Interview Insights:
Rail Analysis: Please share with us the present footprint of Egis in the Indian market?
Mr. Rajesh Chaabra: Egis in India has cemented its position as a leading provider of end-to-end infrastructure engineering and project management solutions. For close to three decades, Egis in India has evolved from its foundational focus on Roads and Highways to now spearheading major large-scale infrastructure projects and initiatives across Aviation, Urban Development, Buildings, Railways, Water, and Ports. With over 3,000 skilled professionals across 90+ site offices, including the registered office in Dwarka and headquarters in Gurgaon, Egis in India delivers impactful projects that shape India’s urban and rural landscape. Through its broad range of solutions and activities, Egis plays a crucial role in addressing India’s diverse infrastructural needs, while pushing the boundaries of sustainability and innovation.
Rail Analysis: Can you update us on the progress of the Mumbai metro projects and involvement of Egis in them?
Mr. Rajesh Chaabra: The Mumbai Metro project is approaching a significant milestone, with Phase I expected to be commissioned in October 2024. At approximately 95% completion, this project is a testament to Egis’ top-tier engineering capabilities, particularly in overcoming the complexities of constructing underground systems very close to the coastline and below sea level. Egis has played a pivotal role in the successful delivery of the project thus far, especially in systems engineering – encompassing critical areas such as Power Supply, Electric & Mechanical Traction, Tunnel Ventilation & Environmental Control System, Signalling & Telecommunication, and Rolling Stock. These contributions have been vital in ensuring the project remains on track despite its numerous engineering and environmental challenges.
Rail Analysis: Would you like to share about the challenges faced in metro projects of India and how has your firm overcome them?
Mr. Rajesh Chaabra: Metro projects in India face inherent challenges, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Key issues include route alignment, construction constraints in congested zones, and integration with existing infrastructure. Egis has effectively navigated these hurdles by deploying advanced technologies and optimizing systems such as traction, signalling, and rolling stock. Additionally, ensuring the financial sustainability of these projects has led us to explore alternative revenue streams. Our holistic approach ensures seamless integration of new infrastructure while addressing community and ecological concerns.
Rail Analysis: Can you provide us insights on your role in the Bengaluru Suburban Rail project and how is this project different from other transit projects?
Mr. Rajesh Chaabra: Egis serves as the lead partner for the General Consultant on the Kride project, which stands out due to its innovative use of cutting-edge technology across four double-line corridors. Constructing alongside active railway lines in Bangalore presented unique logistical challenges. Additionally, integrating this new system with existing rail and metro infrastructure in the city required careful planning and precision. The project’s success will set a precedent for future rail infrastructure projects in India, potentially transforming urban transportation on a national scale.
Rail Analysis: What kind of parameters your firm sets to select engineers for metro and rail projects to ensure quality standards in project monitoring and execution?
Mr. Rajesh Chaabra: For the successful delivery of such projects, an excellent team of experts is essential and Egis’ selection criteria for engineers are stringent. We prioritize individuals with solid academic backgrounds in their respective engineering domains and experience in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects. Equally important is their proficiency with the latest tools and technologies essential for complex projects management. Engineers on our teams must also demonstrate sensitivity to ecological concerns and be cognizant of the needs of communities impacted by these developments, ensuring sustainable and socially responsible project execution.
Rail Analysis: Are you also servicing global projects from your base in India? How can Indian offices provide the support and technical expertise to global rail and metro projects?
Mr. Rajesh Chaabra: Yes, Egis in India is integral to our global operations. We operate as a cohesive team, with a dynamic pool of world-class experts who can be deployed across different geographies, depending on the technical needs of a project. These specialists operate across all domains relevant to rail and metro projects and are capable of managing projects through their entire lifecycle. Our Gurugram-based design centre plays a key role in supporting technical design requirements for global rail and metro projects, ensuring that India contributes meaningfully to Egis’ international ventures, enhancing the quality and efficiency of their execution.
Rail Analysis: Anything else you would like to share with us?
Mr. Rajesh Chaabra: Nation-building is a complex and multifaceted endeavour, where every element contributes to the overall progress and development of a country. Engineering consulting firms, like Egis, are central to this process, acting as key drivers of innovation and transformation. Their dedication to excellence and collaboration with high-level decision-makers ensures that infrastructure projects not only advance urban development but also improve the quality of life for communities.
In India, we have proudly been at the forefront of this effort, significantly contributing to major infrastructure projects. Our work spans a broad range of areas including Metro Rail Projects, Airports, Expressways, Open Toll GNSS based technology (ensure uninterrupted traffic flow) Urban City Development, Water Supply and Resources, Ports, and beyond. Through these contributions, we help shape the future, driving both progress and a resilient future for the nation.
Source: Egis South Asia
