“SPEED COMES FROM FOCUS”
Ravi Kiran Arepalli
Construction Manager (ELEC), PT&D IC
At his 9th project with the Company, Ravi Kiran Arepalli is a proficient L&T‑ite, crediting the HMRL Project for teaching him how to handle jobs independently. Currently at the CMRL Project as Manager of Auxiliary Substations (ASS), Ravi is also taking care of a Receiving Substation (RSS) and civil works with a team of 8 engineers and 40 workers. “We have implemented several targeted technology and digitalization initiatives to significantly improve efficiency and site progress,” he shares.
By adopting digital project management platforms like Primavera P6, Align, and Wrench integrated with real-time site data, Ravi & team track progress and milestones live, automate reporting & reduce manual documentation, and make faster decisions through data-driven insights. “Of course, BIM360 has done wonders for us,” he says, “to visualize construction sequences better, detect clashes in advance, integrate costs & schedule data for better planning, and ultimately minimize rework.”
“My seniors clearly set priorities & outcomes, which are always properly communicated,” Ravi says with gratitude. “Quick feedback loops from both peers and seniors have helped refine my work continuously. They trust me with autonomy, empowering me to make decisions and execute the work effectively.”
“With multiple stakeholders, miscommunication or delays from even one side can cause ripple effects across the entire timeline,” Ravi warns. “Weekly progress meetings, real-time updates through project management software, a clear escalation matrix, and regular meetings with clients and subcontractors have helped our team tackle any issue we face.” In addition, Ravi observes that workforce management was a recurring challenge. “We partnered with local training institutes to run regular on-site safety and upskilling sessions, which have improved productivity, boosted morale, and reduced on-site incidents.”
“Speed comes from focus,” Ravi states articulately. “Clarity and alignment with scope and client priorities are crucial in large-scale projects. When goals & responsibilities are crystal clear, priorities ruthlessly managed, decisions made quickly, feedback loops kept short, and resource augmentation done on time, focus comes automatically.” He would love a fully integrated Al-powered BIM system with real-time augmented reality capabilities. “Walking through a site with AR glasses that overlay the digital model onto the physical structure in real time, to instantly detect discrepancies, highlight safety risks, and suggest on-the-spot solutions, would drastically improve project execution.”
Hailing from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Ravi loves spending time with his wife, Rukmini, and son, Haneesh, whose birth is his most memorable moment in life. “We cherish visiting our farmland every time we go on vacation to our hometown,” he says grinning as he signs off.
With stints at various substation projects across Tamil Nadu and Odisha, including the main plant electrical works at the Kudankulam Nuclear Plant, Selvamari A is quite the experienced campaigner. Currently at the CMRL Phase II — Corridors 3 & 5 for the 110/33/25 kV RSS, 33 kV ASS, and SCADA, he is pleased to see the benefits that BIM360 has brought to the project. “Our team has consistently and diligently updated site progress on the platform, enabling real-time project monitoring and efficient clash detection to minimize rework,” he states. “We are proud of this initiative, as it won us the Bronze Award at the BIM Conclave 2025, a first such recognition in PT&D history,” he adds with a grin.
As with any project with stringent checks, preparing documents and drawings took a considerable amount of time of 25–30 days, as they had to be reviewed and approved by both the Consultant and the Client. “To streamline the process, we implemented a structured document numbering system, utilized the Client’s PMIS platform, and maintained continuous follow-up with the Consultant to secure timely approvals,” Selvamari reveals.
“I believe that timely decision-making is a crucial factor in delivering large projects, as it minimizes delays and accelerates progress,” he observes, not surprisingly considering his experience. “It ensures that resources are optimally utilized while maintaining both speed and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.” Selvamari is eager to see the integration of AI in project scheduling and progress monitoring, for accuracy, efficiency, and foresight, leading to optimized timelines. “By analysing vast data sets and identifying potential risks, AI can improve overall scheduling outcomes,” he adds.
Strategic guidance from his seniors has empowered quick decision-making, while he is thankful to his team members for fostering collaboration and efficient execution. “Together, they create an environment that drives speed and scalable outcomes,” he remarks with a smile.
Selvamari comes from Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, and the day of his wedding with Karpagam is his life’s most memorable moment. The couple are blessed with a son, Mukil Sundar, and a daughter, Kanaga Lakshmi. When he isn’t too occupied with electrifying substations, he occasionally indulges in playing a game of cricket.
“I am proud to be part of L&T because of its reputation for innovation, integrity, and execution of landmark projects,” he shares with evident pride; “being an L&T‑ite is all about creating a lasting impact on society and the nation’s growth!”
Speed and scale, for Brajesh Kumar, are not just about faster execution but meticulous planning, adaptability, and digital innovation. An L&T‑ite since 2020, Brajesh began his journey as a BIS scholar at NIT Trichy, followed by stints in Pachpadra and Gorakhpur. Since mid-2024, he has been entrusted with independent responsibility for civil execution of the 110/33 kV RSS at Nadhamuni for the PS06 CMRL Project.
Digital adoption is enhancing efficiency and accelerating the team’s execution, as Brajesh elaborates. “By deploying a centralized digital PMIS platform along with Primavera P6 and Align & Wrench, integrated with real-time site data, we can can track progress live and ensure that all teams work with updated documents, thanks to which we have minimal errors, improved coordination, and better stakeholder alignment.” With BIM 360, the team can visualize construction sequences, detect clashes in advance, integrate costs, and schedule data for better planning.
Backed by strong support from his seniors and close collaboration with his team, Brajesh thrives in an environment where feedback, open communication, and shared problem-solving allow quick decision-making and scalable solutions. “When we faced challenges such as coordinating with multiple subcontractors and managing the workforce during peak construction phases, we resorted to detailed scheduling, daily coordination meetings, and on-site safety & upskilling sessions with local institutes, to boost both productivity and morale,” Brajesh says, smiling.
Looking ahead, Brajesh would like to see an AI-powered project management platform that can analyse real-time data across schedules, supply chains, and weather to predict delays before they occur. “In addition, modular construction with smart assembly tracking will be great for faster, error-free, and high-quality builds,” he adds smartly.
Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes that planning with adaptability are the most crucial factors for on-time delivery. “Rigid plans fail, but structured plans with buffers that allow for dynamic adjustments succeed. Don’t just plan for when things go right; plan for when they don’t,” he says wisely.
A native of Bhagalpur, Bihar, Brajesh likes listening to music after long days at site. Proud to be part of a nation builder, he says passionately, “Every structure we help bring to life is a testament to precision, quality, and innovation. Being a part of a company that not only builds landmarks but also shapes the future of our country gives me immense pride and purpose in my work.”
PART OF SOMETHING LARGER, MORE MEANINGFUL, AND FUTURE-FOCUSED
Rex Lourdhuraj J
Assistant Construction Manager (Civil), PT&D IC
Starting his professional journey with L&T in 2012 as a DET was a memorable moment for Rex Lourdhuraj, closely followed by his experience at his first project, the 400 kV Raipur-Jagdalpur Transmission Line. “I contributed right from the initial stages to final execution, completing and handing it over to the client, and successfully closing out the contract by collecting the retention amount,” he shares, his eyes shining. “Experiencing the full project lifecycle so early in my career gave me immense confidence and a strong foundation for future responsibilities and today, after a dozen years, I am delighted that my efforts are part of something larger, meaningful, and future-focused.”
Presently, Planning Manager at the 765 kV D/C Mandsaur-Indore and 765 kV D/C Rishabdeo-Mandsaur TL projects, Rex till date has contributed to 8 major transmission line projects across India and internationally, taking on increasing responsibilities across execution, planning, and management roles. “I have extensive hands-on experience in project execution, site coordination, planning and exposure to diverse geographical and operational challenges across India,” he elaborates, flagging off the 400 kV D/C Rooppur-Dhaka TL Project for special mention.
In terms of tech adoption, Rex shares about implementing drone surveys for both detailed and check surveys, ensuring high accuracy, faster turnaround, and better terrain analysis, and the Align & Wrench Apps, Primavera P6, and Integrated Power BI dashboards for progress monitoring. “With effective progress visualization, our project scheduling and resource planning have improved significantly, and we are making data-driven decisions,” he adds. “In 2018, we formed a dedicated ‘Ready for Charging (RFC)’ team to ensure 100% readiness of transmission lines before offering for client commissioning,” he highlights, “and we have successfully verified and cleared multiple towers for smooth handovers with zero rework during commissioning stages.”
He would like a more advanced version of Primavera P6 to support real-time data integration, resource-levelling automation, and advanced analytics dashboards that will help in real-time decision-making, resource optimization, predictive delay analysis & improved coordination between planning and execution teams.
Speaking from experience, Rex points out that in transmission line projects, accurate and detailed planning is crucial from the very beginning to ensure smooth execution and timely completion. “A detailed survey and BOQ finalization lay the foundation for the entire project, followed by material planning, timely procurement, and manpower mobilization for efficient execution, less delays, and on-time achievement of milestones.”
FROM LEARNING TO LEADING WITH QUALITY
With over a decade’s experience at L&T, Kethireddi Naga Venkata Sivasai has grown from a Diploma Engineer Trainee to currently Quality In-charge for the 765 kV D/C Mandsaur-Indore Transmission Line Project. “Over nearly 11 years, I have contributed to eight major projects across India, including one UPD project, and each role has presented me an opportunity to learn something new, giving me the confidence to take end-to-end responsibility today,” he reflects. Inspired by L&T’s commitment to excellence and innovation, he acknowledges that “being a part of such a forward-thinking company gives me a deep sense of pride and purpose.”
At Mandsaur, Sivasai has led the adoption of aerial drone surveys using LiDAR technology over an 85 km route. “Compared to traditional ground survey methods, LiDAR saved us enormous time in route finalization, while ensuring utmost accuracy,” he shares, apart from improving planning efficiency and minimizing risks linked to terrain and accessibility. In addition, regular cross-functional meetings and streamlined communication through digital tools such as LT Quality, SHEILD, WISA, and Align have significantly accelerated decision-making and brought about better alignment across stakeholders.
Challenges, of course, have been plenty. Difficult terrains and limited accessibility posed hurdles during the initial phases, but tech solutions and proactive planning have helped turn the tide. “Early identification of bottlenecks — be it in logistics, approvals, or manpower mobilization — is critical,” he emphasizes smartly. “Starting early is always better than rushing at the last moment,” he laughs, adding that consistency in execution and making things first-time-right are key to timely delivery too. Looking ahead, he believes that BIM can transform large-scale projects by integrating design, scheduling, and resources on a single platform.
Deeply grateful for the support of his seniors and peers, Sivasai values their trust and feedback, empowering him to make informed decisions quickly. “Our collaborative culture encourages knowledge sharing, that accelerates execution and enhances scalability across projects,” he highlights.
Away from work, a native of Tanuku, West Godavari in Andhra Pradesh, Sivasai likes to read about new technologies, explore novels, and occasionally indulge in writing. He enjoys traveling too to unwind and gain fresh perspectives. One of his most cherished memories is L&T sponsoring his higher education at Nirma University. “Becoming a graduate from the first batch of B.Tech. in Construction Technology is one of my life’s most memorable milestones,” he recalls joyfully.
Life, for survey engineers like Ankur Maiti, has become better with the introduction of modern digital survey tools like drone surveys, DGPS, Total Station, and AutoCAD that have made their work smoother, faster, and more reliable. “Manual mistakes have reduced, accuracy has improved, data collection is faster, tracking and monitoring is real-time and by sharing updates instantly, engineering teams can prepare ground profiles faster,” he apprises, with a broad smile.
Surveying is often hindered by difficult geographical terrains with poor accessibility, weather can be another disruptor and, as Ankur, points out, miscommunication can often result in delays. “To overcome these challenges, I’ve taken several important steps,” he says, with josh. “I have backup plans for any unexpected situation, strive hard to maintain regular communication with all the teams and share real-time updates that have kept my projects on track.”
Currently, Ankur is working on the 765 kV D/C Mandsaur to Indore Transmission line (MITL) project, before which he was at the 765 kV D/C Bhadla to Sikar Transmission Line (BSTL) project. “I have been involved in survey works for transmission lines, responsible for conducting route alignment surveys, topographical surveys, pit markings, prop settings, and supporting execution teams to accurately spot towers and prepare relevant documentations,” he says indicating the extent of his duties, mentioning that professionally a highpoint was completing his first transmission line project. “Seeing the towers erected exactly as per my survey markings was an unforgettable achievement,” he says, eyes glowing.
Accurate planning and effective coordination during execution are key to successful project execution, according to Ankur, including time management, strong teamwork and accurate data. Speaking from his perspective, he says, “When survey data is accurate, rework is significantly reduced, good planning ensures efficient resource utilization, and with solid teamwork, any challenge can be tackled swiftly,” he says with a punched fist.
Ankur considers himself fortunate to enjoy the inspiration, support, and technical guidance from his seniors that boosts his confidence to take decisions and helps him grow both personally and professionally. “My team members are consistently supportive,” he says, “they share responsibilities, coordinate tasks together, and work with full dedication and that mutual understanding enhances our speed and accuracy, strengthens our bond.”
Coming from Jangalpara in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, Ankur’s family is his father, Samir Maithi, mother, Bandana, and brother, Deep. “I am interested in fruit plantation and love reading about history, the earth’s past and playing cricket,” he laughs.
Ankur considers himself fortunate to enjoy the inspiration, support, and technical guidance from his seniors that boosts his confidence to take decisions and helps him grow both personally and professionally. “My team members are consistently supportive,” he says, “they share responsibilities, coordinate tasks together, and work with full dedication and that mutual understanding enhances our speed and accuracy, strengthens our bond.”
Coming from Jangalpara in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, Ankur’s family is his father, Samir Maithi, mother, Bandana, and brother, Deep. “I am interested in fruit plantation and love reading about history, the earth’s past and playing cricket,” he laughs.
ALWAYS LEARNING & COLLABORATION TO THE FORE
Aman Kumar
Diploma Engineer Trainee, PT&D IC
Fresh off completing his diploma, Aman Kumar is stationed as a site engineer at the MITL Project in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh. “One of the first things I learned was executing the very tough foundation work at new locations,” he says avidly. “Due to the soil strata, it could take weeks to complete excavation, and in the rainy season, work gets hampered due to more black cotton soil.” Aman and team worked hard on timely closing of action items, through effective communication and process optimization. “I ensured regular updates through stand-ups and check-ins, which helped identify blockers early and maintain transparency across the team,” he adds, apart from identifying repetitive tasks and automating parts of the workflow where possible, to reduce manual errors and save time.
Aman is happy for the Align App and PG Nirman software, which are both capable of processing large datasets and generating reports efficiently. “Gaining proficiency in these applications would significantly improve accuracy and save time, enhancing overall productivity,” he states. “We are now using Wrench to upload real-time progress everyday too.” The PG Nirman application, developed by the client, is designed to replace physical documentation by moving processes online. “This not only helps in saving time and paper but also improves overall productivity by streamlining the workflow,” Aman adds. He mentions using the SHEILD and Quality Apps for planning day-wise site activities and including them during workmen inductions at site.
Grateful to his seniors and team members for their crucial role in his success, Aman acknowledges the culture of trust and continuous learning they have fostered. “Our seniors provide clear strategic direction and empower us to take ownership, and their timely feedback helps me identify areas for improvement and rapidly learn,” he reflects. “My teammates, on the other hand, promote collaboration and knowledge sharing, supporting each other in streamlining processes and applying best practices, which significantly improves our efficiency and scalability. On my part, I encourage a collaborative approach, seeking help or feedback when needed, and supporting my teammates, which has built a stronger, more resilient team dynamic,” he smiles.
A native of Maharajgang, Uttar Pradesh, Aman is an anthophile — he loves planting flowers. “I also enjoy playing cricket whenever I get the time,” he laughs, adding that he is enthusiastic about new technology. “Every time I am appreciated for controlling safety & quality at my site is a memorable moment for me,” he concludes with a deep sense of pride.
FROM CHALLENGES TO BREAKTHROUGHS
Karthick Ganapathy K B
Lead Engineering Manager (Civil), PT&D IC
For Karthick Ganapathy, leading the development of a first-of-its-kind digital optimization tool has been both a challenge and a breakthrough. As Lead Engineering Manager at EDRC – TL, the TLT-COP tool is his first major R&D digital project, having previously worked on several smaller modules to transform manual Excel-based calculations into digital tools. “This time it was about creating Something entirely new,” he reflects.
The project harnessed Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to perform multiple design iterations across different software platforms with speed and accuracy. ” Uniquely, this optimizer doesn’t just automate but chooses the most optimized tower & foundation design by considering both as a whole, for the most cost-effective result,” Karthick shares. “All the earlier tedious manual work has given way to speed and precision, dramatically improving efficiency.”
Referring to hurdles, Karthick mentions that integration with AutoCAD for electrical clearances was not technically feasible, forcing the team to develop complex formulas in Excel to check clearances theoretically. “But we cracked it by creating automated Excel models using advanced optimization algorithms,” he says confidently. “Similarly, designing inputs for transmission line towers required extensive hard coding to automate variations, for which arriving at the right logic was a challenge,” he says, adding about their performance issues due to all the many variables involved.
Karthick credits his seniors for guiding the software’s structure and supporting him in eliminating unworkable models from probability outputs. “Being new, we had to build this optimizer from scratch, and their insights in filtering possibilities were invaluable,” he acknowledges. His team members, meanwhile, tested the software under multiple scenarios and debugged issues to make the tool usable. “It was a synergy between IT engineers and core civil engineers, two completely different worlds!” he laughs. “Our success is only because both sides learned the basics of each other’s domain.”
He is already looking ahead to explore the next upgrades to the software like integrating data analytics and machine learning into the optimizer for even faster and more accurate results. “We’re also investigating ways to ease inputs and extend the scope beyond TLT to a more generic platform,” he remarks.
A native of Madurai, Karthick is married to Kavitha, a product tester for Intellect Design Arena. “Presently, my favourite hobby is simply playing with my son, Kiyash,” he smiles. A proud recipient of the GEM Award in FY 2024–25, he cherishes the recognition as one of his most memorable moments. “What makes me proudest of L&T,” he concludes, “is that it’s a place where you can make yourself heard, and where peers and managers support you, both technically and personally.”
GUNG-HO ABOUT DEVELOPING
DIGITAL TOOLS
Ratnadeep Kiran Fulambrikar
Assistant Engineering Manager (Civil), PT&D IC
“I previously contributed to the development of a web-based platform for Engineering Calculation Modules (ECA) and played a key role in creating a fully indigenous tower design software, TLT Soft, which has been successfully utilized in various operational and tender projects,” Ratnadeep Kiran Fulambrikar informs proudly. “It later served as the foundational framework for the development of the TLT-COP tool, further advancing our capabilities in tower design automation.”
Traditionally, the associated costs, weights, and quantities for tender submissions were estimated manually, evaluating one configuration at a time, limiting the ability to explore design alternatives due to time and resource constraints. “We thus introduced the Transmission Line Tower and Foundation Combined Optimizer (TLT-COP), which automates the entire process, to rapidly generate and evaluate multiple design configurations without human intervention,” Ratnadeep explains. “This not only broadened the design capabilities but also enabled faster, optimized, and cost-effective solutions within shorter turnaround times across diverse datasets.”
One of Ratnadeep’s primary challenges was integrating multiple software into a unified platform, as the solution needed to seamlessly coordinate between three major software tools, each generating substantial amounts of data. “We tackled it through robotic process automation (RPA) by using Microsoft Power Automate, CLI commands, and Python coding,” he reveals. “By avoiding any human intervention during the process, we ensured accuracy and speed.”
Another challenge was to ensure that the system remained scalable and adaptable for future developments, keeping the architecture open for enhancements and new features. “We achieved this by making input & output formats suitable for trends in the market like API, .JSON file, .YAML file, and MS Office,” Ratnadeep recalls.
“To support high-performance software functionality, a robust backend architecture is essential,” he advises. “This ensures smooth integration of multiple tools and efficient handling of large volumes of data generated during processes.” He adds that to guarantee the reliability and efficiency of the software, rigorous and repeated rounds of testing is a must. Ratnadeep envisions an advanced AI-based software with the flexibility to adapt to new terrains, evolving client requirements, and changing Codal provisions to empower engineering teams to respond dynamically to complex design challenges and regulatory updates, while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency.
A native of Karad in Maharashtra’s Satara district, nestled along the banks of the Krishna and Koyna Rivers, Ratnadeep is married to Sneha, a mechanical engineer with a postgraduate degree in machine design working in Michelin’s R&D department. The magical moment of receiving the offer letter from L&T is Ratnadeep’s most memorable; “A Holi celebration with friends & colleagues at the HQ campus after the quarantine-ridden Covid days is a close second!” he laughs.
DELIVERING A TOOL WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS
Shivang Sanjaybhai Bhatt
Senior Design Engineer (Structural), PT&D IC
After stints at several transmission line projects focusing on structural engineering and tower design, Shivang Sanjaybhai Bhatt is now also a part of the digital initiatives team behind the TLT-COP tool. “This innovative software ecosystem enables the simultaneous optimization of tower configuration, electrical clearances, structural design, and foundation, rather than optimizing them separately as done traditionally,” he says.
“The success of the TLT-COP initiative is a testament to the dedicated collaboration and support from both my seniors and team members,” Shivang says, smiling. “Most of all, the enthusiastic acceptance and current widespread use of the software by the end users reflect the collective effort and trust placed in this digital solution. The supportive environment fostered by the seniors encourages innovation & swift problem-solving and enables us to scale our processes effectively and maintain high-speed delivery without compromising on quality.”
The numerous variables involved in the combined optimization of transmission line towers and foundations was a complex challenge for the TLT-COP team. “This integrated optimization approach is novel and not commonly practised in the transmission line industry, making it a demanding task even for major industry players,” Shivang remarks. “Particularly, optimizing the foundation design proved to be more complex than tower member optimization.” However, by applying the simple yet robust logic of trial & error for tower design and leveraging advanced techniques such as particle swarm optimization for foundation design, coupled with the invaluable guidance and domain expertise of his seniors, the team emerged victorious.
Shivang recalls the generation of an overwhelmingly large number of tower models by the software, many exhibiting unusual geometry and therefore being impractical for use. “To address this, we implemented an angle filter — a user-defined criterion that screens and excludes a typical tower models from the optimization process,” he elaborates. “This filtering mechanism significantly reduced the number of models proceeding through the system, streamlining the entire optimization process and reducing computation time by several folds, for faster project execution.”
“In today’s data-driven world, the value of comprehensive, high-quality data cannot be overstated,” Shivang comments smartly. “Having a robust data management system would open up significant opportunities to leverage advanced technologies such as machine learning, predictive analytics, pattern recognition, and automated decision-making.”
Hailing from Gujarat, Shivang is an ardent motorsport and aviation fan. “l also enjoy reading extensively on history and geopolitics whenever time permits,” he shares, mentioning the office Diwali 2024 celebrations as most memorable. “The entire floor was beautifully decorated, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere that made the workplace feel like a home away from home. This sense of camaraderie and warmth is something I deeply cherish about being part of L&T.”