Powering safe progress in Abu Dhabi 

Towers erected with aviation warning spheres

“Every wire connected, every tower erected, and every substation commissioned is a testament to our commitment to protect our people, the communities we serve, and the environment,” remarks Joydip Saha, Project Manager of PT&D IC’s ESTIDAMA 220 kV Overhead Line (OHL) and Substation Project. “In this ‘New Now’ era, safety is deeply woven into our culture, where every individual feels empowered and responsible for their own well-being and that of their colleagues.”

The ESTIDAMA Project, situated in the rugged western region of Abu Dhabi, UAE, has bravely weathered post-COVID challenges along with a remote & harsh environment, in addition to the need for seamless coordination with a diverse array of stakeholders including Petrofac, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), TAQA, and Tractebel. “Our team didn’t just meet expectations; we have set new benchmarks,” Joydip adds with a smile.

Navigating complexity with precision

“With R Sathesh and Rajendra Prasad leading EHS on site – supported by Proloy Kumar Das, Cluster EHS Head, and N Selvam, Country EHS Head (UAE) – our team has embraced a highperformance safety culture,” notes Joydip. “Their proactive communication has been key in aligning diverse requirements and ensuring seamless execution, especially given the evolving HSE and market standards.”

The project’s complexity was amplified by numerous critical utility crossings, like the Etihad Railway, ADNOC Gas pipeline, ADNOC sulphur plant road, 33 kV transmission lines, and underground pipelines of GASCO & Takreer, each with unique HSE and competency demands.

“Our team responded with remarkable agility, ensuring strict compliance with all regulatory and contractor-specific guidelines while maintaining seamless execution,” highlights Sathesh. This adaptable approach was crucial when initial assessments missed the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) zones near oilfields in the substation area. “We swiftly adapted, establishing dedicated work procedures for greenfield operations in these newly identified H₂S–affected zones.”

A milestone achievement in this challenging environment was the safe erection of two 220 kV power transformers, each weighing 170 tons, inside the substation. “This intricate task, carried out within the ADNOC Gas area, demanded a dedicated traffic management plan and strict adherence to ADNOC’s rigorous safety protocols, ultimately completed without a single incident,” recalls Ajay Soni, Planning Manager, with relief.

Digital tools for award-winning safety standards

To ensure a proactive safety culture and enhance operational efficiency, the ESTIDAMA project team has embraced cutting-edge digital innovations, including Virtual Reality (VR)–based training that has brought immersive and impactful EHS awareness to the workforce, while the SHEILD app is an indispensable tool for managing safety protocols.

A RoSPA Gold Award and ADNOC’s Best EHS Performer and Environmental Initiatives Awards are due recognition for their EHS efforts.

Fostering a safety culture

Safety on site has been maintained through structured protocols, including weekly safety walks, periodic reviews, extensive safety training programmes, and routine audits of workmen camps and facilities. Beyond routine checks, the team has implemented a series of focused safety and environmental campaigns, ensuring encouraging participation and understanding of topics such as road safety, electrical safety, PPE compliance, hand & finger injury prevention, working at height, and environmental awareness.

“Our campaigns utilize interactive toolbox talks, visual displays, quizzes, mock drills, and practical demonstrations,” shares Rajendra, “which have deepened the safety consciousness of the entire team, making it an integral part of our site culture.”

The ‘green’ promise goes beyond infrastructure

“We believe sustainability begins at home,” says Rajendra. “During the Environmental Sustainability Week, we encouraged our workmen and families of employees to plant saplings at their respective locations.”

At the site, the team has implemented steps to reduce its environmental footprint, including solar-powered solutions for energy efficiency and recycling & repurposing concrete waste.

These eco-conscious practices not only led to the renewal of the company’s Trade License by meeting Abu Dhabi’s green project criteria but also directly enhanced the In-Country Value (ICV), a critical metric in the UAE supporting local economic development. “By aligning with ADNOC’s ICV framework, we added measurable value to the local economy and strengthened our standing in future tender evaluations,” reveals Joydip with pride. “These collective sustainability efforts have enhanced our overall project value and reinforced L&T’s reputation as a responsible and forward-looking EPC contractor in the UAE.”

The ESTIDAMA Project is setting new EHS standards for PT&D projects across the region and as the team forges ahead, Joydip and his team are aware of their commitment to keep men, material & equipment safe in a challenging environment.