< PreviousNEWS 10 CONSTRUCTION WEEK JUNE 2021 TATA PROJECTS SECURES ORDER FOR NINE-KM STRETCH OF CHENNAI UNDERGROUND METRO LINE TTata Projects has received a prestigious order from Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) for an important nine-km stretch (Phase 2/ Corridor 3) of Venugopal Nagar to Kel- lys Station along with other associated works. The work involves construction of nine-kms twin bored tun- nels, totalling 18-kms from TBM retrieval shaft near Venugopal Nagar to Kellys Station and construction of diaphragm walls of station box and entry/exit structures of Madhavaram Milk colony, Murari Hospital, Ayanavaram and Purasaiwakkam High Road Stations, including launching and retrieval shafts as re- quired in the mentioned metro stations. Raman Kapil, VP & BU head, metros & tunnels, Tata Projects, said, “Our company is executing underground metro projects in Mumbai and Pune while having successfully completed Lucknow’s underground metro line. This new order therefore reinforces our leadership position and top-notch expertise in undertaking and successfully executing underground metro rail lines across India.” Once completed, this important stretch of Chennai Metro’s Underground Line will ease the lives of citizens and provide them with a comfortable, faster and eco-friendly mode of trav- el. It will also provide a fillip to local businesses since travelling to these locations will become much easier. Praj Industries has achieved yet another milestone by developing innovative technology to produce bio-bitumen based on lignin. The Netherlands-based Circular Biobased Delta, one of Europe’s premier consortia to promote bioeconomy, has approved Praj’s Bio-bitumen samples processed from Purified Lignin, as a part of their flagship CHAPLIN program. Lignin is one of the co-products resulting from the 2nd generation Ethanol plants, paper making and also from compressed bio-gas plants. Bitumen is a black viscous mixture of hydrocarbons produced by fractionation of crude oil and has wide applications in road construction and roofing as binder. Praj has now developed a proprietary process (under patenting) to convert the crude lignin into Bio-bitumen which has potential to replace this fossil based bitumen and offer eco-friendly green bitumen. The binding and viscoelastic property of Bio-bitumen makes it useful for applications in asphalt. Circular Biobased Delta (CBBD) facilitates cooperation between knowledge centers, public authorities and industry to grow usage of biomass as a raw material in the chemical, construction and packaging industries. Under its flagship program CHAPLIN, it aims at stimulating the development and commercialization of Bio-bitumen as binder for use in asphalt so as to improve the greening approach in road construction while reducing CO2 intensity. Tunneling work for the 16.6 km- long East-West Metro corridor, which hit several hurdles over the last two years, has finally been completed, an official said. “The tunneling work gets complet- ed by Tunnel Boring Machine [TBM ] in East West Metro Corridor with the breakthrough of “Urvi“ at Bowbazar, Kolkata on 15 May. With this break- through the entire TBM tunneling for the Kolkata East-West Metro Project is completed. The stretch was difficult for tunneling work as it had century old buildings. This challenging tunnel drive of 800m has been completed success- fully amidst this pandemic situation following protocol,” according to the statement by the Ministry of Railways. Kolkata Metro: Tunneling work complete Praj’s technology breakthrough for producing “bio-bitumen” Once completed, this stretch will ease the lives of citizens.NEWS CONSTRUCTION WEEK JUNE 2021 11 Dilip Buildcon (DBL) has executed concession agree- ments for four wholly-owned subsidiaries with the Na- tional Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Concession agreement has been granted to Bangalore Malur Highways, Mahar Bangarpet Highways, DBL Poondiyankup- pam Highways and DBL Viluppuram Highways for the following scope of work: Four-laning from 0.000 km to 26.400 km (along with 0.700 km approach towards NH 207 with interchange on NH-4 at start Latest Anarock data reveals that over 4.22 lakh units are scheduled to be completed by 2021-end across the top 7 cities. Of this, NCR would see the maximum completions with a nearly 28% share, followed by MMR with 26% and Pune with approx. 18%. There could be some delay due to restrictions and disruptions in the supply chain amid the second covid- 19 wave. Notably, 72% of the total homes to be delivered by 2021-end are already sold out (just 28% remain unsold). If the fallout of the second wave does not impact construction activity again, the top 7 cities will have approx. 1.18 lakh homes available for purchase by year-end. Once-bitten-twice-shy homebuyers’ preference continues to be skewed towards ready-to-move homes which mitigate construction risks and project delays. Anuj Puri, chairman, Anarock Property Consultants, says, “The tally of 4.22 lakh homes scheduled for delivery across the top 7 cities by 2021-end must, however, be viewed in context with the severe second wave of covid-19 infections. All the top cities have been affected, and it is likely that a part of these project deliveries will be pushed to 2022. That said, many will see completion one way or the other. Amid the localized lockdowns and restrictions in most states, construction activities are permitted - albeit mandating covid- 19-specific protocols among in-situ labourers. To ensure faster connectivity between Tamil Nadu’s capital and Gujarat’s Surat, the Union transport ministry has approved a Rs 50,000-crore Chennai-Surat express- way project, which will cut down travel time between Chennai and Surat by six hours and distance by 330 km.. Moreover, the expressway will en- able drivers to avoid congested roads around Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai as currently, vehicles have to travel 1,600 km from Chennai to reach Surat and this distance will be reduced to 1,270 km as soon as the new project is commissioned. Apart from providing faster connec- tivity from Chennai to Surat, the new project will also provide an onward op- tion for north India too. Rs 50,000 cr Chennai-Surat expressway gets nod DILIP BUILDCON EXECUTES CONCESSION AGREEMENTS WITH NHAI Over 4.22 lakh homes in top 7 cities to be completed in 2021 may face delay point) of Bangaluru to Malur Section of Bangalore Chennai Ex- pressway on hybrid annuity mode under Bharatmala Pariyojna, in the state of Karnataka (Phase-I Package-I) with bid project cost of Rs 1,160 crore with a road length of 27.10 km. Four-laning from 26.400 km to 53.500 km of Malur to Bangar- pet Section of Bangalore Chennai Expressway on hybrid annuity mode under Bharatmala Pariyojna in the state of Karnataka (Phase-I Pack- age-II) with a road length of 27.10 km and a bid project cost of Rs 1,279 crore. Four-laning of Viluppuram-Puducherry section of NH 45A (new NH 332) from 0.000 km to 29.000 km (design chainage) under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I (residual NHDP-IV works) on HAM in the state of Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Pu- ducherry with a bid project cost of Rs 1,013 crore and road length of 29.00 km. Four laning of Puducherry-Poondiyankuppam Sec- tion of NH-45A from 29.000 km to 67.000 km (design chainage) under Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I (residual NHDP-IV works) on HAM in the state of Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Pu- ducherry with a road length of 38 km and bid project cost of Rs 1,228 crore. The road projects will be completed in a period of 24 months.12 CONSTRUCTION WEEK JUNE 2021 BY JAYASHREE KINI MENDES Harshavardhan Neotia, chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group, believes in the art of looking back to help him better the lives of generations to come MEMORIES OF A FUTURECOVER STORY CONSTRUCTION WEEK JUNE 2021 13COVER STORY 14 CONSTRUCTION WEEK JUNE 2021 You cannot build a future or understand the pres- ent if you are ignorant of your past. In order to better discern the world, knowledge of his- tory and humanities aids in comprehending the events around us while enabling to appreciate current happenings. Harshavardhan Neotia, chairman, Am- buja Neotia Group, subscribes to this thought. In fact, he champions it. Neotia belongs to a rare breed of developers, who has not confined himself to residential or commer- cial developments alone. The Kolkata resident is, perhaps, the only developer in the country to have ventured into hospitality (hotels & resorts, country homes, clubs, smart dine, QSR, and banquets), education (university, institutes), and healthcare (woman and child care, multi-special- ty, fertility, diagnostics, and educational). And not just one solitary project in each of these ventures, but many. Then there is the Incubation centre too where entrepreneurs are groomed and encouraged with mentorship, funding, ac- cess to its businesses, and co-working space. From luxury bungalows, five-star hotels, malls and super specialty hos- pitals, Neotia has created several architectural landmarks in Bengal, and today in other cities in other states too. The youngest Padma Shri recipient is also a proponent of the arts in all its forms, which is evident in the edifices he builds. He says, “Design comes naturally considering my growing up years where each member of my family has been an art aficionado and a personality. A complementary ab- sorption of various influences that kicked in strongly when I turned developer.” VINTAGE IS THE NEW VANGUARD For Neotia, while scouting for plots to construct residences will continue, it’s the hospitality seg- ment that makes him tick. He is already in ad- vanced talks with the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) to build five properties, including two in Kolkata and one each in Kurseong (already operational), Gangtok and Patna. For him, the hospitality segment offers a great opportunity in architectural design as it means an el- egant display of art, while giving him a chance to designing Total sq-ft developed: 20 million At a time when malls were few and far between, Neotia constructed what is today a landmark - The City Centre.COVER STORY CONSTRUCTION WEEK JUNE 2021 15 The City Centre at Salt Lake has become a great hangout place for many citizens. Upohar - The Condoville offers condos in LIG, MIG and luxury. the interiors so that no two properties look alike. Of course, the pandemic might have put a spanner in the works, but it won’t be long before he will be raring to go at it. “The hospital- ity projects must revere nature and be sober and tastefully done. If you look at the Taj properties we have constructed in Sikkim and Darjeeling, you will realise how compatible they are with nature.” Although the Group has several hospitality projects in east- ern India, what excites Neotia are the ventures into fine-dining and QSR. However, given their long turnaround times, how does it make him feel? “They offer scalability and as young formats it throws up opportunities to be highly creative. Just developments don’t offer experiences like the hospitality business does. Yes, there are challenges in the business, but that would be the same with any other business. One must have a sense of genuineness in any project they are doing,” he adds.. SONGS OF STONES As the dynamic developer continues with path-breaking developments, there is no doubt that he has mastered the fine art of balancing multiple construction segments, deftly manoeuvring between real estate and hospitality. While he takes a keen interest in each development, Neotia has already drawn up in his mind’s eye the final look of the development. Ask him how he makes each project unique and the brief giv- en to architects, and he says: “We work with many reputed ar- chitects, and have worked with notable ones like BV Doshi and Charles Correa. The brief is specific to that particular project. There are some common values to the Group. For instance, today we are focused on green projects with reasonably good sustainability practices. The other is the high level of aesthetics in any development. We try to incorporate art in many projects, especially hospitality ones. In other real estate projects, it is a Cement: Ambuja Cements, Nuvoco, Ultratech Lighting: Philips, Legero, Havells, Bajaj, Binay Opto, K-Lite, Hybec, Glo, Unilamp, Hazel Steel: SAIL, Tata, Electrosteel, SRMB, RINL, Jai Balaji, Shyam Steel Paints: AkzoNobel, Asian Pipes: Astral, Ashirvad, Supreme, Tata CP Fittings: Kohler, Toto, Duravit, Roca, Jaquar, Grohe, Hindware, Parryware, Essco Tiles: Kajaria, Nitco, Johnson, Somani, Restile, Varmora, RAK, Icon Switches: Schneider Electric, Panasonic, Norisys, Legrand, Anchor BRANDS USEDCOVER STORY 16 CONSTRUCTION WEEK JUNE 2021 bit less because most of the time the interiors are done by the buyer, so that leaves one with only the lobby and landscape. The latter is an important element in our design brief.” It is a matter of pride to Neotia that most of his projects are rated Gold and a higher number of them are Platinum. Much before Vocal for Local could become a campaign, Neotia has been a staunch supporter of most things local. It speaks in his landscaping also. Always taking the long-term view, he is eager that the surroundings continue to thrive much after he has dusted his hands off the project. “Local plants will continue to grow in their own surroundings. It is the same with the development. We look closely at the con- struction specifications and like cleaner and higher finishes and nimble workmanship that don’t lead to easy damages,” he adds. SENSE OF DESIGN The accidental developer is keen that he offers a sustainable future to people yet to be born. While the family has been a strong influence, for Neotia it’s important to cut one’s coat according to the cloth. Reminiscing on early days, he says, “As a company headquartered in Kolkata, we mainly devel- oped here. Later on, we got an opportunity or chanced upon an idea and ventured into neighbouring states such as Sik- kim, Patna, and Chhattisgarh. Ideal locations are providence. It’s not that one has a particular location in mind, and it will be found at the right price or with the right opportunity.” After his first success (the project happened by chance), Ganga Kutir overlooking the Ganges at Raichak. TODAY WE ARE FOCUSED ON GREEN PROJECTS WITH GOOD SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES. THE OTHER IS THE HIGH LEVEL OF AESTHETICS IN MOST PROJECTS.. COVER STORY CONSTRUCTION WEEK JUNE 2021 17 Sonar Tori restaurant that serves Bengali cuisine in a classic Bengal royal household ambience. The Neotia University is a UGC recognised private university in Kolkata. Neotia developed a taste for the business. Cement, a very impor- tant part of the business which his family had cultivated and expected him to take it to greater heights, did not require design-related creative skills. “Somewhere deep inside, I was adamant. We didn’t have the kind of money needed to buy prime real estate, strategic locations. So, we entered into plenty of joint ven- tures with people who owned land. Later, we would devise a project that would be suitable and lucra- tive. It could range from a commer- cial building to residential building or a mall,” says Neotia. But that doesn’t mean the Group would pick up any land available. After careful market analysis and consultation, the project that would ultimately stand on that land also mattered. “A luxury housing project would need an ambience suited for its inhabitants. We have developed three kinds of housing projects: low-cost, mid-range, and luxury. We are comfortable building all kinds as long as it finds demand. There is no magic formula. We have not done too many townships. The smaller ones that we have execut- ed would fall in the range of 80-100 acres. Most of them were plotted developments that didn’t require us to build. Our largest project was in Siliguri — of around 400 acres.” CURRENT EVENTS Neotia, who strongly believes in Providence, has had several family friends approach him for develop- ment. It has worked in his favour. These projects don’t have a large outlay and it works well for him. For now, the Group has signed a deal with Hiland Group to jointly develop two parcels of land spread COVER STORY 18 CONSTRUCTION WEEK JUNE 2021 across 20 acres in the Batanagar township in Maheshtala area. Two residential projects will come up across 20 acres of land, which includes 10 acres of land along the golf course, and another 10 acres at the Calcutta Riverfront. Along the golf course, the two groups will develop 12 residential towers (G+13). Early in January, the Group along with Satyaa Homes an- nounced plans to develop a 72-acre township project at Kol- kata’s Rajarhat. The township, which will encompass plotted developments, villas, villaments and apartments in Rajarhat, will be completed within five years. The project will offer land plots in the gated community, where development of houses remains optional with the owners. Some things make him glad. He is happy that people have begun to realise the need for open spaces and roomier homes. The pandemic has taught many people many things – but compassion ranks highest. On the sidelines, Neotia continues with efforts to stand by people in these trying times such as creating an oxygen-enabled, 58-bed frontline COVID Care facility — Vinod Neotia COVID Care Centre in New Town, Kolkata. Looking back at his life, Neotia says there is so much more left to do. However, for the moment, he’s now looking ahead as to his plans post-retirement, and waiting for the pandemic to end. The Neotia Getwel Healthcare Centre in Siliguri (north Bengal). A cabin at Bhagirathi Neotia Woman and Child Care Centre.Next >