Innovating Infrastructure Projects through Advanced Technology: Apollo International's EPC Division Leads the Way

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Mr. Raaja Kanwar, Chairman & Managing Director at Apollo International Limited and Apollo Supply Chain

The EPC sector in developing nations is experiencing significant growth, primarily due to increased government investments in infrastructure development to foster future economic expansion. This expansion is propelled by the ongoing global trend of urbanization, driven by a rising population and higher disposable incomes. In 2020, the global EPC market reached a value of USD 12,639.41 billion, and it is expected to maintain a steady growth rate of 7.4% CAGR from 2021 to 2028. Consequently, public infrastructure projects are embracing cleaner technologies.

With over 28 years of expertise, Apollo International takes pride in successfully executing a wide range of domestic and international projects in various regions. Our endeavors encompass diverse ventures such as oil tanks, distribution lines, and transformers.

In Tanzania, we have completed substations, distributed electrical lines, and implemented flood irrigation schemes. Furthermore, we have established a steel melting shop in Syria and developed canal systems for irrigation. These projects exemplify our involvement in large-scale infrastructure initiatives.

We are currently engaged in the execution of solar projects and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) for power plants. Additionally, we collaborate with renowned oil companies for tank gauge installations and other civil works.

At EPC Division of Apollo International , we provide comprehensive end-to-end EPC solutions, assuming complete responsibility as a single source. With a workforce of over 700 employees, we offer turnkey project execution and operational maintenance services.

We operate not only in India but also in Africa, the Middle East, and various other regions, catering to a diverse global clientele.

Market understanding, efficient O&M practices, and the utilization of cutting-edge technology form the foundation of our operations. Our strong emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors ensures sustainability.

We ensure smooth operations by employing real-time monitoring and control systems, enabling us to gather direct feedback from our on-site Execution O&M teams. This facilitates prompt actions based on robust standard operating procedures (SOPs) for incident management. Leveraging our technical expertise, global presence, and long-term experience, we continuously enhance our operations, which not only improves our competitiveness but also reduces our costs.

Our commitment to real-time operations, efficient monitoring, and adherence to ESG principles empowers us to deliver exceptional services while maintaining a competitive edge in the EPC industry.

EPC division of Apollo International is a trusted leader in handling transportation infrastructure projects, specializing in roads, bridges, and railways. Our focus is on delivering projects that meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and timeliness, achieved through the utilization of cutting-edge construction technologies and techniques. As a forward-thinking organization, we adapt to industry advancements to provide customized solutions that align with our clients’ specific requirements.

Our expertise encompasses various critical areas:

In summary, Apollo International's Projects Division brings extensive expertise and capabilities to transportation infrastructure projects. From planning and design to construction, project management, quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, and ongoing maintenance, our dedicated team is well-equipped to deliver successful outcomes in the roads, bridges, and railways sectors which are key to infrastructure development.

Collaboration and coordination are essential in successfully executing infrastructure projects. The EPC industry plays a crucial role in working alongside clients, government agencies, local authorities, and statutory bodies to achieve high-quality outcomes. The government's ‘Make in India’ program presents an opportunity for industrial growth, and the EPC sector must prepare by embracing global best practices and investing in skill development to contribute to India's industrial advancement.

An example of our recent solar project highlights the multi-faceted nature of infrastructure initiatives. While our primary role is in EPC, the project's realization involved acquiring suitable land for installation. This required navigating the permitting and licensing processes, collaborating closely with local authorities. Throughout the project's duration, compliance with secondary statutory requirements was imperative due to the substantial workforce involved.

Moreover, the efficient connection of the generated power to the grid was a critical aspect. This necessitated seamless integration and coordination with local authorities and government departments to obtain clearances and ensure smooth operations.

Therefore, adopting a collaborative approach is vital for infrastructure projects. This encompasses internal teamwork within the organization and active engagement with clients, regulatory bodies, government entities, local administrations, and other relevant stakeholders. This holistic approach ensures streamlined project execution and timely delivery.

EPC division of AIL places paramount importance on sustainable development, underpinning our commitment to responsible business practices. We proactively undertake projects that not only offer economic viability but also demonstrate environmental stewardship. Our approach centers around self-sustainable initiatives and renewable energy sources, reflecting our steadfast dedication to sustainable development.

The adverse environmental impact of traditional electricity generation reliant on fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, is a significant concern. Recognizing the urgent need for change, we have purposefully shifted our focus towards sustainable development. This strategic shift entails a deliberate emphasis on renewable energy projects leveraging abundant natural resources, including hydro, solar, and wind. By harnessing these resources without exacerbating environmental degradation, we contribute to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Our overarching objective is to generate electricity and actively contribute to renewable projects while adhering to sustainable practices. Through these endeavors, we substantially reduce carbon footprints, fostering a positive environmental impact. In line with our sustainability goals, we are currently in the process of establishing a specialized division dedicated to acquiring carbon credits for our contributions to green initiatives. This further exemplifies our steadfast commitment to sustainable development.

In pursuit of our sustainable development agenda, we have recently embarked on two notable solar power projects. The first remarkable endeavor entails a government 100- megawatt solar project in Telangana, where we assume full responsibility for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) aspects. Similarly, we are actively engaged in a government agency led 300-megawatt project in Madhya Pradesh, where we undertake the EPC work. These projects serve as tangible evidence of our resolute commitment to sustainable development, as we pivot away from conventional EPC ventures towards initiatives that align with our core values.

AIL's unwavering dedication to sustainable development is exemplified by our unwavering focus on self-sustainable projects and renewable energy sources. We are resolute in our mission to reduce our carbon footprint and make meaningful contributions to sustainable development. Through our responsible actions, we strive to create a greener and more sustainable future for all.

Executing EPC projects across different geographical locations presents our dynamic division with invaluable learning opportunities. Each region poses unique challenges, which we deftly navigate through our wealth of experience and expertise. For instance, when operating in remote countries like those in Africa, we encounter hurdles related to material availability, transportation logistics, and skilled manpower recruitment.

To effectively address these challenges, we place utmost importance on identifying the most suitable personnel for the job. We conduct careful evaluations to determine whether it is more efficient to deploy our own skilled workforce from India or hire locally. Additionally, ensuring the seamless availability of materials and establishing efficient logistics channels are critical considerations. Through meticulous advance planning, we diligently procure all necessary resources, including manpower and materials, ensuring the smooth and successful execution of the project.

In certain instances, when undertaking projects within India, we benefit from the advantage of readily available skilled personnel. However, when projects require technologically advanced products or equipment, we proactively explore options for sourcing them from international markets. We conduct thorough assessments to identify the most suitable avenues for obtaining the required technology or equipment.

These diverse experiences significantly contribute to our continuous learning and adaptation to new circumstances. For instance, when operating in countries affected by conflicts or other challenging situations, we acquire valuable knowledge about the specific inputs and local support necessary for successful project execution. These experiences serve as catalysts for our growth as an organization, bolstering our ability to effectively handle complex projects with precision and finesse across geographies.

Executing EPC projects across different geographical locations presents our dynamic division with invaluable learning opportunities. Each region poses unique challenges, which we deftly navigate through our wealth of experience and expertise. For instance, when operating in remote countries like those in Africa, we encounter hurdles related to material availability, transportation logistics, and skilled manpower recruitment.

To effectively address these challenges, we place utmost importance on identifying the most suitable personnel for the job. We conduct careful evaluations to determine whether it is more efficient to deploy our own skilled workforce from India or hire locally. Additionally, ensuring the seamless availability of materials and establishing efficient logistics channels are critical considerations. Through meticulous advance planning, we diligently procure all necessary resources, including manpower and materials, ensuring the smooth and successful execution of the project.

In certain instances, when undertaking projects within India, we benefit from the advantage of readily available skilled personnel. However, when projects require technologically advanced products or equipment, we proactively explore options for sourcing them from international markets. We conduct thorough assessments to identify the most suitable avenues for obtaining the required technology or equipment.

These diverse experiences significantly contribute to our continuous learning and adaptation to new circumstances. For instance, when operating in countries affected by conflicts or other challenging situations, we acquire valuable knowledge about the specific inputs and local support necessary for successful project execution. These experiences serve as catalysts for our growth as an organization, bolstering our ability to effectively handle complex projects with precision and finesse.

Technology plays a pivotal and indispensable role in the successful execution of our EPC projects, facilitating efficient progress monitoring and enabling us to achieve project goals with precision. By leveraging the right tools and embracing technological advancements, we gain enhanced clarity and insight into the status of our projects, empowering us to identify areas that require attention and intervention for timely completion. One such powerful tool that empowers us in this regard is Primavera, a robust project monitoring software widely recognized and employed for complex projects.

Through the utilization of advanced software solutions like Primavera, we meticulously track and manage each line item of our projects in accordance with the planned schedule, ensuring the seamless and triumphant completion of every aspect and overall project objectives. Technology, thus, plays a profound and pivotal role in facilitating project movement and ensuring adherence to crucial timelines, standing as an indispensable component of our operational framework. Furthermore, it empowers our esteemed team members to effectively handle multiple projects simultaneously, thereby maximizing efficiency and optimizing resource utilization.

Our seasoned senior team members adeptly manage parallel projects owing to the technological tools at their disposal. This extraordinary capability allows them to monitor projects at a granular and meticulous level, enabling them to successfully oversee the progress of four or five projects concurrently. This technological advantage significantly enhances our capacity to deliver exceptional results with the available resources and drives comprehensive institutional improvement.

It is imperative to emphasize the paramount significance of delivering a high-quality job in infrastructure projects, given their extensive lifespan ranging from 25 to 100 years. Ensuring the longevity, resilience, and durability of these critical projects necessitates an unwavering commitment to excellence. In the modern landscape of contracts, both in the government and private sectors, there is a growing recognition of the imperative to leverage cutting-edge technology to achieve optimal outcomes and surpass expectations.

In the current landscape of the industry, it has become customary for infrastructure and EPC companies to incorporate operation and maintenance obligations into their projects. This entails that the EPC company assumes the responsibility of operating the project for a defined duration, typically spanning five to ten years. Such an arrangement fosters accountability and facilitates a seamless transition into the operational phase for the client.

At Apollo International Limited, our unwavering dedication lies in delivering exceptional outcomes. Our primary objective revolves around ensuring that each project fulfills its intended purpose throughout its entire lifespan, irrespective of whether it spans 40 years, 100 years, or any other specified duration. When we assume the mantle of operation and maintenance, we place utmost emphasis on excellence, diligently working to minimize issues and challenges that may arise during the project's operational phase.

Through our steadfast focus on projects that fulfill their intended requirements, we actively contribute to overall development and sustainable practices. Our commitment extends beyond the mere execution of projects during the construction phase; we persistently strive to ensure optimal functionality and performance throughout their entire operational lifespan. This approach epitomizes our unwavering dedication to long-term success and our steadfast resolve to provide sustainable infrastructure solutions that stand the test of time.

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