KALEIDOSCOPE CELEBRATING OUR WOMEN OF WORTH (WOW) OUR WOMEN BUILDING & POWERING THE WORLD L&T IS INDIA’S BEST DIGITAL ENTERPRISE TIMELY DELIVERY CHAMPIONS: 132/11 KV TLALGHAF SUBSTATION, UAE QUALITY CHAMPIONS: TEACHING HOSPITAL AT FLACQ, MAURITIUS QUALITY CHAMPIONS: KUDANKULAM NUCLEAR POWER PLANT - UNITS 3 & 4
QUALITY CHAMPIONS: DELHI–MEERUT RRTS TRACK WORKS PACKAGE 17 QUALITY CHAMPIONS: 210 MW GRID CONNECTED SOLAR PV POWER PLANT, BABARZAR AWARDS & RECOGNITION KALEIDOSCOPE WE ARE A PoSH COMPLIANT ORGANIZATION

“My career path is marked by commitment to excellence, passion for learning, and dedication to making meaningful contributions in every role I undertake at L&T which began in 2012 as a senior engineer at the TLT Pithampur Factory,” is how Anbarasan R introduces himself. L&T, to him, is not only about opportunities for professional growth but a continuous learning experience, honing his skills as a manager. “The successful completion and commissioning of my first project, the 800 kV RPTL line, India’s longest 800 KV transmission line, is my life’s most memorable moment,” he enthuses.

His present assignment at the Quality-award winning 210 MW Solar Power Project at Babarzar, Gujarat, marks an important milestone in his career. “Expanding from TL, I got an opportunity to work at an existing solar power plant project responsible to successfully execute the module mounting structure (MMS), erect PEB structures, and mounting modules from inception to completion, by effectively managing resources, schedules, and stakeholders.”

With such role clarity, Anbarasan is passionate and committed that all the activities being carried out are as per the approved SOP, continuously training all the supervisors and subcontractors. “I made a template to align the MMS and the module that has improved our productivity, and we are able to certify the client’s bills on time,” he shares proudly, adding the introduction of some unique tools like the step drill, TCT cutter to reduce the rework cost of stub castings and a wooden platform from module pallet scrap for DC cable crossing.

“Since our project’s land was situated on dry fissured rock, underground cabling was not possible and all the cables had to be taken over the land after which it was very difficult in shift the modules between them,” he points out, “hence, we used module wooden scraps as a platform over the laid cable to mitigate damage to the cables.” Digital solutions like N-pulse, QIR, and potential incident report (PIR) enable real-time monitoring, automation, collaboration, and predictive analytics.

Anbarasan is glad that the support of his seniors and team members are driving collective efforts to achieve shared objectives. “Through guidance, feedback, collaboration, and encouragement, we have empowered each other to contribute to our collective success.”

From Puducherry, Anbarasan’s better half is Vimala B.E,, a homemaker, and their lovely family includes their daughters, Sahana Rai and Jeffina Jose. He holds forth about his favourite pastime: “Swimming has become more than just a hobby for me; it’s a tranquil escape, where the rhythmic strokes against the water wash away the day’s stresses, leaving me refreshed and invigorated.”

There is no denying that in a construction project, collaboration among team members is vital for success and Shantanu is happy that seniors at site share their experience, knowledge and insights that are hugely helping the younger engineers. “We have successfully created a culture of continuous improvement through regular feedback, recognizing and celebrating achievements at the site,” he smiles.

Digital project management tools are helping the team to plan, schedule, and monitor project activities, easily document and report issues in real-time while IoT sensors embedded in construction materials and equipment are streaming data on productivity, consumption of fuel, idling of machineries, etc.

Hailing from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, Shantanu’s life partner is Toya Mitra Mustafi, a homemaker. Reading, watching thrillers & documentaries, and travelling are what thrills him.

KEEPING A GOOD THING GOING

“At L&T, our Standard Operating Procedures are unique and unmatched, the management system efficient and conducive to our work processes, ensuring meticulous planning and flawless execution,” shares an extremely impressed Bijay Kumar Pandey, about the prevailing systems at L&T. He continues, “The administration department is exceptionally robust too, ensuring smooth operations.”

With so many things in his favour, Bijay’s task at his Quality award-winning project, the 210 MW Solar Project at Babarzar, Gujarat, is to maintain consistency in product quality across various locations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, managing inventory to prevent stockouts or overstocking, and addressing customer complaints and feedback promptly. “We implement efficient quality control processes, train store staff to uphold quality standards,” he remarks, “and manage supplier relationships to ensure the quality of incoming products.” Optimizing logistics and minimizing damage during transportation are two other critical considerations.

Bijay Kumar Pandey

Assistant Manager (Stores), PT&D IC

“Our tailored material management process has streamlined our store management operations, making it foolproof,” he says with pride. “Additionally, the core team of appointed ITI fitters are proficient in module manufacturing, ensuring flawless collection and transfer of materials.” He adds that “Implementing online indent booking and issuing various materials through e-Indent Processing has facilitated record-keeping.”

Having joined L&T in March 2010 at the Agra NATL 800 kV TL Project (UP), Bijay has worked at the Varanasi 765/400 kV DC VKTL Project and the 400 kV / 765 kV / DC MBTL / BLTL Project in Bhuj (Gujarat) before moving to the Babarzar Project. “L&T’s reputation as the top construction company underscores its excellence and leadership in the industry,” he says.

He attributes the support and guidance of his seniors and team members to cultivating a positive and productive work environment. “It improves behaviour-based quality, and we all gain with their valuable knowledge, insights and best practices.”

Bijay, a native of Jharkhand, shares, “I have two sons, Abhijeet, and Ankit both in 10th grade, and I credit my wife, Amita, for her dedication to take care of our family. Despite our busy schedules and limited time for entertainment, it’s a comforting feeling to have my family waiting for me when I return home after a challenging day at work,” he concludes with a blissful look.

FINDING HIS PLACE UNDER THE SUN

Maneesh Singh

Assistant Construction Manager (Elec), PT&D IC

Delighted to be part of the Quality-award winning 210MW Solar PV Project at Babarzar, Maneesh Singh is equally grateful for the various opportunities he has had during his professional journey with L&T as an electrical engineer. Already 7-project strong, he says, “Each of my projects has presented unique challenges and learning opportunities to develop a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of solar engineering, enriched my knowledge, honed my problem-solving skills and helped my well-rounded development in the field of electrical engineering.”

At his present assignment, transitioning to a larger plan called for adaptability and continuous learning in solar engineering. Electrical execution at the MCR (Main Control Room), managing a 66 kV switchyard, overseeing the laying of 66 kV cables and dealing with approximately 2,550 cum of excavation on hard rock were all adeptly handled. “The challenge of achieving the required earth value highlights the multifaceted nature of the project,” remarks Maneesh.

“Using an extra earth enhancement compound over the buried earth flat and the extra earth pit demonstrate our proactive approach to ensure the effectiveness of the electrical grounding systems, that was crucial for the overall safety and performance of the solar project.” The team encountered behaviour-based quality issues too as mindsets and team behaviour are critical to achieving and maintaining high-quality standards.

Digital Apps helped to pre-identify quality issues during execution for prompt corrective action. “This resulted in zero major quality observations,” states Maneesh with a broad smile.

“The support and guidance from both my seniors and team members have fostered a positive and productive work environment,” he observes. “Seniors, with their experience, share valuable insights and best practices whenever required that has helped enhance our collective knowledge.” Maneesh adds that their guidance has helped to maintain healthy relationships with stakeholders for smoother project execution, effective collaboration, and positive outcomes.

Working with L&T is more than just a job for Maneesh; it is a commitment to contribute to the country’s larger goals and advancements. “Working in areas that impact defence, space exploration, infrastructure development, transportation, and power generation make us true nation builders,” he signs off, his chest swelling with pride.

Beginning his association with L&T as a GET in 2015, Jeya Prakash has enjoyed the privilege of working on diverse and challenging transmission line and solar projects that, he declares, “has not only honed my technical skills but also shaped my understanding of the practical applications of the principles of engineering.” In his current role as Planning Manager for the 210 MW Solar PV Project in Babarzar, he is involved in executing lump-sum turnkey contracts. “Here, I have grown professionally as well as solidified my skills as an engineer in a dynamic and evolving industry.” Perhaps, even more satisfying is that the project won the Quality Award at the IC level followed by winning L&T Construction’s Quality Award 2023 too.

It has been a challenging assignment faced with the task of improving behaviour-based quality by emphasizing the importance of prioritizing a series of activities rather than categorizing them as minor tasks, involving various training sessions for workmen and staff. “A unique challenge is that a portion of the land was situated on dry fissured rock, a geological condition that resulted in the auguring collapsing immediately after the rig was removed,” apprises Jeya Prakash. “We came up with a simple yet effective remedy – utilizing long-handled spoons to properly clean the collapsed soil from auguring.”

Jeya Prakash is thankful to the entire project team for their substantial contributions to maintain quality standards. “Every activity is accorded equal importance, starting from material stacking in the store to completing finishing activities on-site.” Another contributory factor to their success has been digitalization, enabling them to efficiently monitor deviations from standard quality. “These deviations are promptly brought to the attention of responsible staff, for proactive measures to avoid rework at later stages,” he explains. QIR and Potential Incident Report (PIR) have further reduced rework.

What he loves about L&T is an inclusive approach where everyone, including new joiners and trainees, have the privilege to implement their new thoughts, ideas, and initiatives without prejudice. Jeya Prakash hailing from Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, is married to Subha Shree J, a homemaker, and they are blessed with a son, Thiyaneeshwaran J. To unwind he listens to music; otherwise, he keeps learning various aspects of effective project management on the company’s portals. A high point in his career was the Quality Award; another was the successful commissioning of the 320 kV HVDC Pugalur to Trissur Project, a one-of-its-kind project.

Right from his school days, young Bhaskar Dey has loved video games. Now, with the convenience of technology he has taken his favourite pastime to another level as he has done with his career at L&T that began as a DET in 2016. “Throughout I’ve had the privilege to contribute to several noteworthy Solar & UPD projects, each of which presented distinct challenges, invaluable learning opportunities, enabling me to gain a holistic understanding of solar engineering,” he explains. “My projects have enriched my knowledge, sharpened my problem-solving abilities, and transformed me into a well-rounded professional in the realm of electrical engineering.”

He is presently leading a civil team of seven at the Quality Award-winning 210 MW GSECL Solar PV Project at Babarzar. “My role has since expanded to include interactions with the client regarding payments and Joint Measurement certifications.” About his site, he proudly describes, “The first thing that catches the eye is the exceptional quality of our 19 km long precast boundary work made of precast panels, manufactured on-site at a small-scale production unit to ensure the desired quality standards.”

Elaborating on some of his challenges at the site, Bhaskar mentions the huge task of sinking 114,756 piles on a terrain that presented significant obstacles. “It required extensive efforts to cut and level the slopes to facilitate the piling works and we succeeded thanks to meticulous planning, skilled execution, and steadfast commitment,” he remarks. The team has encountered behaviour-based quality issues too that they have been handling tactfully. He mentions about the digital Quality App that is helping to pre-empt quality issues while executing work for prompt corrective action resulting in zero major quality observations.

The support and guidance of both seniors and team members foster a positive and productive work environment. “Team members like me benefit from this to help us navigate safely through challenges,” he says gratefully. “They keep encouraging and motivating us to continue making positive contributions.”

Hailing from Matiala, New Delhi, Bhaskar is currently unmarried and lives with his parents and younger sister. “After 25 years, last year we moved into our own home in Delhi, the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance by my family that gives me a huge sense of fulfilment and pride.”

About L&T he says that working in areas that directly impact infrastructure development makes us genuine nation builders. “We take immense pride in our role as true contributors to the development and prosperity of our nation,” he concludes on a high.