Upagupta Patanaik, COO and Business Development, Highbar Technocrat Limited share his views on the infrastructure developments that can be a game-changer for the country

Infrastructure projects are always high-investment segment. FDI in this segment will be a major push as it helps to execute large infrastructure projects seamlessly. Upagupta Patanaik, COO and Business Development, Highbar Technocrat Limited share his views.

How will this project change the infrastructure definition in India?

Our partnership with Cube Highways, which is India’s biggest toll portfolio aggregator, will start a new era of digital integration in the country’s toll management sector. One project cannot change definition of infrastructure in India, but it will become a norm to follow in providing digitally empowered operation and maintenance framework to infrastructure management companies like Cube Highways. The solution we implement help organizations streamline their processes, aid them with data which gives them better visibility of the project and the complete organization. The edge organizations in the infrastructure industry have with us is our domain knowledge of the industry and our proactive approach towards addressing them using industry-specific customization.

Why is this project considered important for the city and state??

Again, we are into providing technology solutions & support to the infrastructure companies hence we don’t have direct impact at the city or state level. It is about setting a norm to follow in operation & maintenance framework for infrastructure companies. In this partnership, Highbar Technocrat will provide SAP – led, integrated technology solutions to Cube Highways for strengthening its network of 28 Road and Highways projects that spans over 8,900 lane kms across India. Highbar Technocrat’s digital interventions will boost Cube Highways’ expansion plans in Road Asset Management and upgrading the existing Information Technology application landscape.

Geographically what challenges were encountered during the making of the project?

Every project has its geographical challenges. As the project is in the initial stage, it is difficult to comment on the challenges right now.

Technically speaking what advanced technology is used in the projects, how will it impact the overall project?

With considerable business expansion plans in Transportation Asset Management, upliftment of current IT application landscape is being planned with Integrated project management solution on SAP S/4 HANA platform. It will provide them with Scalable landscape to assist dynamic business models, Streamlined Business processes with proactive controls. Aid them with Information & analytics cockpits for proactive decision making. Best-in-class application landscape to co-exists with Industry specific applications.

Would like to know more about the increased private sector involvement in the infrastructure projects?

As the Gati Shakti Master Plan will ensure next-generation infrastructure and seamless multi-modal connectivity in India, the need for digital interventions and governance will only grow in the near term. Leading technology solution providers will play a considerable role in reaping multi-level growth opportunities under the new policy. As these will be large-volume projects, there will be a commensurate spurt in contract sizes for an IT ancillary like us. Once rolled out, tech companies can expect significant growth in business on a y-o-y basis from the Gati Shakti enabled projects in the next five years.

Your take on FDI in the infrastructure sector

Infrastructure projects are always high-investment segment. FDI in this segment will be a major push as it helps to execute large infrastructure projects seamlessly.

How has been government’s support for the overall development and progress in this infrastructure project?

With the Government’s thrust on highways asset monetization via the TOT and the Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) routes, which is further coupled up with the Gati Shakti Master Plan, we expect reforms in the infrastructure sector. In this scenario, the need for technology adaptation and digital governance will grow manifold soon. Hence, we envisage many infrastructure companies switching to fully integrated technology platforms for improved business efficiencies. The Government’s reforms like the Gati Shakti Master Plan have also underlined the need for having digital prowess for the infrastructure sector participants like us.

Tell us about the timeline of completion of the project, will it be completed on time, how are you speeding up its implementation activity?

Project is still in the initial stage and is progressing as per the schedule.