KEC International Ltd., a leading global infrastructure EPC company and part of the RPG Group, has announced the securing of a significant new order. The order, valued at Rs 10,380 million, involves the design, supply, and installation of a 380 kV GIS (Gas-Insulated Substation) in Saudi Arabia. This project marks a notable milestone for KEC International, as it represents the company’s largest ever substation order.

According to Vimal Kejriwal, Managing Director and CEO of KEC International Ltd., the company is thrilled with the successive order wins in their Transmission and Distribution (T&D) business. The acquisition of this prestigious order in the Middle East not only expands KEC International’s portfolio but also reinforces its presence in the region. This strategic win is a testament to the company’s capabilities and strengthens its position in the global infrastructure sector.

The order win is a landmark achievement for KEC International, demonstrating its expertise and competitiveness in the global EPC market. The company’s ability to secure such a significant order in the Middle East underscores its growing reputation as a reliable and skilled partner for large-scale infrastructure projects. With this order, KEC International’s year-to-date order intake has received a substantial boost, reflecting the company’s strong performance and growth trajectory.

The 380 kV GIS substation project in Saudi Arabia is a complex undertaking that requires specialized expertise and technology. KEC International’s selection for this project is a endorsement of its technical capabilities and its ability to deliver high-quality solutions that meet the exacting standards of international clients. As the company continues to execute this project, it is expected to further demonstrate its proficiency in the T&D sector and consolidate its position as a major player in the global infrastructure market.

Overall, the securing of this significant order is a major achievement for KEC International, highlighting its strengths and capabilities in the global infrastructure sector. The company’s success in winning this prestigious order is a reflection of its commitment to excellence and its growing reputation as a trusted partner for large-scale infrastructure projects.

KT Rama Rao, the working president of the BRS party, has accused the current government of sabotaging the Airport Metro project and blackmailing Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the company responsible for the project. He claimed that despite having a lease until 2070, L&T was forced to exit the project due to the Chief Minister’s “revenge politics” and desire to acquire the Metro lands. Rama Rao alleged that this decision has added a significant burden of Rs 15,000 crore to the state’s existing debt of Rs 2.2 lakh crore.

He questioned the motivations behind the decision, wondering why it was made without the approval of the Cabinet and speculating about potential commissions and kickbacks involved. Rama Rao stated that his party would take the issue to the people, highlighting how the Rs 20,000 crore assets created during the BRS rule have been turned into a liability under the Congress government.

Rama Rao also responded to allegations made by MoS for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, who claimed that he travels in luxury cars imported by Basharath Khan, who was arrested for alleged customs duty evasion. Rama Rao denied any wrongdoing, saying that if anything had gone wrong, the Congress and BJP, being the ruling parties, could have registered a case. He dismissed the allegations, stating that he was focused on discussing public issues like the shortage of urea, while the Congress and BJP were fixated on his personal travel arrangements.

The BRS leader praised the progress made during his party’s rule, citing the expansion of the Metro network to 69 km, making it India’s second-largest network, and the growth of Metro ridership to five lakh per day. He attributed this success to the personal assurance of then Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who accelerated the project’s completion. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the BRS government provided a soft loan of Rs 3,000 crore to protect the project, with Rs 900 crore released. Rama Rao’s comments reflect the ongoing political tensions and accusations between the BRS and Congress parties in the state.

Nilesh Dange, the Chief Digital Officer of L&T Finance, has been instrumental in driving the company’s digital transformation. In an interview with People Matters India, Dange shared his insights on the company’s journey from a traditional BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) organization to a tech-powered enterprise.

According to Dange, the digital shift at L&T Finance began about four years ago, when the company realized that it needed to adapt to changing customer behaviors and technological advancements. The goal was to create a seamless and personalized experience for customers, while also improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.

To achieve this, L&T Finance embarked on a multi-pronged strategy that involved investing in digital technologies, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. The company also established a separate digital team, led by Dange, to drive innovation and experimentation.

One of the key focus areas for L&T Finance has been the development of digital platforms and channels, such as mobile apps and online portals, to enable customers to access financial services remotely. The company has also leveraged digital marketing and social media to engage with customers and build brand awareness.

Dange emphasized the importance of data analytics in driving business decisions and improving customer outcomes. L&T Finance has invested in advanced data analytics tools to gain insights into customer behavior, preferences, and needs. This has enabled the company to develop targeted marketing campaigns and personalized financial products and services.

Another significant aspect of L&T Finance’s digital transformation has been the adoption of emerging technologies, such as blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT). The company is exploring the use of blockchain to enhance security and transparency in financial transactions, while IoT is being used to develop innovative financial products and services.

According to Dange, the digital shift at L&T Finance has yielded significant benefits, including improved customer engagement, increased operational efficiency, and reduced costs. The company has also seen a significant increase in digital transactions, with over 70% of its customers now using digital channels to access financial services.

Overall, L&T Finance’s digital transformation journey is a testament to the power of technology in driving business growth and innovation. As Dange noted, the company’s goal is to become a “tech powerhouse” in the BFSI sector, and it is well on its way to achieving this vision. With its focus on digital innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence, L&T Finance is poised to remain a leader in the industry for years to come.

The National High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (NHSRCL) has awarded Larsen & Toubro (L&T) a contract to build a 156 km section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Line (HSL). This contract, known as Package T1, includes the design, supply, construction, testing, and commissioning of track-works between Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla complex and Zaroli village in Gujarat. The project involves 21 km of underground track-works and 135 km of elevated viaduct sections.

This is the second track-work package that L&T has won for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSL, having previously been awarded a contract for a 116 km section in April 2022. With this new contract, L&T is now responsible for over 50% of the track-works in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway. The project is using Japanese Shinkansen J slab track technology, which will enable speeds of up to 320 km/h and provide better ride quality, increased service life, and maintainability.

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSL project is India’s first bullet train corridor and represents a significant upgrade to the country’s transport infrastructure. The 508 km high-speed rail line will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad, reducing travel time between the two cities to around two hours. The project is being developed with technical and financial support from Japan and will feature elevated tracks, dedicated stations, and advanced safety systems.

Once completed, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSL is expected to enhance regional connectivity, spur economic growth, and set new benchmarks for sustainable and efficient mass transit in India. L&T’s experience and expertise in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, combined with their ability to absorb and adapt new technologies, make them well-suited to handle this complex project. The company’s director, S.V. Desai, expressed confidence in their ability to deliver the project on time, citing their success in the previous T3 package and their commitment to value engineering and technology absorption.

The Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) and Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) Managing Director, N.V.S. Reddy, has been suddenly replaced after a long tenure of 16 years. Reddy, who was absorbed into the state government in 2009 and officially retired in 2016, had been receiving annual extensions to oversee the construction and commissioning of the first phase of the metro. The possible reason for his removal is the disagreement between the state government and L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad (L&TMRH), which built and operates the first phase, over the integration of the existing infrastructure with the proposed second phase.

The Centre has reportedly made integration a condition for approval of the proposal for a joint venture with the state government to secure sovereign guarantees for international funding. L&TMRH has offered to sell its equity to the Centre or state instead of integrating its existing infrastructure, citing financial and operational challenges. The company has claimed losses of ₹5,000 crore and lack of government support. The state government, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, is keen on integrating the services to ensure seamless connectivity.

Reddy, an Indian Railways Accounts Service (IRAS) officer, had a long and distinguished career, having worked with Delhi Metro’s legendary MD E. Sreedharan on the Konkan Railway. He had also served in the power sector and as Additional Commissioner (Traffic & Transportation) in the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH). Reddy played a key role in enacting the Central Metro Railways Act and contributed to the Model Concessionaire Agreement, which formed the basis for L&TMRH’s involvement.

Under Reddy’s leadership, the first phase of the metro was completed, covering 69.2 km across three corridors. However, the 10-year rule of the previous government was a testing period, and Reddy faced challenges over alignment changes demanded by the new administration. Despite these challenges, he completed the 71.2 km first phase, balancing public interest with private sector efficiency. The removal of Reddy marks the end of an era, and it remains to be seen how the new leadership will navigate the complexities of the metro project, particularly the integration of the existing infrastructure with the proposed second phase.

Larsen and Toubro (L&T), a major construction and engineering company, has acquired the power module design assets of Japanese firm Fujitsu General Electronics Limited (FGEL) through its wholly-owned subsidiary, L&T Semiconductor Technologies Ltd (LTSCT). The strategic acquisition includes FGEL’s R&D equipment, design patents, and intellectual properties related to power module technologies. This move is expected to accelerate LTSCT’s foray into power electronics design and development, expanding its product portfolio in industrial, energy, and automotive applications.

The acquisition is part of India’s push to build a self-reliant and globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem, under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) launched in 2021 with an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore. The government is offering financial incentives and policy support to promote semiconductor fabrication, design, packaging, display manufacturing, and compound semiconductor projects. Several semiconductor units have already been approved across states, with cumulative investments of around Rs 1.6 lakh crore.

According to Sandeep Kumar, CEO of LTSCT, the acquisition is a crucial step in the company’s growth journey and enhances India’s presence in the global semiconductor ecosystem. It strengthens LTSCT’s global intellectual property portfolio, enhances its design capabilities, and reinforces its commitment to delivering world-class semiconductor solutions globally. Tadashi Hasegawa, Director and COO of Fujitsu General Limited, expressed confidence that the transfer will ensure the continued development and expansion of cutting-edge power module technologies, benefiting global customers and driving industry-wide advancements.

The acquisition is seen as a significant step towards achieving the government’s goal of making India a major player in the global semiconductor industry. With the India Semiconductor Mission, the government aims to promote the development of a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem, including design, fabrication, and packaging. The acquisition by L&T is expected to contribute to this effort, enhancing India’s capabilities in power electronics design and development. As the semiconductor industry continues to grow and evolve, India’s efforts to build a self-reliant ecosystem are likely to have a significant impact on the global market.