A QUIET TRANSFORMATION

Vinayak Pai, CEO, Tata Projects, has a vision to propel the company to newer heights taking along with him the people and technologies

-  JAYASHREE KINI MENDES

When it comes to building large complex infrastructure and real estate projects, Tata Projects is unrivalled. The Indian firm, part of the Tata Group conglomerate, has redrawn many a country's map. Throw in everything else from power plants to refineries to bridges to dams to airports and even an SLV launch pad, and it all adds up to a lot of mortar. While the company has been bagging prestigious projects across states and continents, it has also seen a change at the management level early this year. Vinayak Pai, CEO, Tata Projects, has taken over the reins of the corporate and is now bringing in his own distinct style to the world of infrastructure.

His first job as taking over has been to get deeper insights into the projects that are under execution across the country. In his words, "I have been paying a visit to project sites and reviewing progress. It is heartening to see their zeal to build projects of national importance. Importantly, what I found remarkable is the importance given to safety at the sites, considering that is something most Indian companies are known not to adhere to strictly."

His surprise is not unexpected. Having carved a successful career overseas last five years, mainly with Jacobs and then Worley, Pai knows that the global construction and engineering industry is very different from its Indian counterpart because it has evolved over time and put its fundamentals into place. "Globally, firms put a huge emphasis on planning, avoiding cost overruns and adhering to timelines - in addition to having digital processes in place. This helps to achieve optimum construction efficiency," he adds.

The idea is to first understand the lay of the land before changing what needs to be changed.

SOME MARQUEE PROJECTS

• Parliament Building

• Mumbai Trans Harbour Link - India's longest sea bridge upon completion