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Turner Project Management India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Turner International, which provides world-class programme management, project management and construction management consultancy services. Based out of the Middle East with Turner for 10 years, Jairam Panch, Managing Director, has overall industry experience of over 25 years handling various leadership roles at both the project and corporate levels. He has been instrumental in establishing the brand in India since 2007 by identifying and securing large-scale contracts with both private and public-sector clients, notably the iconic Statue of Unity project in Gujarat and Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2 expansion in Bengaluru. Turner India is currently managing projects valued at over $ 2 billion in construction volume. He speaks to CW about technologies for rapid execution of projects, models that have worked for the sector, sustainability, skill shortage, the company’s expansion plans, and more. Excerpts:   What factors would you attribute to your stellar performance?A strong team, agile leadership, innovative mindset, supportive clients and collaborative approach that our 450+ staff embrace.   In view of the infrastructure push, how does the firm look at ongoing and upcoming projects?We view them as opportunities; we see how we can add value and be a differentiator in the right projects and contribute to nation-building. What factors contribute to faster project execution with lowered construction costs while saving precious resources and enhancing efficiencies? Please substantiate with a recent project.A strong focus on integrated preconstruction (design, schedule, cost, construction); improving productivity on jobsites by implementing a mobile-mukht environment for workmen; reducing idle time of machinery; standardisation of design; and adopting offsite construction. What latest technologies does the company implement for rapid execution of projects?Electronic documentation management system (EDMS) to track the project, Holobuilder real-time photo capturing and analysis, advanced dashboard reporting, focus on red-flag issues, AI for schedule scenario prediction and hands-on project management. Which model [build, operate and transfer (BOT), hybrid annuity model (HAM), etc] has offered the most promise, according to you?HAM as a modified PPP model splitting obligations and risks between public agencies and private parties is promising compared to BOT or justEPC models. How does the company ensure sustainability in its projects?We promote sustainability by advising clients during the preconstruction stage on appropriate standards to be adopted and follow through in implementing the design intent by working collaboratively with all stakeholders during execution.We have targeted a substantial reduction of carbon footprint by 2030.What are your views on skill shortage in the industry and what measures do you adopt to overcome it?  It is ironic that our country of 1.4 billion people is facing a shortage of skilled workmen in the construction industry. We promote offsite construction (precast components that can be transported to jobsites and installed) and improve worker productivity through constant supervision and hiring, training and retaining skilled workmen. The Government must stop providing freebies that promote payment without work, specifically in rural areas.What are your expansion and growth plans going forward?Our expansion and growth plans are dictated by market conditions, opportunities and typology of projects that foster value addition and promote professional delivery. Major market segments such as aviation, cultural buildings, mixed-use development, high-rise buildings, data centres and special buildings present such opportunities. We remain committed to being a leading project management consultant to manage large and complex projects and programmes.