CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Mr. VikramJiet Roy, Managing Director and Head of Region( India, South-East Asia and Pacific), Maccaferri India.
- In the contemporary era, what is the imperative for integrating sustainable infrastructure practices? Where do you perceive the challenges hindering their full-scale adoption??
Ans: In today’s world, adopting sustainable infrastructure practices is not merely an option; it has become a necessity. The imperative arises from the need to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and urbanization. Sustainable infrastructure practices are crucial for mitigating environmental impact, conserving resources, and ensuring the long-term resilience of our infrastructure. These practices encompass eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and climate-resilient construction.
The challenges hindering full-scale adoption primarily revolve around awareness, cost considerations, and regulatory frameworks. Many stakeholders still need to fully grasp the long-term benefits of sustainable infrastructure in terms of reduced operating costs, increased asset lifespan, and environmental stewardship. Initial investments in sustainable practices can sometimes be perceived as higher, which may deter decision-makers. Moreover, regulations and policies need to align more comprehensively with sustainable practices to incentivize adoption. A significant contributing factor to this issue is the widespread adoption of the L1 (lowest bidder) tender system when awarding contracts. This system prioritizes cost over quality, often leading to compromises in construction standards and materials. The focus on securing the lowest bid can result in contractors cutting corners and using substandard materials, ultimately jeopardizing the integrity and safety of the infrastructure.
2. How do adaption of sustainable alternatives to conventional infrastructure methodologies influence project cost and enhance durability?
Ans: Embracing sustainable alternatives within infrastructure projects can yield substantial long-term benefits while exerting a positive influence on project costs. Although the initial investment in sustainable materials and designs may appear slightly higher in some instances, the advantages far surpass these initial expenses. First and foremost, sustainable materials and practices often translate into lower maintenance and operational costs over the infrastructure’s lifespan. For instance, the utilization of alternate construction materials can diminish the necessity for frequent repairs and replacements saving huge costs. Additionally, the use of locally available materials results in low overall transportation costs, further reducing the carbon footprint. Sustainable infrastructure is better prepared to withstand extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change, thereby reducing the financial burden associated with post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. In essence, the choice to go sustainable in infrastructure development is an investment that pays dividends not only in terms of environmental responsibility but also in long-term economic viability.
- How has been the journey of adopting sustainable construction practices in India and what is your outlook moving ahead?
Ans: The journey of adopting sustainable construction practices in India has been significant but is still evolving. Over the past decade, there has been a notable shift toward sustainability, driven by environmental awareness, regulatory changes, and the recognition of long-term benefits. Many projects now incorporate green building standards, renewable energy solutions, and eco-friendly materials. Sustainable construction industry was around Rs 300 crore a decade back, which has increased to Rs 3000 crore.
For the next decade, India’s infrastructure growth projections are predicted to increase year on year. With Governments increased focus on infrastructure development there are long-term choices for constructing infrastructure at a rapid, efficient, and large scale. We believe India’s ambitious goals for infrastructure development, coupled with increasing environmental concerns, will continue to drive the adoption of sustainable practices. Government initiatives like the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) emphasize sustainability and resilience, setting the tone for the industry. Collaboration between the public and private sectors, along with increased awareness and innovation, will be pivotal in further advancing sustainable construction practices in India. Companies like ours have a pivotal role to play in promoting customized solutions and the integration of alternative construction materials for addressing complex civil engineering challenges, all with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
4. At time when India is pushing for infrastructure development, what strategies can be employed to minimize economic losses and infrastructure damage arising climate change, triggering natural disasters?
Ans: Minimizing economic losses and infrastructure damage from climate change and natural disasters necessitates a multifaceted strategy. One critical aspect is incorporating resilient design principles into infrastructure projects at the time of planning. Such practices can ensure the structures can withstand local climatic conditions and potential hazards effectively.
Additionally, investment in sustainable infrastructure, like resilient structures and roads, is vital. In flood-prone areas, elevated infrastructure can prevent inundation damage. Community engagement, insurance, and risk assessment tools are essential for proactive disaster preparedness and recovery. In challenging terrains susceptible to landslides, rockfalls, and earthquakes, it is crucial to pinpoint vulnerable areas and implement tailored mitigation solutions to address these risks effectively.
Government policies must prioritize disaster resilience and sustainability, setting standards to protect communities and the environment. The current tendering system needs a complete overhaul, the least can be done is to disallow joint ventures where eligible party is only silent partner. Still better will be to go in for quality cum cost basis selection systems (QCBS) which is adopted for consulting contract. For important projects, system should be QCBS without permitting Joint Ventures. Subcontracting can be permitted but with prior approval of authority and appropriate qualification should be insisted upon even for the subcontractors.
5. As an alternate construction material how geo-synthetics can be considered sustainable substitute within the domains of roadways, railways, and construction?
Ans: The use of geosynthetics in the construction of roads, railways, and highways offers a range of benefits, including improved durability, reduced maintenance costs, enhanced load-bearing capacity, better drainage, reduced carbon emissions, and overall cost savings. These materials have become essential components in modern infrastructure projects, contributing to their longevity and performance. Geosynthetics solutions are typically lightweight and versatile, reducing the need for heavy, resource-intensive materials like concrete and steel. This lowers transportation costs and emissions associated with hauling heavy materials to construction sites, contributing to reduced environmental impact. Additionally, geosynthetics often possess superior durability and resistance to environmental factors, extending the lifespan of infrastructure projects. They excel in erosion control, ensuring soil stability, and enhancing drainage systems, reducing waterlogging and infrastructure damage risk. With lower maintenance requirements and adaptability to project needs, geo-synthetics provide a versatile, eco-friendly solution for sustainable construction. Geosynthetics can expedite construction processes by providing efficient and reliable solutions for ground stabilization. Their sustainable attributes align with the growing emphasis on eco-conscious construction practices in today’s infrastructure projects.
6. What are few cutting-edge technological solutions has Maccaferri pioneered, and could you share real-world case studies to illustrate their effectiveness?
Ans: Maccaferri has been at the forefront of developing advanced technological solutions in the fields of geotechnical and environmental construction. We work towards solving complex technical issues faced with objective of identifying addressing, identifying and solving the specific needs. Our track record includes delivering solutions such as hybrid reinforced soil structures, flood control measures, landslide, rockfall, and avalanche mitigation systems, as well as geosynthetics for intricate structures.
Throughout our journey in India, we have delivered these solutions to numerous distinguished government and non-government clients, assisting them in addressing complex challenges. Here are a few of our recent endeavours.
- Atal Tunnel: The world’s longest highway tunnel was constructed at an altitude of 3,000 metres above sea level. In order to make the tunnel sustainable and avalanche-proof, flexible snow umbrella units, known as ErdoX snow units, were used. These pyramid-shaped metallic structures are stable, lightweight, and easy to transport and install. This solution not only helps protect people and infrastructure from calamities, but also ensures smooth road connectivity throughout the year.
- Lambagarh: This was a landslide mitigation projects in Lambagarh, Uttarakhand located on NH-58, the road leading to the Badrinath temple To safeguard the road from the potential danger of falling debris and rocks a rockfall embankment spanning 320 meters in length and standing 10 meters tall was constructed. This project involved the innovative use of Terramesh and ParaLink reinforcement at the hillside base. Additionally, a flexible pavement was implemented within the project scope to effectively counteract destabilizing forces in confined spaces, ultimately enhancing road safety and quality
- Chenab Bridge: A first-of-its-kind, reinforced soil structure for railway infrastructure at the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link Project. The project itself is also an example of using sustainable techniques, one of which involves the use of tunnel muck (waste produced during tunnel construction). It curbed up to 80% of carbon emission compared to conventional techniques.
- Khandala Tunnel Pune Corridor: Situated on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the tunnel witnessed several landslide/rockfall events during monsoon, between June and August 2015. These incidents resulted in casualties and traffic disruptions several times. After a thorough study, an impact mitigation strategy was developed to deal with the problem. With the help of rock scaling, subsurface drainage and a rock slope stabilisation system, rockfall mitigation measures were adopted above and near the tunnel portals, and the issue was resolved. The work was completed in December 2016. The expressway successfully survived the following monsoon, ensuring smooth traffic.
