed by the honourable court(s) for controlling and managing the Covid-19 pandemic, from time to time.

How will this current market scenario increase the role of AI and automation among OEMs? Likewise, do you feel the role of indigenous technology too will increase?
The coronavirus pandemic has an unprecedented impact on the global economy and businesses. Organisations are using digital technologies to network, virtual meetings, co-work, and collaborate. The construction sector will see huge adoption of technology, and digitalization will be on top of business priorities.

The pandemic is a big learning opportunity for all. While planning recovery roadmaps, the construction companies should invest efforts to increase the resilience of their business models and may focus more on a plug and play solutions like prefabricated ducts and utilities etc. to improve the quality and speed of execution.

What is your take on safety and security norms for large scale construction and infrastructure projects in India?
As the sector grapples to continue operation, companies must prioritize the safety and security of people. The extraordinary situation necessitates construction companies to extend their welfare activities to provide care and succour to their workforce. Many construction companies have expanded the welfare net to provide water and food for sustenance besides medical, sanitation, and other facilities. Construction companies must stringently adhere to health and safety protocols and comply with government guidelines on measures to contain the spread of coronavirus.