THERE are certain things that only L&T does best. Take, for instance, constructing a high-rise in really record time!
L&T’s Buildings vertical set that record when it recently constructed – and readied for operations – a seven-storeyed building in Bengaluru for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 45 days flat.
Union Defence Minister Mr Rajnath Singh inaugurated the building on 17 March in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister Mr Basavaraj Bommai and DRDO Chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy.
While the concept and technical design for the building were developed by DRDO, L&T undertook the detailed engineering and execution. Teams from IIT-Madras and IIT-Roorkee conducted design checks and provided technical support.
“This facility shows that India can build anything in a short time,” Dr Reddy said commending L&T’s construction prowess.
Located at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADE) in Bengaluru, the state-of-the-art building is spread over 130,000 sq ft. L&T used Integrated Hybrid Modular Construction Technology (IHMCT) for constructing the building in record time.
The construction was executed using hybrid technology consisting of conventional, pre-engineered and precast methodology. L&T adopted a unique integrated offsite and onsite construction approach to complete the project in the stipulated time. Besides, there was seamless coordination with 21 offsite locations to integrate design, structure, architecture, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services.
The hybrid construction system that L&T employed helps increase productivity, optimise resource utilisation, reduce losses due to wastage and speed up the pace of construction.
“We adopted IHMCT, used for the first time in the Indian construction industry, to substantially reduce the cycle time with a dedicated team of engineers, architects and structural designers who have worked on it to make a success,” said Mr M V Satish, L&T’s Whole-Time Director & Sr EVP (Buildings).
Emphasising the magnitude of L&T’s achievement, Mr Satish added, “We commenced the project on 1 February 2022 and completed the superstructure, including modular interiors, façade and MEP exactly on schedule on 17 March, taking just 45 days from design to delivery”.
The new building houses DRDO’s Flight Control System (FCS) integration facility and will be equipped with technologies for developing avionics for fighter aircraft and FCS for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project.
While the facility carries L&T’s indelible stamp of expertise in construction – it was built fast, built smart and built to quality – there is no doubt that it will contribute to modernising and enhancing the strategic capabilities of India’s defence forces.
