BUILDING A PATH TO EXCELLENCE
DR. SANJAY AGARWAL, DIRECTOR, AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT IJM INDIA INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED (IJMII), IS SETTING THE ORGANISATION ABLAZE WITH HIS BRILLIANCE SPANNING OVER THREE DECADES. HIS UNIQUE BLEND OF KNOWLEDGE, HUMILITY, EMPATHY, ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, AND INTEGRITY DISTINGUISHES HIM AS AN EXCEPTIONAL LEADER. A REVERED REVOLUTIONARY IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR, HE HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN DEFINING INDIA’S FUTURE IN THIS SECTOR. WIDELY RESPECTED BY PEERS AND INDUSTRY LEADERS, DR. AGARWAL’S INFLUENCE EXTENDS BEYOND SECTORS, MAKING HIM A BEACON OF INSPIRATION IN THE BUSINESS WORLD
INFRASTRUCTURE MAESTRO’S RISE
Dr. Agarwal commenced his career as an Assistant Project Manager at IRCON, where he got the opportunity to contribute significantly to major infrastructure projects. His portfolio boasts diverse achievements– from Asia’s largest Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala to the development of urban elevated roads and flyovers in Jakarta. Since 1998, Dr. Agarwal has been leading IJMII and has successfully elevated the Hyderabad-based Indian subsidiary of a Malaysian multinational corporation to a position of prominence. His dynamic leadership, tech-savvy and adept solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges have positioned the organisation as a trusted partner of NHAI. Under the sterling guidance of the industry veteran, the organisation has solidified its reputation as a reliable force in India’s infrastructure landscape.
A TECH-SAVVY LEADER
Dr. Agarwal stays abreast of cutting-edge technologies and adeptly integrates them to optimise operations and meet client needs through tech-driven efficiency. IJM’s utilisation of drone technology for real-time project monitoring exemplifies this commitment. Additionally, the incorporation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) demonstrates IJMII’s crucial role in driving digital transformation within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.
PROPONENT OF COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP
Dr. Agarwal defines leadership as a fusion of collaboration and inspiration. He emphasises, “My approach involves delegating tasks, setting an example, and demonstrating genuine care for my team members. I firmly believe in the leadership mantra of taking ownership of responsibilities.” Dr. Agarwal’s strategic leadership revolves around clear communication aligned with the organisation’s values, vision, and goals. As a leader with a keen eye for direction, he possesses a crystal-clear vision for navigating his team through challenges with determination and confidence. Through his empowering style, he has created a collaborative environment where team members feel empowered to seize the reins.
CAREER MILESTONES
An expert in mega projects, Dr. Agarwal has many firsts to his credit. The leader has achieved a remarkable milestone with the successful completion of the Solapur-Vijayapura four-lane, 110 km road project well ahead of schedule, despite pandemic challenges. This project was inaugurated by India’s Honourable Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, in May 2022.
This venture stands as IJMII’s most substantial project in India to date. This groundbreaking project achieved a milestone, setting a record by efficiently laying 25.54 kilometres of road within only 17 hours and 45 minutes on the Solapur-Bijapur section of National Highway 13. It also ranks among NHAI’s largest contracts under the design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) framework.
GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation diligently provided medical and food relief to the underserved communities. The organisation has also partnered with CIDC 2022 to offer vocational training to economically weaker sections by conducting Skill Development workshops. Successful candidates, upon clearing tests, receive certificates facilitating immediate employment, aligned with the Skill India Mission.
In a separate collaboration with the Rotary Club in 2022, IJMII donated 150 sewing machines, empowering underprivileged women through the Women Empowerment scheme. Additionally, efforts were directed towards restoring Anganwadi centres for providing primary health care and education to society’s marginalised sections.
At the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation donated oxygen concentrators to medical facilities, along with free rations and medicines to the needy. Speaking about the importance of corporate social responsibility, Dr. Agarwal says, “We believe in sustainability and go the extra mile to reduce our environmental footprint. From turning waste into gold with projects like using fly ash for earth fills and crafting eco-friendly fly ash bricks to embracing biofuel, we’re all in. Additionally, when investing in new equipment, we ensure they are not just cutting-edge but environmentally savvy.”
TOWERING ACHIEVEMENTS
Dr. Agarwal has been bestowed with several awards and accolades for his contribution to the infrastructure sector. He was recognised as one of Asia’s Top 10 Prominent Business Leaders in 2023 by COO Insights. His relentless efforts also earned IJMII the prestigious CIDC Vishwakarma Award in 2022 for Best Professionally Managed Construction Company. He secured the award for ‘Best Construction Project’ for the Solapur–Bijapur Road Project.
In the same year, he spearheaded the fabrication and erection of steel composite girders, each measuring 59.226 metres in length and weighing 87 metric tonnes, for Road Over Bridges (ROB) on the Solapur–Bijapur NH-52. This installation is currently undergoing validation by Central Railways and stands as the longest Composite Girder installation in the region.
