ecchelmet DHAKA METRO
A zero-tolerance approach
The Dhaka Metro project team is a proud lot for having constructed a first-of-its-kind Mass Rapid Transit System in Bangladesh, a turnkey system project involving total system integration. Planned in two phases (Phase‑1, from Uttara North to Agargaon & Phase‑2, from Bijoy Sarani to Motijheel), stretching around 20 km, with 16 stations & one depot, their foremost challenge was interfacing with multiple subcontractors both local and international on a day-to-day basis. The other was to maintain their impeccable EHS performance.
“We have clocked 9.6 million safe manhours till date, without LTI, and we are the first project in TI IC and Railways SBG to win the Platinum LIFE Award,” shares a proud Project Director, Debakash Banerjee. “You would agree that in a project of this size several factors have worked in our favour like inculcating safety habits, adhering to a regimented schedule, systematic training, top management commitment, and regular mental well-being programmes.” Their success is hard-earned, and their latest triumph has been L&T Construction’s Safety Award – 2023.
A project of this size several factors have worked in our favour like inculcating safety habits, adhering to a regimented schedule, systematic training, top management commitment, and regular mental well-being programmes.
Debakash Banerjee
Project Director
Tracking progress
Installing the overhead catenary 1,500 V DC traction system was a unique job being attempted in Bangladesh for the first time; hitherto it was being used only in Japan. Working on tracks, both ballasted and ballast less, posed another safety challenge, points out EHS Head, Amjad Hussain. “OCS charging can be tricky from a safety perspective, for we have to alert workers at least 3 hours in advance who are working on the track that could stretch for kilometres. Even during shutdown at the charge section, we use the discharger to work safely while normalizing the line.” Amjad is certainly a happy man, for the entire task has been completed without LTI.
OCS charging can be tricky from a safety perspective, for we have to alert workers at least 3 hours in advance who are working on the track that could stretch for kilometres. Even during shutdown at the charge section, we use the discharger to work safely while normalizing the line.
Amjad Hussain
EHS Head
Another intervention that upped the team’s Safety quotient was to transport material that was initially being done on track trolleys without a braking system. Realizing the dangers and inspired by the baggage trolley system deployed at airports, called the Deadman braking system, the team devised a trolley with a similar braking system that improved both efficiency and safety. Robotic stair climbers were introduced to lift material of up to 400 kg, which hastened movement of material to the various stations. What has certainly warmed the hearts of both Debakash and Amjad is that they have not only expertly managed change but also facilitated the quick adoption of these new ways of working that have significantly contributed to the project’s success and even helped them to tide over the challenges of
COVID-19 in a foreign land.
Balanced emotional health
The importance of maintaining the people’s well-being at site and creating and sustaining a healthy & safe work culture is not lost on Debakash and his team, so apart from regular training, the weekly & monthly engagement activities and appreciation through incentive schemes help to cascade the need to follow safe practices. “Work from height is one of our most important activities at site that requires not only professional training but also for the worker to be in the right frame of mind,” mentions Debakash; “hence, we have a mandatory Acrophobia test that the workers must undergo, in the presence of medical professionals, to testify their fitness for the job.”
Amjad ticks off several steps that the team has taken to ensure that the OCS works are carried out safely at height. All the work platforms and ladders are certified by a third party to conform to norms and equipped with fall protection arrangements, and the green tag system is followed for every equipment followed by monthly inspections. “The route for RRV movement is cleared beforehand; we have OCS-specific permits & checklists and dedicated, certified flagmen, and only certified workmen engaged in OCS height work,” informs Amjad, adding that the entire process is strictly supervised.
Digitally savvy
Digital tools like the WISA and SHEILD apps have improved the team’s adherence to compliances and efficiency. A total of 459 observations have been raised through SHEILD, and the team has adeptly closed them all. The usage of STARRT (Safety Task Analysis & Risk Reduction Talk) has ensured proper risk analysis for high-risk activities.
In addition, the team has introduced track-mounted mobile toilets & portable track-mounted workmen shed (for viaduct). Tree plantation is a regular activity at site to contribute to a greener environment.
Debakash, Amjad, and their team have a lot to write home about, for their unwavering focus on EHS has won them loads of recognition and awards: the BSC Sword of Honour and the BSC Five Star distinction in FSA Audit with a score of 95.5% – 2022; BSC’s ISA Best in Country Award – Bangladesh – 2023 and ISA Award Distinction – 2023; RoSPA Golds in 2022 & 2023; the LIFE Award in the Metro Category in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023; and L&T’s Platinum Award in 2021.
Bhupesh Mahajan, a seasoned construction manager specializing in lift and escalator installations, commenced his tenure with L&T at the Dhaka Metro Project in 2018, although prior to which he was involved with major endeavours like phases of the Delhi Metro and Indian Air Force projects. His role in the Safety Award–winning project involved implementing key initiatives for heavy erection activities, standardized safety protocols, and digital solutions.
“Being a part of the Dhaka Metro Project marks a significant milestone in my journey with L&T,” Bhupesh reflects. “It’s an honour to contribute to such a ground-breaking project!” He proceeds to share some of the unique initiatives implemented at the project.
“Apart from the standard safety protocols, we took strategic measures such as selecting skilled resources for heavy erection tasks, comprehensive training programmes for workers, and standardizing scaffolding procedures within lift shafts,” he explains. “Operating within heavy rain zones was challenging while the scarcity of skilled manpower for commissioning work was another major hurdle.” He is thankful for their digital ecosystem that helps the team to efficiently create and track pre-work assessments, rectifications, and corrective actions in a timely manner, resulting in zero LTI at the site level.
Acknowledging the role played by seniors and colleagues, Bhupesh expresses gratitude for their support. “The Project Director and all my colleagues have put in their best efforts to make this project a great success,” he says. “Regular reviews by the senior management on safety aspects have helped ensure an incident-free site.”
- We took strategic measures such as selecting skilled resources for heavy erection tasks, comprehensive training programmes for workers, and standardizing scaffolding procedures within lift shafts.
Away from the rigour of the construction site, Bhupesh spends his free time doing yoga, walking, or working out. “My wife, Deepali Mahajan, is a homemaker, and my elder son Abhinav got married last month while my second son, Pranav is pursuing his final-year engineering at the Delhi College of Engineering. My family is my everything,” he says with great feeling.
Reflecting on his career in the construction industry and his five years association with L&T, Bhupesh underscores the organization’s commitment to cultivating a sustainable and injury-free working environment. “L&T is a process-oriented, cultured organization which cares for its employees’ safety,” he affirms. “It’s a privilege to be part of such an esteemed organization.”
MICRO-PLANNING & MONITORING, KEY TO SUCCESS
Sudipta Basak
Construction Manager (Elec), TI IC (RBG)
My working style is about microplanning and
monitoring that are my key to success. I train my
subordinates and monitor their work so that they
are capable of handling site operations efficiently.
At the same time, I train the local workmen about
working at height at a metro project with proper
safety measures.
“My working style is about microplanning and monitoring that are my key to success,” shares Sudipta Basak, from his present assignment at the Safety Award winning Dhaka Metro Project. “I train my subordinates and monitor their work so that they are capable of handling site operations efficiently. At the same time, I train the local workmen about working at height at a metro project with proper safety measures,” he explains.
In the ten years that he has been with L&T, Sudipta has worked on other notable projects like the Delhi Metro (DMRC CE07) from December 2014 to July 2017 as Assistant Manager and the Lucknow Metro (LKE 1&2) from August 2017 to October 2020 as Assistant Construction Manager.
Digital solutions are playing a crucial role in driving the team’s safety efforts. “With the Sheild App, EHS personnel are now able to promptly raise work observations and following rectifications, site engineers can prepare compliances and close observations through the App,” he says, extolling the benefits of digital solutions. “These have helped streamline our safety protocols and ensure swift and prompt action,” his smile says it all.
Underscoring the importance of teamwork and collaboration at a construction site, Sudipta acknowledges the support he has been receiving from the seniors at site and the cooperation from his team members to complete the targeted work in time. “I feel most grateful to my immediate superior, Shamim Ahmed Khan, who shares with us his impressive experience of 30 years in the Indian Railway sector,” he shares with feeling.
“L&T is revered as a Nation Builder,” he enthuses, showing his emotional connect with the company, “and being a part of this great organization is a matter of pride for me.” A moment to cherish at work for him was the commissioning of the Lucknow Metro Rail project.
On his personal front, Sudipta hails from Kolkata and is married to Suvadipa Basak, a homemaker. He enjoys spending quality time with his family, especially his son, Soumya Krishna Basak, and relaxes by listening to music during his free time.
Riding on his international experience
Marimuthu S
Assistant Construction Manager (Civil), TI IC (RBG)
After two years apiece at the Ariyalur to Valadi and Ariyalur to Viruthachalam Railway Doubling Projects since joining L&T as a DET in August 2012, S Marimuthu got the opportunity to work at the Riyadh Metro Project as a Senior Engineer for 4 years, after which he has been at the Safety Award–winning Dhaka Metro project. “Here, I have capitalized on my international experience to drive both my construction and maintenance teams to execute day-to-day activities as per L&T’s safety standards,” he says, with a sense of purpose.
His focus at Bangladesh’s first metro project has been to maintain a safe working culture and, at the same time, build a competent workforce. “We work as a team to resolve safetyrelated issues,” he conveys, “ensuring that safety checklists and protocols are diligently followed during the construction and maintenance periods to mitigate hazards at site.”
Support from his seniors has prepared and helped him achieve his targets with quality and safety. “They guide me how to face and manage the client and sub-contractors to meet site and company requirements,” he notes gratefully, before adding, “I am also indebted to my Riyadh Metro & Dhaka Metro team members for their wholehearted support in achieving international safety standards.”
Marimuthu praises the SHEILD app that helps to escalate issues to senior safety officers and issue work permits and observations, both internal and external. “This has increased the coordination between the Safety and Execution teams, and the Safety team is always aware of daily progress.”
A native of Vannarpettai, Tamil Nadu, Marimuthu is married to Iswarya, a homemaker. They are blessed with a daughter, Meenu Devi. Marimuthu enjoys reading and watching movies, and he is also an artist and Tamil poet.
“At Railway projects, I find the commissioning stage to be a most memorable milestone that gives immense personal satisfaction of a job well done,” he notes, thanking L&T for the opportunity to work in transportation & infrastructure. “I have been able to fully utilize my skills and knowledge to contribute towards nation-building with high standards. My effort may be little in the grander scheme of things, but it creates a spark that lights up our organization in glory,” he remarks poetically, signing off.
Apart from implementing Integrated
Management Systems (IMS) and
adhering to local legal requirements, we
have several special initiatives that have
been instrumental in us winning this
esteemed award.
Rishav Ranjan Das
Assistant Manager (EHS), TI IC (RBG)
Achieving EHS excellence overseas
A highpoint in Rishav Ranjan Das’s fledgling association with L&T that began at the Ahmedabad Metro in June 2018 as a GET, is being part of his current team at Dhaka Metro that won L&T Construction’s Safety Award – 2023. For an EHS professional, the award is an affirmation of their constant focus and perseverance to drive EHS at site.
“Apart from implementing Integrated Management Systems (IMS) and adhering to local legal requirements, we have several special initiatives that have been instrumental in us winning this esteemed award,” he remarks excitedly. One such is conducting a comprehensive Safety Culture Survey to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the project’s safety, occupational health, and welfare systems.
Rishav emphasizes the importance of promoting employee well-being by implementing a specialized Workforce Wellbeing Programme. Additionally, he is working on Competence Mapping every team member, to decide on tailored training programmes to effectively meet specific project requirements.
As an EHS professional on overseas projects, Rishav agrees that he encounters various challenges that demand proactive solutions. “Right from ensuring compliance with local safety regulations to conducting thorough risk assessments and communicating safety procedures to diverse stakeholders,” he mentions, apart from managing a diverse workforce and addressing resistance to adhering to safety protocols. Digital solutions too have played a pivotal role to drive their safety efforts by optimizing time management.
Grateful for the support of seniors and team members, Rishav acknowledges their invaluable contributions to the EHS team’s safety initiatives. “Their guidance, expertise, and collaboration have been instrumental in implementing effective safety measures and overcoming challenges,” he affirms.
Hailing from Kendrapara, Odisha, Rishav has recently married Sonalisha Das, a homemaker. During his free time, he indulges in his passion for football, finding joy and relaxation on the field.
Concluding this short tete-a-tete, Rishav expresses pride in the organization’s commitment to cultivate a sustainable and injury-free working environment. “Winning significant national and international awards underscores the steadfast commitment of our top management to prioritize safety and well-being,” he says with an air of positivity.
We have developed safe work procedures, and
risk assessments for various activities to mitigate
potential hazards, have implemented preventive
measures, trained our team members and the
workforce on safety protocols and procedures to be
followed during day-to-day execution activities.
REFINING HIS
PERFORMANCE
WITH CONSTRUCTIVE
FEEDBACK
Rajasekhar Pendekal
Senior Engineer (Elec), TI IC (RBG)
“My most memorable moment that I will always cherish is being a part of the Dhaka Metro Rail project team that developed from scratch and operationalized the first ever electrified metro traction system in Bangladesh,” shares an exhuberant Rajasekhar Pendekal. “This experience has been an incredibly enriching one for me, and it has been a journey during which I have learned so much and strived to become a better individual.” That the project has won L&T Construction’s Safety Award 2023 has been another highlight for him where as Senior Site Execution Engineer, Rajasekhar is responsible for the 1.5 kV DC electrification works involving design coordination, managing interfaces, and overseeing testing & commissioning of the OCS (Overhead Catenary System), TSS (Traction Substation), and ESS (Energy Storage System) works.
Sharing some their best practices, Rajasekhar shares, “We have developed safe work procedures, and risk assessments for various activities to mitigate potential hazards, have implemented preventive measures, trained our team members and the workforce on safety protocols and procedures to be followed during day-to-day execution activities.” He adds pre work toolbox talks and encouraging near miss reporting to his list.
Having begun his journey with L&T in August 2015 as a DET, that includes stints with the Chennai Metro and Lucknow Metro projects, he is proud of the company’s unwavering commitment to engineering excellence, where seniors and team members play a pivotal role in shaping the growth of people like Rajasekhar by appreciating their achievements and motivating them. “I receive constructive feedback from both my seniors and peers that has helped to refine my work and identify blind spots for continuous improvement,” he says with a sense of deep gratitude. “We engage collaboratively in brainstorming sessions to exchange ideas and perspectives, which has been enriching. Their creative and diverse viewpoints have sparked innovative solutions leading to fruitful outcomes,” he smiles.
Hailing from Guntakal, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasekhar is still single and spends his free time playing, reading, and watching movies.
GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES
Having joined the DMRC CE07 Project as a DET, Mohd Nafees Ahmad is still fresh at his second project, the Dhaka Metro. “At DMRC, I learned about 25 kV AC OHE installation along with testing & commissioning,” he begins. “At the Dhaka Metro Project, where I’ve been working for the past three years, I have done all the installation and testing & commissioning activities of 1.5 kV OCS, with zero injury at site. Our team winning the Safety Award for 2023 is a moment I’ll never forget!” he beams.
As a site engineer, Nafees ensures that his team members follow safety protocols during all kinds of activity. “We have implemented a comprehensive safety training programme and introduced a safety incentive programme where employees are rewarded for following safety guidelines, reporting hazards, and suggesting improvements to safety protocols, with regular safety audits and inspections,” he relates. A detailed emergency response plan outlines procedures for various emergency scenarios, and drills are conducted to ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
Nafees appreciates the digital solutions for revolutionizing safety management at worksites. “By analysing the data, we can identify patterns and root causes of accidents, enabling proactive measures to prevent future incidents. The interactive and immersive training modules, simulations, and VR experiences to educate workers about safety protocols and procedures are engaging and effective,” he remarks.
Nafees is thankful to his seniors and team members for playing their critical roles in mentoring, guiding, and supporting him. “Mr. Shamim Ahmad Khan and Mr. Sudipta Basak share their knowledge, expertise, and experience in technical & safety aspects, always advising on tackling challenges to help set realistic goals. I also thank Mr. Pendekal Rajasekhar for valuable feedback on performance and ideas, which has helped me identify areas for improvement and build upon my strengths,” he notes with a grateful smile.
“At L&T, younger-generation engineers have a great number of opportunities to take the lead in projects. The responsibilities help us improve our competency and ultimately make the organization shine,” Nafees declares enthusiastically. “That’s why I feel that L&T is one of the best construction companies in the world and truly a Great Place to Work.”
Hailing from Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, Nafees is still single. When away from the call of duty, he loves playing cricket & badminton and enjoys belting out a tune every now and then.
“In my view, every engineer, irrespective of discipline or designation, has the responsibility to promote Safety,” is what Safety means to Saibal Roy. Having joined L&T in 2018 at the EDFC CP-204 Project, he is now in the Lifts & Escalators Department at Dhaka Metro, where he proudly mentions that his team has achieved Zero LTIs since inception. “Winning the Safety Award 2023 shows our commitment and our positive attitude towards Safety.”
Convincing the local workers to adhere to safety guidelines has been a challenge for Saibal and team. “We need a calm and humble approach towards the team,” he says smartly, “focusing on keeping everyone relaxed in the field to persuade them to follow all safety requirements, which does wonders.”
Saibal feels he will always be indebted to his seniors and colleagues. “My immediate superior Mr. Bhupesh Mahajan always motivates me to perform consciously in every situation. Our EHS Head Mr. Amjad Hussain guides me on safety aspects both professionally and personally. The advice from Mr. Ashish Gupta, former Project Director, and Mr. Debakash Banerjee, Project Manager, is invaluable. They are true leaders in my view,” Saibal notes with a smile, adding that he is blessed to have colleagues who have transformed his EHS knowledge from ordinary to exceptional.
On the digital front, Saibal is all praise for the SHEILD app. “Every day, it encourages and reminds me to promote safety culture at the workplace and supervise site activities with an eagle eye, helping me identify any unsafe conditions and them instantly. In addition, our safety team’s ‘Learning from Incident’ feature regenerates the urge to maintain Safety in whatever I do.”
Saibal has aspired to work at L&T since his college days. “L&T’s work ethics, dedication to Safety, and devotion to sustain Quality in every activity is nothing short of extraordinary. I am and will always be proud of being an L&T‑ite and participating in nation building.”
A native of Kolkata, Saibal is the only son of Sankar Roy, a medical pharmacist, and Suchorita Roy, a homemaker. He is not yet married. “I love writing essays, and my article ‘The Severity of Climate Change and Its Possible Remedies’ has been published on the L&T EduTech blog in August 2023,” he informs proudly. In his spare time, Saibal likes reading books, both fiction and non-fiction, and listening to music. When asked about his most memorable moment, he remarks wisely, “I live each and every moment with honesty and integrity; keeping a positive attitude & growth mindset is my one and only focus. I possess equal value for every moment in my life.”