DELIGHTING THE CLIENT BY DELIVERING
ON TIME
132 kV NADHESSA Substation for DEWA, UAE
While completing a project ahead of contractual commitments and winning L&T Construction’s Timely Delivery Award – 2024 are matters of great pride, what must have thrilled Project Manager, P Vadivelu and his team at the NAHESSA 132/11 kV Substation project in Dubai even more is the appreciation and accolades they received from a delighted client, the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA).
“By energizing the substation 5 months ahead of schedule, this project stands as a beacon of success, a testament to L&T’s capability to deliver exceptional results and an example of our successful collaboration with DEWA,” says a delighted Vadivelu.
“It was a journey of innovation, collaboration and dedication with our skilled and devoted team demonstrating unparalleled technical prowess and overcoming challenges to ensure the seamless execution of this critical infrastructure project.” At another level, this not only reinforces L&T’s reputation for reliability and precision but also underscores its proactive approach to project management.
The project executed by a powered team from PT&D IC, is intended to power the upcoming Data Centres being developed by the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones (DIEZ) and involved Engineering, Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of 8 bays of 132 kV GIS, three Power Transformers, 71 bays of 11 kV Switchgears, associated protection panels, a civil building, HVAC, LSP and FPS systems.
Many constraints. Many more solutions
Perhaps, one of the initial constraints facing the team was the limited space to manoeuvre for construction. “Despite these constraints, the developer, DIEZ, was extremely aggressive in their approach, determined to commission the substation within the contractual duration to facilitate the development of their respective zones,” recalls Vadivelu, grimly, who is also the Planning Head for the project.
Another challenge was the introduction of the DOSS concept by DEWA. “It was being implemented for the first time in the DEWA network at our project that impacted design approvals, the Factory Acceptance Tests and delivery of major secondary equipment required to commission the project,” moans Vadivelu but immediately brightens up and says with steel in his voice: “We met these hurdles with resilience and strategic thinking and our innovative solutions not only addressed the immediate issues but also enhanced the overall project outcome.”
Engineering is always the first activity in a construction project which builds the momentum for further activities to perform better. “Our engineering team chose to submit the Overall Equipment Layout (OEL) in two stages, segregating the architectural and equipment details along with cable orientation that enabled us to proceed with the submission of the civil drawings and site activities,” informs Quality In-charge, Mohamed Rasiq.
Additionally, the team convinced the DEWA Engineering team to review and approve the entire civil & MEP drawings (150 Nos) in bulk submissions (5 Nos) instead of doing them sequentially. Taking the DEWA and the Developer into confidence, the team arranged multiple workshops to secure design approvals in stages. The result was that they were able to complete the casting of the substation raft in a record 217 days from the award of the project, that included shoring (all the 4 sides), erecting 697 stone columns and diverting an existing 225 mm dia waterline.
Vadivelu mentions introducing the lean methodology, SCRUM, at the project. “SCRUM meetings involving all critical stakeholders were conducted daily to promptly resolve bottlenecks and we convinced the client for FATs saving time in scheduling, processing and overseas travel,” he says with an encouraging nod.
The availability of incomer cables could have potentially derailed project progress. The team, however, was prompt to follow up with the cable contractor, appointed by DEWA, to propose possible options to ensure their readiness in line with the targeted commissioning schedule. That the project was completed in time reveals the team’s success.
Collaboration & teamwork to the fore
A project of this magnitude could only have thrived on the collective efforts of a diverse and talented team and Vadivelu is delighted with their collaborative spirit that enabled a free flow of ideas, creativity and problem-solving. “Each team member brought his or her unique skills and perspectives, contributing to the project’s success,” he notes.
In the grand tapestry of PT&D, NADHESSA 132/11kV Substation project stands as a testament to the capabilities of a dedicated and collaborative team. The journey from conception to completion has not only realized the initial vision but has set a new standard for excellence. Another reason for Vadivelu and his team to celebrate is that their project showcased the wonderful synergy and collaboration between the DEWA and L&T, laying the ground for a sustained and fruitful association going forward.
SCRUM meetings involving all critical stakeholders were conducted daily to promptly resolve bottlenecks and we convinced the client for FATs saving time in scheduling, processing and overseas travel.
P Vadivelu
Project Manager
