As technology continues to reshape in the construction industry, Digital Engineering Team took centre stage in organizing a conclave on 9th August 2024, collaborating various ICs together to demonstrate their BIM implemented project use cases to drive efficient sustainable development in future. Entire conclave threw light on the theme “Ride the Tech Wave,” symbolizing the continuous transformation journey by the power of technology in BIM. This event mainly aimed to showcase the digitally engineered solutions, highlighting the company’s commitment in digital transformation.
Mr. Mukund, Head - BIM, L&T Construction, welcomed the gathering by highlighting the BIM implementation in L&T projects using 4D, 5D and BIM for safety at site execution. He briefed the agenda of the day bringing curiosity in the audience. He set the context for the conclave by highlighting the theme, “Ride the Tech Wave,” emphasizing the importance of embracing technological advancements and innovation in the industry.
The day began with insights from our distinguished Chief guest Mr. M V Satish, Advisor to the Chairman & Managing Director. He highlighted the timeline and quantum of projects that adopted BIM. He also highlighted about various use cases of BIM at site and the emerging technologies of BIM like AR, VR, MR, BIM to GIS integration, Drone technology, etc. that will make our projects more efficient. Additionally, he emphasized about BIM academy and the number of professionals trained. He specifically pointed out the IIT Bhilai project of B&F which seamlessly deployed BIM from tracking progress to raising invoices, stating “One of the project where everything was done through BIM”.
Mr. M V Satish & Dr. Koshy Varghese, professor in the Department of Civil Engineering IIT Madras together along with other dignitaries released the digital copy of BIMOLOGY edition 8 (BIMOLOGY is a quarterly digital engineering BIM magazine). This edition throws light on three major topics: a case study of SCB Medical College & Multi-speciality hospital, BIM advancement in water supply projects, and a journey of an engineer through BIM in TC-4 project.
Mr. K Veerappan, Vice President & Dean of Engineering Academy addressed the forum by discussing about the evolution of BIM at L&T, starting through DIAL project followed by the launch of Shrishti Studio in 2013 and a broader adoption of it in 2016-17. He also pointed out BIAL's COBie initiative where comprehensive integration of maintenance data into BIM models were carried out. EDRC’s cloud-based BIM during COVID and BIM rooms at sites further streamlined access for engineers. Highlighting advancements like Laser 3D Scanning and Modular Construction, he stated, “BIM is key to faster, more efficient builds that cut down time and cost”.
Mr. Umar Belal, Manager – Civil, B&F IC outlined BIM’s role in airport projects, including Site Logistics, Digital Rehearsals, and AR / VR for quality control. Additionally, he focussed on the future areas that include, AI, 3D Printing, and ESG. Mr. Sangeeth Kumar P, Senior BIM Manager, HC IC highlighted BIM’s impact on Heavy Civil projects, including MAHSR C4 for structural modelling, KKNP4 for reinforcement modelling, and CMRL for design visualization to enhance mobility. Mr. Abdul Rehman R, Digital Officer, HC IC stated, "BIM itself is a universe which is inside a digital fraternity". He briefed the advancements in 4D simulation, Digital Twin technology, 3D visualization, and quantity take-offs with design iterations. He further emphasized how Power BI dashboards and excel reports could be viewed or interpreted in a 3D retro spectrum. Ms. Antara Roy, Senior BIM Manager, M&M SBG, outlined their BIM journey, where stakeholders integrate on platforms like Autodesk and AVEVA E3D. She highlighted their structured modelling stages—30%, 60%, and 90%—for visualization, GA drawings integration and discussed key projects like AMNS and HZL Roaster Plant, where they tackle complexities with advanced software.
Ms. Geetha Hariharan, Head - Engineering (PT&D - SAARC NATIONS), highlighted their IC’s advanced BIM approach, integrating 3D, 4D, and 5D models with tools like PARIMAAN, Bexel Manager, and Dynamo, while focusing on expanding 5D capabilities and enhancing site-level BIM implementation. Mr. Nikhil Jose, Engineering Manager - Civil, TI IC shared how the company’s training programs in Autodesk and Bentley platforms have been key to transformative projects such as RRTS and MAHSR. Mr. Nishant Bahetwar, Engineer – Civil, TI IC also showcased the success of TI IC’s BIM applications, particularly on the Mira-Bhayander Dahisar Link Road and MAHSR C6 projects, achieving 60%-time savings using Navisworks and Advance Steel. Ms. Sangeeth, Digital Lead - EDRC WWW SBG, discussed their impressive BIM growth, expanding from 2 to 20 projects with full 3D adoption and 4D modelling, and utilizing Prati BIM Lab for innovations like automated workflows and AR.
Mr. Koda Sai Kumar, Asst. Engineering Manager – Civil, WET III SBG elaborated on his team’s success with 23 BIM projects, focusing on task automation and BIM to GIS integration, which have significantly improved project efficiency.
Dr. Koshy Varghese, professor in the Department of Civil Engineering IIT Madras, presented on BIM Maturity Models. He highlighted the Technology Adoption Curve of BIM and key competencies for deployment. Gartner of Hype Cycle for emerging technologies was showcased mentioning BIM is already in the slope of enlightenment. He claims, “BIM is a Digital transformation of People, Processes and Technologies”. In addition to it, he proposed a curriculum focusing on programming, data standards, and collaboration. He concluded by stating “Integrating BIM education is essential to building a digitally advanced construction industry in India”.
After the IC BIM presentation, the event proceeded with a lively and insightful panel discussion on BIM advancements across various ICs. Mr. R. Shankar Narayanan, Head - Corporate Centre, B&F IC, moderated the session and emphasized the importance of self-reflection on BIM adoption maturity within the organization. He highlighted BIM’s transformative role in driving value creation across sectors and stressed the need for continuous improvement to fully leverage its potential and maintain technological leadership.
Following Mr. Shankar Narayanan's opening remarks, Mr. Surya Prakash K, Vice President & Head - EDRC (B&F IC), took the stage to outline DIAL Airport’s BIM journey, from initial clash detection to full integration of Field BIM and asset management, reducing on-site repetitive work to 1.3%. "Our vision is paperless drawings, minimal wastage, and efficient execution with BIM at the core," he explained. Mr. S. Srinivasan, Executive Vice President & Head - Engineering (PT&D), shared how BIM has become essential across all substations since 2015, helping eliminate rework in projects. "Given the scale of our projects, BIM is no longer optional; it's essential," he stated. Mr. G. Senthil Kumar, Vice President & Head - EDRC, HCI IC, highlighted the role of BIM in enhancing communication, improving site accuracy to 99%, and reducing time and errors with tools like Dynamo. "To stay ahead, we must digitalize, `specialize, and integrate new technologies to drive excellence," he concluded.
Mr. Sabyasachi Nayak, Vice President & Head - EDRC (Roads, Bridges & Formations SBG), TI IC, discussed BIM's impact on airport, road, and bridge projects, noting the transition to a "draftsman-less office" with 3D modelling directly generating drawings. "The future is a 3D-driven office, with design and drawing production fully integrated," he remarked. Mr. Ranjit Ghosh, Vice President & Head - EDRC (M&M SBG), spoke on the challenges of implementing BIM in complex plants, emphasizing the importance of mandating 3D models and integrating multiple disciplines on a single platform. "BIM for us is a culture, not just a technology; it's a mindset we aim to infuse in our public sector clients," he said. Ms. Sudripta Misra, Head – EDRC (Water & Wastewater SBG), highlighted the importance of BIM and GIS integration in WET IC projects for optimizing routes and automating water infrastructure design. "BIM, alongside GIS, is transforming our approach, and we aim to further streamline design automation," she concluded.
The event closed with a Q&A session and a vote of thanks from Mr. B S Mukund, who expressed deep gratitude for the attendees’ contributions. Above all, the senior management stayed right through the day to witness the complete program.
After the lunch break, attendees experienced cutting-edge VR, AR, and MR technologies, showcasing the power of BIM in improving safety and field implementation. The Trimble SX12 Total Station was also featured, demonstrating the practical benefits of BIM in the field.
BIM managers and their teams presented real-world applications, demonstrating IC-specific BIM strategies and project models, offering L&T employees an immersive journey into how these advanced technologies are reshaping engineering and design with transformative potential.
BIM Conclave 2024 ended on a high note, leaving everyone inspired and energized by the groundbreaking innovations in construction technology. The event not only showcased the immense potential of BIM but also underscored its transformative power in shaping the future of the industry.
Attendees walked away with new insights, skills, and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that the digital future holds. As the conclave concluded, it became clear: the journey towards a smarter, more efficient construction landscape has only just begun, and the best is yet to come.