With specialized experience in the Construction Industry for more than 35 years, Ahluwalia Contracts have carved a niche as one of the leading Civil Contractors of the country.
Mr.Shobhit Uppal, Dy. Managing Director, Ahluwalia Contracts (I) Ltd. Shares his view on Indian Infrastructure sector with Jibran Buchh.
- Ahluwalia Contracts plays an important role in building critical parts of mega structures like metro depots, IT parks, airport terminals etc. What’s your overview on India infrastructure growth?
India is projected to become world’s fastest growing economy by next 3-4 years with growth rate more than seven percent, overtaking China along the way. After the new Government, the focus has shifted more on infrastructure for Smart Cities, Affordable Housing, New Airports in Tier 2 cities, Development of Metro-transits and modernization of railways.The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is also targeting 5,600 kms of project awards in FY’16. The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is also becoming one of the India’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. Besides these, there seems to be a good prospect in re-development of government land/colonies going ahead.
- There aren’t many mega structures in India, Why do we see limited mega buildings or mega structures in India?
Yes, there are multiple reasons due to which we do not see many mega structures coming up in India. Two prominent factors which we see playing a bigger role in the hindrances are – tedious Land Acquisition process & slower Government Approval & Clearances process. The other factors are deficiency of advanced construction technology and non-availability of required skilled workforce in India. Also, there are difficulties in raising huge capital for both Public and Private sector. Uncertain political scenario and blurred regulatory framework in the country also many a times act as agents of impediment.
- Brief us about one big pan India mega project in which Ahluwalia Contracts had to overcome strong hurdle and challenges?
Ahluwalia Contracts (I) Ltd. has undertaken to construct the Asia’s Largest Convention Centre Project at Patna, Bihar. This is Bihar’s most prestigious project and first of its kind with a seating capacity of over 5000 people. It’s a challenging project with composite and non-conventional structure made of more than 20,000 MT of structural steel, and is to be completed in a short timeline of 24 months, which in itself is a challenging job. The project also poses challenges in dealing with such enormous quantities of structural steel, which first involves fabrication and then erection process at site. To handle this, best-in-class imported technology of fully automatic CNC based production lines have been installed to maintain the quality and achieve the required speed. Also, since the project is located in the heart of the Patna city and due to limited space, there are challenges to operate and manoeuvre freely within and outside the site. This is tackled by an effective jobsite layout and efficient planning and sequencing.
- Brief us about the project worth 676 cr that Ahluwalia has recently bagged? Tell us about your upcoming projects?
Recently we have bagged prestigious projects of worth Rs. 676 crores, which include Mother & Child Block (Approx. Rs. 204 Cr) and OPD Block (Approx. Rs. 294 Cr) for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi and Income Tax Head Office Facility (Approx. Rs. 163 Cr) in Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai.
The major projects which are currently in bidding stage include, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Residential Facility,Indian Institute of Management (IIM) – Naya Raipur, Bihar Trade Tower – Patna, and others. We are focusing on large Healthcare, Education and Institutional projects in different parts of the country.
- What are the milestones which you would want Ahluwalia Contracts to achieve in near future?
Ahluwalia Contracts (I) Ltd. has executed construction contracts worth over Rs. 5,200 Crores in last four years (FY’12 – FY’15).We are committed to grow by CAGR of approx. 26% over FY 2014-15, and achieve a business turnover of Rs. 1,700 Crores in FY 2016-17. The company shall be focusing more on undertaking upcoming landmark projects and associating with reputed developers/corporate houses. We intend to join hands with the Government/Public sector to undertake large prestigious projects across India. Our emphasis shall always remain to deliver on time with best quality.
