Er. Cyrus Pithawalla
Director - Engineering, Hiranandani Constructions
Construction Industry is labour driven sector and it is one of the largest segment which allows employment of labours and workers.
Unlike other professions, construction Industry did not have any structured and professional set up , for training of the unskilled workforce who kept entering into this field with no experience. This scenario in past resulted in poor Quality standard in construction Industry.
Hiranandani Constructions had similar issues earlier , when it entered in Construction of Residential and Commercial buildings, and found urgent need of improving and increasing Quality bench mark standards. Thus the journey started for Hiranandani’s Quality Construction , so as to become the role models for others to follow.
In the year 1986, we were introduced to Late Er. Anthony P Remedios whom we found right person to be our GURU and guide us for improvement in quality standards. Thus journey of upgrading construction quality standards began with first training for in-house team of Engineers and Contractors.
We had to come out from prevailing “ Chalta Hai “ culture and study International Standards and Best Practices , to enhance our quality standards in terms of Material, Workmanship , Method Studies etc.
Mumbai and Thane being in Coastal region and in earthquake Zone 3, one has to be very careful in detailing with construction. Durability of concrete is very important in coastal aggressive environment. We therefore provide 40mm clear cover to rebar for protection against rusting even when industry standard was 25mm !!!!. Also we used mineral admixtures to enhance durability of concrete and minimize effect of carbonation , thus ensuing increased life of structures.
Mumbai being in earthquake Zone 3 , it is important to follow all ductility detailing for RCC structure and we are very cautious on this point
We started with concrete grade of M20 and today with Lot of R&D and innovative steps, we could achieve concrete grade of M70 for our Projects with In- House production of concrete using Site RMC plants. We documented each and every construction activity and made our own quality standards in the form of Syllabus, Handbooks etc , which then became our “Holy Book” which reflected our Commitment and Clarity for Quality , having a state of art holistic approach .
Indian standard code IS 456 got revised in year 2000 in which few new recommendations were made , whereas we started implementing all of them way back in year 1992 !!!
We have developed in house capability of carrying out Concrete Mix Design and formwork design , as per the Training given by our Guru Er Anthony P Remedios , to ensure required Quality and Speed is achieved.
We started Powai and Thane with Low rise buildings of 7 floors and now with high grade concrete we are going for tall building of 36 floors and further plan to raise building height to 50 floors in future.
During my professional carrier of 44 Years , I find that today we have achieved reasonably good quality standards. But it is said that it is easy to reach on top , but difficult to remain at top & consolidate the position achieved . Continuous Learning and Innovating with Determination, Passion and Smart work is the need of the hour. We cannot sit on our past laurels , on the assumption that now nothing is left to learn. In fact one has to keep Learning , upto the very end of ones life .
Now the construction scenario is fast changing. Expectations of customers are increasing in terms of Quality, Speed, Final product and After Sales services. One has to be on his toe and one can’t relax. What you have learnt , achieved and thought “ The Best” is now tending to become ZERO . We require to achieve in Future , Better & Better Construction Standards than the Best , achieved so far.
In today’s environment we have to also ensure required speed and meet stringent timelines for finishing Projects , while maintaining required Quality Standards within given Budget.
Today it is a challenge to balance both Quality and Speed with available resources. Our beliefs, mindset, assumption and thought process, working pattern required to be revisited and we have to have fresh thinking , for every aspect of Construction.
Our functional pattern and strategy are now updated and upgraded with modern tools and techniques.
Right from Planning stage of Projects, Construction aspects like Quality, Speed, Finance, Time Lines and Logistics are well identified.
We used to have slab cycle of 20 days. Now we have to ensure slab cycle of 9 days for same quantum of works. Thus Modernization of Construction Techniques in terms of Formwork, Concrete Mix Design, Mechanization etc need to be suitably upgraded.
As on today , we have completed , in the last 5 years , volume of Construction works ,which we had been done in last 20 years , at all our Mumbai Projects , with the Quality Standards being maintained . This itself speaks volumes , about Hiranandani Constructions , which has no competitor at all . In fact we are ourselves Our Competitor , doing always better than our Previous Best .Thus we have become a Iconic Organization , laying the foundation , of the much needed Quality Standards, in Mumbai , but also I may say Proudly even in India .
One classic example is Olympus A for TCS , at Hiranandani Estate Thane. We finished Olympus A in 18 months having construction of 1.78 million sft successfully and with All Quality Standards in Place.
Today the Vision of our both MD’s has come true and our townships are now looked upon , as Bench mark for others to follow.
We had not only focused on Civil construction, but also we gave required attention to Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems which are important support functions of any construction. We have In-house department of MEP which also are involved in upgrading our construction in their respective subjects like Efficient Lighting, Fire Fighting system and World Class Elevators.
Now lets talk about future and way forward.
Future is much demanding and challenging. Construction sector have been witnessing slow down for various reasons. This is the Reality. Engineers are expected to deliver the best at much faster speed with upgraded quality standards. We cannot afford to slow down. We are proud and fortunate that our Organization is still going on with full strength and ample quantum of Construction even in this difficult scenario in all our Mumbai Projects.
Thane and Powai township are our iconic projects which speaks of our journey. We value our Customers who invested their hard earned money in our Projects and we are putting our best to retain their trust in us. I am happy to note that many of our customers are repeat customer or they recommend us to their relatives and friends to become part of Hiranandani Family or community.
All this is possible because of tireless efforts and guidance from our MD. I must appreciate that our MD Dr Niranjan Hiranandani still finds time to chair weekly meetings and keep us guiding and directing us to cross all hurdles, challenges and keep inspiring us to see beyond all dark clouds we come across.
Our efforts in concrete technology was well recognized by ACI in year 2004 when they gave award for contribution for Concrete Technology.
Er. Cyrus Pithawalla
Director - Engineering, Hiranandani Constructions
It gives me sense of satisfaction and answer of our hard work when we see smile on our customers and investors. Nothing is more rewarding , than when I see our customers share their satisfaction and pleasure during our conversation with them.