Tata Projects: Modern Construction & Sustainable Infra in Airport Development
Raman Kapil, President & COO, Buildings & Infrastructure SBU, Tata Projects, shares insights on the industry's shift towards modern construction methods, the challenges of executing large-scale projects like Noida International Airport, and the company’s commitment to sustainable and resilient infrastructure development.
Shift Towards Modern Construction Methods
In the past, we primarily relied on traditional methods like manual labour, minimal mechanization, and conventional construction materials with limited use of advanced or sustainable alternatives. While these methods were effective at the time, they often led to longer construction timelines, safety risks, lower efficiency, and limited sustainability. The shift towards modern construction technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modelling), prefabrication, automation, robotics, and advanced materials has significantly improved structural integrity and sustainability. Airport designs now focus on passenger comfort, aesthetics, and the seamless integration of regional culture within modern architectural frameworks.
Accelerating Noida International Airport Construction Amid Challenges
Airport construction projects of the scale of Noida International Airport (NIA) typically take 42-48 months, whereas NIA was planned to be completed within 30 months. Delays often arise due to an unclear definition of scope, unforeseen geological conditions, labour shortages, inadequate planning, and contractual disputes. Despite these challenges, efforts are in place to complete the project early next financial year.
Measures to mitigate such delays include streamlined processes, agile design approaches, robust project management with clearly defined contingency plans, swift finalization of specifications, and diligent contract management. Establishing dispute resolution mechanisms that foster collaboration among stakeholders further ensures smoother execution and timely completion.
Prioritizing Safety and Resilience
Ensuring airport safety and resilience requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes robust design incorporating advanced engineering principles and high-performance materials, rigorous quality control through independent audits and stringent material testing, proactive risk management with comprehensive hazard assessments and emergency response plans, and the strategic integration of smart technologies for continuous structural monitoring and predictive maintenance.
At Noida International Airport, the roof has been meticulously designed in compliance with wind load design codes and a high factor of safety. During execution, utmost safety and high-quality standards are maintained through regular safety and quality audits.
Tata Projects’ Commitment to a Sustainable Future
At Tata Projects, we are aligned with the Tata Group’s vision for a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future through “Project Aalingana,” which aspires to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. As an EPC company, our sustainable practices focus on the execution phase, ensuring biodiversity is preserved in and around project locations through initiatives such as energy and emissions management, water conservation, modular construction, the use of alternative materials, and effective waste management.
Key measures to prioritize environmental impact include mandatory certifications like LEED and IGBC, energy-efficient design, and comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
Effective Collaboration for Successful Project Execution
Successful project execution relies on strong communication, early stakeholder engagement, proactive risk management, effective conflict resolution, and fostering trust among all parties involved. Establishing clear communication channels, holding regular meetings, and using a centralized platform for information sharing are essential for seamless coordination.
Engaging key stakeholders early in the planning and design phases ensures their input is incorporated from the outset. Proactively identifying and mitigating risks throughout the project lifecycle helps minimize potential disruptions and delays. Efficient dispute resolution mechanisms are crucial for maintaining a harmonious and productive work environment. Ultimately, fostering trust and mutual respect through open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving is fundamental to achieving project success.
