EPC company Varindera Constructions (VCL) has completed 31 construction projects in the past 10 years with 20 ongoing projects in India and overseas as in March 2024. Varinder Kumar Garg, Chairman, shares factors behind the company’s stellar performance in its residential, commercial, metro, railway and institution projects and the material magnitude of the Hasimara Air Force Station project, which plays a key role in deployment and operations of Rafale jets in India, as well as his perspective on the latest technologies, sustainability, skill shortage and the company’s international expansion plans. Excerpts:  What factors would you attribute to your performance?Since inception, VCL has been steadfast in its commitment to nation-building. Our performance over the last decade aligns perfectly with the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. As India embarks on its Amrit Kaal, poised to become the third-largest economy, we are dedicated to playing a significant role in shaping the new Bharat. We remain resolute in our pursuit of contributing to nation-building and propelling India's growth trajectory. What factors contributed to the rapid execution and cost savings of the Rs.9.55 billion General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) Colony redevelopment project in Delhi, awarded in August 2023, and how were resources and efficiencies enhanced?Our team of highly skilled and motivated individuals has always been our greatest asset. Their expertise and dedication enable us to deliver projects of the highest calibre, prioritising safety and quality. We also take pride in our plant and machinery, which are essential to our success. For this project, we have invested in the latest machinery and advanced, high-quality aluminium formwork, demonstrating our commitment to completing the project within the stipulated timeframe. Our team's capabilities, combined with our top-notch equipment, ensure that we deliver exceptional results. Please share details of the prestigious Hasimara Air Force Station (AFS) infrastructure project located in Alipurduar district, West Bengal, near the India-Bhutan border. We have a proven track record of successfully delivering prestigious projects of national importance. These particular projects were in challenging terrains with year-round rainfall. Despite these climatic and geographical obstacles, we have consistently met stipulated timelines, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. Notably, in these projects, we have completed structures with vast spans of up to 75 by 150 m, showcasing our engineering prowess. In terms of the Hasimara project’s material magnitude, the pre-engineering building [PEB] structure was over 2,200 metric tonne and required 6,000 metric tonne of reinforcement steel and 4 lakh bags of cement. The total AFS project cost was around Rs.3.66 billion.The AFS project was divided into five phases.  Our ability to deliver these complex projects to the Union Ministry of Defence within the designated timelines is a testament to our expertise, precision and dedication. Through our work, we are proud to contribute to the nation's infrastructure development and support the country's growth and progress.What latest technologies does the company implement?We leverage cutting-edge technologies to ensure the rapid execution of projects. Notably, we are using BIM to deliver multiple national and international projects with the highest level of detailing. Further, we have successfully integrated our entire project  lifecycle into SAP S/4HANA ERP, streamlining our processes. Our technology stack also  includes specialised software such as STAAD Pro, ETabs and Tekla, among others. Additionally, we utilise the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) platform to monitor and manage our logistics operations, ensuring seamless project execution.  As an EPC company, which  model has offered the most promise, according to you?Our core expertise lies in  EPC, making the EPC model the most suitable fit for our company. Our strength in engineering, procurement and construction management enables us to deliver projects efficiently and effectively, from concept to completion. The EPC model aligns perfectly with our capabilities, allowing us to leverage our expertise and provide value to our clients through a single, integrated solution. How does the company ensure sustainability in its projects?Sustainability is a top priority for our company and we ensure that our projects adhere to the highest standards of environmental responsibility. As most of our projects are delivered on an EPC basis, we integrate sustainable design principles and green building norms from the outset, which includes reducing energy consumption throughout the project's lifecycle. We're currently executing nine green building projects and our portfolio already boasts multiple sustainable projects that showcase our commitment to environmental stewardship. By prioritising sustainability, we aim to minimise our ecological footprint while delivering projects that benefit both our clients and the planet. What are your views on the skill shortage in the industry and what measures do you adopt to overcome it? The construction industry is indeed facing a skill shortage across all levels, including skilled, unskilled and white-collar roles, driven by the growing demand and tailwind in the sector. To address this challenge, VCL has adopted a proactive approach to workforce development. We invest in training our skilled and unskilled workforce in the latest technologies and construction methodologies, ensuring they remain up to date and competitive. Our collaboration with the Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) enables us to provide our workforce with industry-recognised training and certification programmes.Moreover, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work, fostering a culture of immense opportunities for talent growth  and development, which has enabled us to attract and retain the best industry talent, resulting in a highly skilled staff across all levels. Our focus on workforce development and creating a conducive work environment has been instrumental in driving our growth and success. The company currently has seven ongoing projects in Mauritius and Maldives. What are your international expansion and growth plans going forward? With a strong presence in international markets over the past seven years, particularly in Maldives and Mauritius, VCL is poised for further expansion. Our overseas business has already contributed significantly to our revenue with 24 per cent in FY24. Looking ahead, we aim to strengthen our foothold in these geographies and explore new opportunities. In Mauritius and Maldives, we have established successful collaborations for real-estate projects and intend to build on this momentum. Additionally, we are actively working with EXIM banks to secure projects in these countries, which will further fuel our growth. Our vision is to establish VCL as a prominent player in the international construction industry, delivering high-quality projects and creating lasting value for our clients and stakeholders.