Leadership is vital in the Indian construction industry, especially for managing complex projects and fostering teamwork. Effective leaders encourage their teams to seek solutions, listen to employees’ ideas, and prioritize training and development to bridge skill gaps. As the industry embraces digital transformation, leaders must adapt to new tools and promote collaboration among all stakeholders. By motivating employees and clearly defining roles, they can enhance project outcomes and maintain the industry’s reputation, ultimately shaping the future of construction in India.
Dr. Sanjay Agarwal, founder of SA Associates and Advisor and Director at IJM (India) Infrastructure Limited, is a prominent figure in the Indian construction sector. With over 38 years of experience, he has successfully overseen the construction and development of highways, bridges, railways, large buildings, and townships. He exemplifies transformative leadership. His extensive career has delivered landmark projects and redefined project management and stakeholder engagement in India. As construction practices grow, his lasting influence continues to set standards for quality, sustainability, and leadership in the industry.
From Childhood Inspiration to Civil Engineering
Dr. Sanjay Agarwal’s journey into the construction industry began in Gorakhpur, a small town in Uttar Pradesh. From a young age, he was surrounded by the world of engineering, thanks to his father, who was an Indian Railway Engineer. This early exposure sparked his fascination with civil engineering. Dr. Sanjay frequently accompanied his father to project sites, where he observed the construction of impressive structures like bridges, tunnels, and railways. These childhood experiences instilled in him a deep admiration for the field and motivated him to follow in his father’s footsteps.
After completing his schooling, Dr. Sanjay earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the Manipal Institute of Technology. His passion for infrastructure led him to further his education by obtaining an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy in Construction Science from the University of De Milano.
Impact on Indian Infrastructure
Dr. Sanjay Agarwal began his career in 1986 as an Assistant Project Manager at IRCON, a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Railways. He played a significant role in executing landmark projects in India and abroad, including Asia’s largest Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala and key road and bridge developments in Jakarta. In 1996, he joined IJM Corporation, where he led various iconic projects across India, such as highways, townships, and bridges.
In 2008, Dr. Sanjay took voluntary retirement to establish Team Universal Infratech Pvt. Ltd. (TUIPL). Under his leadership, TUIPL grew into an award-winning company, completing projects worth over ₹2200 crore across India. He has contributed to numerous large-scale projects, including extensive townships in cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Nagpur, and has been involved in producing more than 5000 lane kilometers of highway projects since 1999. His extensive experience in the infrastructure sector has earned him several accolades throughout his illustrious career with IRCON and the IJM Group of Companies.
Throughout his career, he has built strong connections with top industry leaders and authorities worldwide. Now, he often shares his experiences and provides niche advice and networking services to companies and individuals in need. Dr. Sanjay Agarwal strongly believes that “Ethics are paramount and the essence of success.” He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, which helps fill leadership gaps, fosters effective communication, and creates strong collaborators, ultimately leading to the development of effective leaders.
Dr. Sanjay Agarwal’s Awards and Achievements
- ‘India’s Greatest Brands & Leaders’ Award: Received at the 20th Asia-Africa Business & Social Forum 2023, Dubai.
- Top Business Leader: Named one of Asia’s Top 10 Prominent Business Leaders in 2023 by COO Insights.
- CIDC Vishwakarma Award: IJM India Infrastructure Limited was recognized as the Best Professionally Managed Construction Company in 2022.
- Best Construction Project: Awarded for the Solapur–Bijapur Road Project.
- Innovative Engineering: Led the installation of the longest Composite Girder (59.226m, 87 metric tonnes) for Road Over Bridges on NH-52, currently under validation by Central Railways.
Remarkable Achievements
Dr. Sanjay Agarwal is an expert in mega projects and has several notable achievements to his name. One of his remarkable milestones is the successful completion of the Solapur-Vijayapura four-lane road project, which spans 110 km. This project was finished well ahead of schedule, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. It was inaugurated in May 2022 by India’s Honourable Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari.
This venture is IJM India Infrastructure Limited’s largest project in India to date. The project set a significant record by efficiently laying 25.54 kilometers of road in just 17 hours and 45 minutes on the Solapur-Bijapur section of National Highway 13. Additionally, it ranks among the largest contracts awarded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) framework.
Insights on SA Associates
SA Associates offers expert advice and networking opportunities for individuals and businesses to help them reach their full potential and drive growth.
- Personalized Support: The firm provides customized support to clients, taking the time to understand their unique needs and goals.
- Effective Networking: Recognizing the importance of networking in today’s business environment, SA Associates assists clients in unlocking their true potential through valuable connections.
Dr. Sanjay Agarwal brings a wealth of experience in managing large-scale infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and commercial and residential buildings. His dual experience as an EPC contractor and developer gives him a unique advantage, understanding client and contractor perspectives.
Insights on IJM in the Indian Construction Industry
IJM is a well-respected name in the Indian infrastructure industry, recognized for its commitment to quality, professionalism, and timely project delivery. As a key player in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for highway construction, IJM has been a pioneer in India. They entered into model concession agreements to build 150 km of four-lane highway in Andhra Pradesh, marking the first major Build-Operate-Transfer (BoT) project in Indian history.
With 25 years of experience in India, IJM has made significant contributions to the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and BoT development of highways, power plants, mega buildings, ports, and property development. Its successful implementation strategies have set a standard in the industry, inspiring many other companies to follow its lead and making IJM a benchmark for quality and excellence.
The Growth of Highway Infrastructure in India
The highway sector in India began to open up around 1999-2000, as highway infrastructure was recognized as a key driver of the country’s growth. This period created various opportunities to develop important road networks, including the Golden Quadrilateral and the North-South and East-West Corridors.
One of the main strategies adopted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to award these projects to the private sector was the Build-Operate-Transfer (BoT) model, based on the Model Concession Agreement. At IJM, the company was among the first to explore large-scale BoT projects. It successfully secured contracts for the first four-lane highway, which stretched 150 km along the NH5/NH9 subsections.
Remarkably, the highway was completed, and tolling operations began in just two years, a significant achievement in 2002. This project was groundbreaking in many ways, including advancements in design, monitoring, and tolling systems. Despite facing various challenges, it set the stage for the future of highway construction in India.
The Approach to Teamwork and Leadership
Dr. Sanjay Agarwal believes that promoting teamwork and collaboration in large, diverse project teams is essential. He emphasizes the importance of inspiring others, leading by example, and creating a supportive environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. Effective leadership involves establishing a shared vision, delegating tasks appropriately, and ensuring that contributions are recognized.
He encourages open communication and empowers team members to take ownership of their tasks, aligning their efforts with the company’s goals. Dr. Sanjay understands that the collective strengths of team members contribute to project success and their growth as future leaders.
He distinguishes between leadership and management, noting that leaders inspire while managers provide direction. In managing large projects, he focuses on building trust, respect, and a sense of shared purpose, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.
Dr. Sanjay acknowledges that followers choose leaders they trust, making it vital for him to maintain integrity and prioritize the team’s success over individual recognition. He believes that failure is part of the journey to success and fosters a culture where team members can take calculated risks and learn from setbacks, promoting resilience and personal growth.
Inspiring Future Leaders Through Mentorship
Although Dr. Sanjay stepped down from his executive role in April 2024, IJM has provided him with the opportunity to mentor the company’s future leaders. In this role, he shares his valuable experiences and insights with emerging leaders and industry peers through his company, SA Associates.
Dr. Sanjay believes that ethics and hard work are the foundation of success. He emphasizes to aspiring leaders that a successful leader must be able to fill leadership gaps, tackle significant challenges, and work collaboratively with senior leadership to implement key strategies. This approach has guided him throughout his career, and he finds it both valuable and fulfilling.
Having worked with infrastructure legends globally, Dr. Sanjay understands that true leadership is about inspiring and collaborating with others. He believes that failures are merely stepping stones to success and stresses the importance of not fearing failure. Instead, he encourages individuals to have the courage to start again, as this mindset strengthens their desire to succeed.
Leading by Example
Dr. Sanjay Agarwal defines leadership as a combination of collaboration and inspiration. He emphasizes, “My approach includes delegating tasks, leading by example, and genuinely caring for my team members. I strongly believe in taking ownership of responsibilities as a leader.”
His strategic leadership focuses on clear communication that aligns with the organization’s values, vision, and goals. With a sharp sense of direction, Dr. Sanjay has a clear vision for guiding his team through challenges with determination and confidence. Through his empowering leadership style, he has fostered a collaborative environment where team members feel encouraged to take initiative and lead.
Advice for Future Leaders
Dr. Sanjay advises that effective leadership involves clearly communicating objectives that align with the company’s vision and values. It requires loyalty to the organization and the transparent use of power, along with problem-solving, delegation, empathy, and self-awareness.
Leaders must manage critical factors such as values, opportunities, and capabilities in a way that supports the company’s vision. The key traits of successful future leaders are integrity, ownership, and strong ethics. These qualities will help leaders inspire others, achieve their goals, and build a successful and sustainable future for their organization.
5 Key Takeaways from Dr. Sanjay Agarwal’s Journey in the Indian Construction Industry
- Early Inspiration Can Shape Your Path: Dr. Sanjay’s childhood experiences watching his father work as a railway engineer sparked his lifelong passion for civil engineering. This shows how early exposure and role models can significantly influence a person’s career choices.
- Strong Leadership Values Teamwork and Ethics: Dr. Sanjay emphasizes that good leaders inspire their teams, listen to their ideas, and help them grow through training. He strongly believes that teamwork and ethical behavior are essential for success in any project and for building future leaders.
- Experience and Adaptability are Crucial in Infrastructure: With over 38 years in the field, Dr. Sanjay’s journey highlights the importance of hands-on experience in managing complex construction projects. His ability to adapt to new challenges and technologies has been key to his successful career.
- Vision and Collaboration Drive Mega Projects: Dr. Sanjay’s involvement in numerous large-scale projects, like the Solapur-Vijayapura highway, demonstrates the power of clear vision and effective collaboration. He understands how bringing different people together and inspiring them towards a common goal can lead to remarkable achievements.
- Mentoring and Giving Back is Important for the Future: Even after stepping down from his executive role, Dr. Sanjay is dedicated to mentoring future leaders. This shows the importance of sharing knowledge and experience to help the next generation succeed in the construction industry.
