Multiple projects being executed simultaneously across the country have opened numerous job opportunities.

R. Anantakumar, Director (Operations) & Urban Infra BU Head, Afcons Infrastructure

How do you look at the road sector in the country progressing?

Road Transport is one of the most cost-effective and preferred transport modes, for freight and passengers, penetrating almost every nook and corner of the country. It accounts for about 87% of passenger traffic and 60% of freight traffic movement in the country. India has the ‘second-largest road network’ in the world, spanning a total of 6.3 million kilometres. In India, the Roads and Highways market is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 36.16% till 2025, largely owing to government’s push to improve transportation infrastructure. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is playing a significant role in this transformation. Recently, it entered the Guinness Book of Records by constructing 75 km continuous Single Lane Bituminous Concrete Road in just 105 hours 33 minutes in Maharashtra. Besides, NHAI, along with Maha Metro, achieved the Guinness World Record for constructing the longest Double Decker Viaduct (3.14 km) with Highway Flyover & Metro Rail in Nagpur.

How do you evaluate the efficiency & productivity of your road construction equipment?

A few factors are used to evaluate the effectiveness and productivity of road-building machinery. One of them is the adoption of cloud-based apps to track and record the machinery as it operates in real-time to improve operational effectiveness and output. The other is the development of tools to track task completion as per project site criteria. Efficiency and productivity are further increased with the addition of a non-contacting system for grade and slope control with navigation and GPS, as well as an AC cabin with an ergonomic seat for the comfort of the workers. It also involves hiring qualified operators and routine preventive maintenance of the machinery.

What factors do you consider when selecting a road construction equipment for a project?

The selection of the appropriate construction equipment is an essential part of project planning, as the right equipment help in completing a project on time and within budget. A planner has to go for the best alternative that provides the best value from the cost and schedule perspective. The significant factors are the scope of the project, suitability for execution of work, operating cost, versatility, availability of know-how, preference for standard equipment, and geographical factors of the project site, among others. It helps us determine the suitability of the equipment for the timely completion of a project.

What are the challenges & suggestions to iron out those challenges in terms of road construction equipment?

Multiple projects being executed simultaneously across the country have opened numerous job opportunities. However, it has led to a shortage of skilled workforce. To overcome the deficit of skilled workforce, a couple of initiatives such as tying up with various skill development institutes and starting own training centres shall be initiated, so that the availability of skilled manpower helps in the timely execution of projects. Further, region-wise bank could be developed for hiring vendors to avoid delays in equipment delivery.

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